Update on Downlite blockage
Published October 30th, 2014 at 9:08 AM EDT , modified October 30th, 2014 at 9:08 AM EDT
The Downlite adware is now blocking links to my previous article on Downlite. If you are infected with Downlite and are having trouble viewing that article, and thus the solutions at the end of the article, see the following document posted on Apple’s site:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7792
Tags: adware, Downlite, VSearch
16 Comments
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You have GOT to be kidding me!!!! :O I’ll bet that next it’s going to block TSM itself. Is it possible for them to block TSM’s or your personal Twitter page, or the ASC page you just linked? Because if it is, that’s what’s next, after this page.
At this point, I’m calling it malware. It’s not just making ads pop up anymore; it’s blocking a specific website and/or trying to discredit it. (Is it still using MacKeeper links?)
You contacted Apple to try to get it part of XProtect. How did you do that? We all should start contacting them; this is really a big issue.
Luckily, I already have AdwareMedic on my Mac and am running it frequently so I never have this problem. It’s a good thing I downloaded it when it was still shiny and new and not on these jerks’ radar!
As always, thank you so much for all your help!
Ofelia
What was next was apparently a DDoS attack. All my sites were down for a little while, coincidentally starting shortly after posting this particular article. I think these adware weenies are starting to get a bit desperate! 😀
Only a little 🙂 Quick question — have the middleman sites “hosting” (is that the right term) AdwareMedic (like Softpedia and MacUpdate) ever wrapped Downlite in their downloads?
Softpedia and MacUpdate have never – as far as I know – pulled that trick, unlike Softonic and Download.com, which still do so on a regular basis.
Well, at least there’s a bright side — there’s a way to get AdwareMedic that doesn’t involve your website.
Also — for anyone who sees this article, if you have Web of Trust, rate the AdwareMedic site before the weenies start giving it bad ratings!! (I’m posting this on all of the AdwareMedic related posts on this website)
Agree the best defense is a good offense.A legit site such as this one needs us to rally against Adware attackers! “Macs to the Wind”
Absolutely 😀
Hey Thomas!
I was trying to download Adware Medic and safari won’t allow me to see your site. What should I do? Could you possibly explain why this is happening?
You are probably infected with the Downlite adware. For some solutions, see:
http://www.thesafemac.com/adware-blocking-adwaremedic-downloads/
If the adware blocks that link as well, see:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7792
Thank you for saving my sanity. I was going crazy with all those pop ups to movie , and porn sites.I couldn’t go to your web site directly from my mac as it would show me the error messages you mention in your blog. In order to get the direct link i copied the link into a text message and sent it to myself. then I opened up the message on the computer copied & pasted the link. Now I am adware free. Cheers!
Thank you so much for this guide. I got hit and had to use Firebox to download Adware Medic. It found the problems and fixed it so that I can use Safari again. Great job and great website. Loads of good information.
What’s the status? Were you able to stop the blockage?
Nope, it still continues. The only thing that will get rid of it at this point is getting rid of Downlite entirely.
“Adware weenies” is too generous a term. The proper term is “scum”.
Xprotect was updated yesterday 20 November to block Downlite.A