Do you know what ZipArcade is?
You might think that ZipArcade is a vital browser extension for allowing you to play online flash games, but its true purpose is to display ads. We have classified it as adware and recommend that you remove it from your system as soon as the opportunity arises. After testing this application, our malware researchers have come to the conclusion that this extension is next to useless because its primary purpose is to generate advertising revenue by subjecting you to annoying and possibly dangerous content. Furthermore, this program has the ability to gather information about you which is used for marketing and advertising purposes. Nevertheless, many users see this program as a necessity to enjoy free games, so we invite you to read this article to find out the truth behind ZipArcade.
We do not know anything about the company that created this application, but it is currently owned by ZipArcade, a company that has the same name as the application. Nevertheless, there is no information about this particular company either, so it is safe to say that it is untrustworthy. Now, regarding this application’s dissemination methods, we have found that you can download it along with some of the games hosted on http://ziparcade.com because not all games featured on this website are browser-based. Furthermore, our researchers suggest that this adware can also be distributed on third-party websites that host the aforementioned company’s games. However, we know for certain that this program is hosted on the previously mentioned website. So, unfortunately, if you want to avoid unpleasant and unwelcome ads, then you have to avoid playing games that require additional software or do not visit this website altogether.
ZipArcade screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
However, if you install ZipArcade on your computer, then rest assured, you will be subjected to a lot of online advertisements, but only if you use Internet Explorer because this extension is not supported by other web browsers. So, when you launch Internet Explorer and start browsing some websites that you visit will have ZipArcade’s advertisements on them. Note that this program’s ads are labeled with its name so you can tell the difference between an ad featured by a given website and this program.
Our malware researchers have discovered that this adware can display advertisements in the following forms that include in-texts, pop-ups, pop-unders, shopping and banner ads. These annoying ads can appear on almost every website you visit and clicking them can have negative consequences for your computer. This application should promote third-party content that may include software downloads and websites. However, we want you to know that some of its promoted software may be malicious in nature. Therefore, we recommend that you delete this program as soon as you can.
Another issue we want to shed some light on is this program’s ability to collect information about you. Our researchers have discovered that this application is set to collect non-personal information that may include your IP address and geographical location, ISP, browser type, OS type, and so on. This information is should be used for marketing and advertising purposes. For example, the company should use it to tailor the ads based on your browsing habits and interests. Also, if you register on this program’s website and provide your email address and other information, such as your real name, home address and so on, then this information will be linked with the non-personal information collected by the program. This unified cluster of information will serve as a means to make more money. You may start receiving promotional emails and whatnot, so the sooner you get rid of ZipArcade, the better.
After testing this browser extension, our malware researchers have concluded that it is nothing more than an adware-type program and that removing it is the only solution if you do not want to see its annoying advertisements. There is no telling what content this adware might promote and its information collection abilities do not give a feel of reliability. So if this information has proved to you that ZipArcade is malicious, then please use the guide below to uninstall it.
Removal guide
Windows XP
- Click the Start button.
- Open Control Panel.
- Click Add or Remove Programs.
- Find the adware and click the Remove button.
Windows 7 & Vista
- Click the Start button.
- Open Control Panel.
- Click Uninstall a program.
- Find the program and click the Uninstall button.
Windows 8 & 8.1
- Press Windows+R.
- Type Control Panel in the dialog box and click OK.
- Select Uninstall a program.
- Find the unwanted application and click the Uninstall button.
Windows 10
- Press Windows+X and open Programs and Features.
- Find the application double-click on it and Uninstall it.
In non-techie terms:
ZipArcade is an extension for Internet Explorer that you get when you download games from http://ziparcade.com. Our analysts have classified it as adware because its only job is to present advertisements while you browse the web. We think that its advertisements are not only intrusive and annoying but also dangerous and they could jeopardize your PC’s security. Also, this adware can collect information about you to be used for marketing and adverting. So if you do not want to view ads or share information about yourself, then remove this extension.