CounterFlix is a program offering proxy services only for your geographical location. It could be quite useful for those wanting to reach services like Netflix, for example, in case Netflix is restricted in the user’s location. CounterFlix, however, may appear a bit disturbing once installed, as it may change your network settings and start generating pop-up ads without your permission. That is why CounterFlix is considered adware – it’s not quite harmful but it may distract your activities with unwanted pop-ups.
Read further to find out how you can handle this program in case you have installed it.
CounterFlix Adware – Distribution Methods
CounterFlix is compatible with the following browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari. You can manually install CounterFlix from its official website – CounterFlix.com. However, it’s possible to get it on your PC without you personally visiting its site. That happens when you install freeware that is bundled with various adware and PUPs (potentially unwanted programs). That is why it’s of immense importance to always pay attention to the installation process and uncheck all preset, recommended or default options. Aim for the custom or advanced options instead. This way you make sure you avoid downloading unwanted or even harmful programs on your PC.
Also, clicking random banners, ads, websites or pop-ups may also result in installing CounterFlix without your knowledge or agreement.
CounterFlix.com – Detailed Description
As mentioned earlier, CounterFlix is a proxy platform enabling you to bypass restrictions for viewing certain streaming websites.
CounterFlix says:
“Unlike VPN or traditional Proxy services, our DNS service allows us to only proxy the portion of data which validate the Geographic location of our users. This data is very small, which means that in most of the cases the streaming and the main part of the web browsing doesn’t go through our servers.
Using our DNS service you can easily access Geo restricted content you like from around the world and unblock websites and Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Pandora.”
As much as this may be true, and you may find this service truly helpful, keep in mind that the platform is a bit tricky and may tamper with your network settings. As a result, you may be constantly redirected or flooded with unwanted and intrusive pop-ups while trying to browse online.
And in case you think that modifying your network settings is something relatively harmless, think again. CounterFlix is capable of altering your IP address and DNS servers, and that will make your PC less resistant to cyber attacks.
You know you have CounterFlix installed on your computer in case you start seeing ads signed like on of the below:
- Ads by CounterFlix.com
- Advertisement by CounterFlix.com
- Ad by CounterFlix.com
- Advert from CounterFlix.com
- Powered by CounterFlix.com
- Brought to you by CounterFlix.com
In-text links may also appear while you are browsing the Web. The idea behind such programs is that they try to boost traffic for third party advertisers. The boosted traffic then can be turned into revenue for the adware owners by using a pay-per-click plan. The traffic is accumulated through redirects which come from the changed network settings like the DNS a.k.a. the Domain Name System.
How to CounterFlix.com Effectively
To summarise, if you find CounterFlox useful for your needs, then keep it. However, know that this program is capable of altering important settings on your system in order to generate revenue for third parties, making your system susceptible to viruses and other cyber attacks.
Thus, we recommend you to remove it in order to ensure your system’s protection. To do so, download a reliable anti-malware tool that will scan, clean and protect your PC from future attacks and unwanted programs such as pups, adware or worse – ransomware.