From adware and spyware to viruses and Potentially Unwanted Programs like PUP-FNK, it seems we're under constant threat when we're using the Internet. PUPs are just one more annoyance that, whilst not being downright dangerous, are still something many of us don't have the time or the patience to deal with.
What are Potentially Unwanted Programs?
Potentially Unwanted Programs are software that installs itself without warning on your computer. They are most usually tool bars, browsers extensions and home pages. PUP-FNK, however, is a slightly different variant that is responsible for just one or few components of particular adware. Since there are many adware programs you will have to identify it yourself. It could be Yontoo for instance.
There are virtually innumerable different variations of PUP-FNK and unless you want the hassle of constantly trying to get rid of them when you're working, playing or browsing online, you should really find out a little bit more about them. For example, how do PUPs get on your machine in the first place and, crucially, what you can do to stop them.
What can PUP-FNK do to my computer?
As mentioned, PUP-FNK is a program that has been designed to target your PC with unwanted tools or applications. They can also install an adware component on your machine which will display endless pop-up, pop-under and banner adverts. There are other Potentially Unwanted Programs which even install additional software on your computer which, when you're searching online, will direct you not to the website you're looking for but to another one that the software developer wants you to visit instead. How annoying is that?
Is PUP-FNK a Virus?
Technically speaking, it's not a virus. That's not to say that it doesn't still exhibit some unpleasant behavior. And it's not just the browser hijacking antics or the new un-user-friendly tool bar, because it can also have a detrimental effect on your user experience. Think about the pain of having to constantly close reoccurring pop-up ads and never being able to get to the website you need to look at because you're always being redirected to rogue URLs.
Why Create a Potentially Unwanted Program?
Software developers create PUPs like PUP-FNK to generate revenue through advertising. Many PUPs contain adware so the developer can manipulate SEO (Search Engine Optimization) techniques and direct visitors to websites they have a vested interest in.
How did this infection get onto my PC in the first place?
Most likely it's when you downloaded some free software; a TV series, a tool that correctly displays non-Romanized characters on your PC etc. PUPs will be bundled with this software allowing them to sneak onto your PC.
How can I avoid PUPs?
Crucially you need to be alert when downloading software. Read the license agreement carefully and uncheck any boxes that say you agree to download any 'added extras'. These sneaky developers will try anything to surreptitiously slide their PUP-FNK past you!
To remove PUP-FNK from your computer, please follow the steps in the removal guide below. If you have any questions, please leave a comment down below. Good luck and be safe online!
Written by Michael Kaur, http://deletemalware.blogspot.com
PUP-FNK Removal Guide:
1. First of all, download anti-malware software and run a full system scan. It will detect and remove this infection from your computer. You may then follow the manual removal instructions below to remove the leftover traces of this malware. Hopefully you won't have to do that.
2. Remove PUP-FNK related programs from your computer using the Add/Remove Programs control panel (Windows XP) or Uninstall a program control panel (Windows 7 and Windows 8).
Go to the Start Menu. Select Control Panel → Add/Remove Programs.
If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, select Control Panel → Uninstall a Program.
If you are using Windows 8, simply drag your mouse pointer to the right edge of the screen, select Search from the list and search for "control panel".
Or you can right-click on a bottom left hot corner (formerly known as the Start button) and select Control panel from there.
3. When the Add/Remove Programs or the Uninstall a Program screen is displayed, scroll through the list of currently installed programs and remove the following:
- Quiknowledge
- LyricsSay-1
- Websteroids
- BlocckkTheAds
- HD-Plus 3.5
- and any other recently installed application
Simply select each application and click Remove. If you are using Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8, click Uninstall up near the top of that window. When you're done, please close the Control Panel screen.
Remove PUP-FNK from Google Chrome:
1. Click on Chrome menu button. Go to Tools → Extensions.
2. Click on the trashcan icon to remove BlocckkTheAds, LyricsSay-1, Websteroids, Quiknowledge, HD-Plus 3.5 and other extensions that you do not recognize.
If the removal option is grayed out then read how to remove extensions installed by enterprise policy.
Remove PUP-FNK from Mozilla Firefox:
1. Open Mozilla Firefox. Go to Tools → Add-ons.
2. Select Extensions. Click Remove button to remove BlocckkTheAds, LyricsSay-1, Websteroids, Quiknowledge, HD-Plus 3.5 and other extensions that you do not recognize.
Remove PUP-FNK from Internet Explorer:
1. Open Internet Explorer. Go to Tools → Manage Add-ons. If you have the latest version, simply click on the Settings button.
2. Select Toolbars and Extensions. Click Remove/Disable button to remove the browser add-ons listed above.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét