Iconomize is an adware app that usually gets installed along other programs downloaded from third-party sites
Iconomize is a potentially unwanted application that displays intrusive ads
Iconomize is a potentially unwanted application that displays intrusive ads
Iconomize is a potentially unwanted program[1] that users typically download from the internet unintentionally, mainly because it is spread via a deceptive marketing tactic known as software bundling. Usually, multiple applications are compiled into a single installation wizard, and optional components are hidden from users’ sight deliberately, making users miss the point of entry. However, soon after the infiltration, they might notice that Iconomize redirects to suspicious domains, and ads start appearing seemingly out of nowhere.
Soon after the installation, Iconomize appends an extension to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, pr Safari, and modifies the browsers’ settings. This allows the potentially unwanted program to display sponsored links, pop-ups, in-text links, deals, offers, banners, and other intrusive and low-quality commercial content to users. Besides, the application is also known for its information tracking activities, putting users’ privacy at risk. If you found the app installed on your system unexpectedly, you should remove Iconomize by following our instructions below.
| Name | Iconomize |
| Type | Adware, potentially unwanted program |
| Infiltration | Most PUPs are delivered with the help of freeware bundle installers downloaded from third-party sites, although users may install them after seeing an attractive ad online |
| Advertised functionality | App developers claim that it is an “icon installer” that allows creating shortcuts to favorite sites directly on the desktop |
| Symptoms |
|
| Risks | Installation of other potentially unwanted programs, malware infections [rare], money loss due to encountered scams, etc. |
| Termination | You can get rid of the unwanted application by following our manual removal guide below or scan the machine with reputable anti-malware software |
| Recovery & optimization | To restore your computer to pre-infection stage and ensure its optimization, we recommend using Reimage Reimage Cleaner |
On the official Iconomize.com domain, the developers of that the application claim is designed to create shortcuts (directly on your desktop) which, once clicked, lead you to predetermined websites, such as eBay or Amazon, and call it a “Desktop Shortcut Icon Installer.” Allegedly, this functionality is useful because it prevents users from visiting fake sites that try to steal users’ credentials or steal banking information:
The eBay Icon Installer was developed in retaliation to the growing number of fraudulent websites disguised as our favorite websites so that you willfully type in your username and password and unknowingly hand it to them on a silver platter. Within seconds of accidentally falling for this scam, your account can be compromised and inflicted with an unpredictable amount of damages.
While it is true that fake websites exist, they are not that common as presented by this developer – you will not find a fake link at the top of your Google search results. In other words, to access a bogus site, you must receive a phishing email, visit a shady website, or be redirected by aggressive adware.
The usefulness of Iconomize functionality is highly debatable, although some might find the feature somewhat useful (note that desktop shortcuts can be created manually[2] via the web browser or placed on the favorite bar of the browser). In other words, Iconomize is there to deliver your ads, and that is the main goal of it.
Once you install Iconomize, you might see all or some of the following symptoms:
- Advertisement banners appear on all visited domains
- Redirects lead to suspicious websites filled with ads
- Homepage, new tab address and the search engine altered to something else
- Random text is turned into hyperlinks that lead to affiliated sites
- Browser response time takes longer
- Search results are filled with sponsored ad material
- Websites claiming virus infections or showing fake Flash update prompts appear regularly, etc.
Iconomize is an adware application that is distributed via software bundle packages
Iconomize is an adware application that is distributed via software bundle packages
Ads by Iconomize might diminish the web browsing experience greatly, as they may even cover the underlying content of a visited site. Besides, by modifying search results and showing sponsored links at the time, the PUP essentially changes the way users browse and even what they buy. In some cases, the app was even called “Iconomize virus,” as redirects appear as follows:
ww1.Iconomize.com/redirect/ [name of landing page].
While the name does not match Iconomize technically (it does not infect application or system files, but rather places its files on the system), its web aggressive advertising practices, deceptive distribution methods, and spying on users’ web browsing activities might just be enough to justify it.
We recommend performing Iconomize removal by following our step-by-step guide below or employing anti-malware software that can recognize potentially unwanted applications. Additionally, using Reimage Reimage Cleaner repair tool and resetting all the installed browsers might be useful after the app’s termination.
Watch out for optional components when installing software
As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs typically spread with the help of software bundling – this technique allows third-party sites to monetize on each install made by users (pay-per-install[3] scheme) and freeware developers to popularize the software that displays the ads. Unfortunately, users are the ones left with a borderline malicious application that may compromise online safety, as well as computer security. Luckily, most of the PUPs are relatively harmless which it comes to a malware installation, although most do practice information tracking.
Therefore, if you want to prevent the installation of potentially unwanted applications, you should start checking your downloads more carefully. It’s not adequate to click the Next button all the time to complete the installation. In order to prevent the infiltration of optional programs within software packages, you should opt for Advanced/Custom installation all the time and go through the entire process step by step to detect and deselect additional components. Additionally, it is always advised to download software from official sources like Microsoft Store, Amazon, App Store, Google Play, etc., as these sources do not bundle apps, and you can be sure that you are getting only what you opted in for.
Iconomize icon installers are detected by some security vendors on Virus Total
Iconomize icon installers are detected by some security vendors on Virus Total
Iconomize removal guide
There are two ways you can remove Iconomize from your computer – manual and automatic. Both of these can be successful, but it also depends on your system configuration, already installed programs, and many other factors. Nevertheless, you can get rid of the so-called Iconomize virus by checking the installed application list via the Control Panel (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS) and get rid of everything suspicious.
After Iconomize removal, we highly recommend resetting all the installed browsers, as the PUP adds a browser extension. Nevertheless, you might be able to terminate it manually by right-clicking on the extension and selecting Remove. You will find the guide on how to reset browsers below.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner . SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
