Gapscult Android

Gapscult

Gapscult is a browser-hijacker that gets installed on Android smartphones and tablets and is known for showing obstructive ads and page-redirecting the device’s browser. Gapscult typically enters the device once the user installs a rogue app that has the hijacker integrated with it.

Gapscult
The Gapscult virus secretly collecting many different types of data

Another way some users get hijackers like Gapscult into their phones/tablets is by giving their permission to certain sites to display pop-ups, ads, and notifications. That is why it is recommended that you never click on Agree when a given sites asks you for permission to show notifications unless you are sure you can trust that site and would like to receive notifications from it.

Gapscult itself isn’t a harmful virus – it’s very different from Ransomware, Trojans, Spyware, and other malicious threats. This hijacker isn’t created to damage your device or blackmail you. However, it is still regarded as rogue software because of its ability to make changes in the browser, redirect your searches, display ads, and perform other actions without asking for your approval. Many hijackers are also known for secretly collecting many different types of data, including browsing activity information, device location, information about the OS version of the device, and more. Such data is typically sold to third-party advertisers, but it may also potentially fall into the hands of online scammers and result in your online security getting compromised.

In addition, the ads and redirects that you may get exposed to because of Gapscult and 4.nbryb may originate from unsafe sites, so interacting with such promotional content is highly inadvisable.

For those reasons, it really is best if you don’t allow this hijacker to stay on your device for any longer. The instructions below will guide you through the process of its removal, so be sure to follow them in order to uninstall Gapscult.

SUMMARY:

Name Gapscult
Type  Browser Hijacker
Danger Level Medium (nowhere near threats like Ransomware, but still a security risk)
Detection Tool

Remove Gapscult from Android

If you have an Android virus, continue with the guide below.

If you have an iPhone virus, please use our iPhone Virus Removal guide.

If you have a Mac virus, please use our How to remove Ads on Mac guide.

If you have a Windows virus, please use our Windows Virus Removal guide.

Step1

Whether you use the default “Internet” App for browsing or a different browser like Chrome you need to go to:
Settings/More/Application Manager/All

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Locate the Browser/App in question and tap on it.

Step2

Now the method is effectively the same for users using both “Internet” and Chrome/Other Browsers, yet for more clarity we have provided instructions for both:

For “Internet” Browser Users:

Tap the Force Stop button.

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Now tap the Clear Data and Clear Cache Buttons.

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For Google Chrome Users:

Click on  Force Stop.

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Then click on Clear Data and Clear Cache.

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Step3

Restart your Browser. It might be a good idea to Reboot your Android device, just in case.

  • Important!

If you are still seeing Ads in your browser, it is likely they are generated by the websites you visit and there is nothing you can do about it.

However, if you are seeing Adverts outside of your internet browser, then one of your installed Apps contains the problematic Adware. In this case you need to take a look at this guide.

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About the author

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Brandon Skies

Brandon is a researcher and content creator in the fields of cyber-security and virtual privacy. Years of experience enable him to provide readers with important information and adequate solutions for the latest software and malware problems.

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