NetFilter

NetFilter is a PUP, or Potentially Unwanted Program, that may be considered a potential risk because of the various irritating symptoms that have been linked to this PUP. Although NetFilter is not threatening, many of the problems that NetFilter causes on a computer are more typically associated with threats than with legitimate software. In many cases, PUPs like NetFilter are incorrectly listed as viruses or Trojans. However, NetFilter and other PUPs are not threatening, despite the fact that many times Trojans are in some way involved in their installation.

NetFilter is a Very Dissimulated PUP

NetFilter runs in the background and carries out various unwanted tasks on a computer. Once NetFilter is installed, NetFilter may make changes to a computer and Web browser's settings, and may change how it connects to the Internet, and how it loads advertisements on different websites. Your security product may not identify or remove NetFilter and other PUPs. This is because many security programs are specifically designed to detect and remove high-level threats like rootkits and threats rather than dealing with low-level threats such as adware, riskware and PUPs like as NetFilter.

The main symptoms that may be associated with NetFilter are linked to advertising content. NetFilter may flood an affected Web browser with numerous advertisements. Many of the advertisements associated with NetFilter may contain harmful content, and may promote known online tactics or attempt to trick inexperienced computer users into installing other PUPs. Typical advertisements that may appear when NetFilter is installed may try to convince computer users that it is paramount to update their Web browser or other software. In fact, the supposed update is actually a PUP like NetFilter. Malware analysts advise computer users to take no notice of all messages associated with NetFilter and to erase this PUP right away with a reliable anti-malware application.

How PUPs Like NetFilter may Enter a Computer

Although many PUPs may be installed by other threats – Trojans in particular – the most common way in which PUPs like NetFilter are installed is by bundling them with other software. In most cases, a third-party bundles NetFilter or another PUP with another program. When the computer user downloads and installs this program, the installer may also offer to install a 'special offer,' a toolbar or some other kind of tool. The installer may have the option to install the PUP set by default, meaning that computer users have to opt out explicitly in order to avoid installing the PUP. Unfortunately, the option to opt out is often only accessible if computer users use 'Custom' or 'Advanced' installation options. In many cases, computer users may overlook the option to opt out of installing NetFilter due to hurrying through its installation or not reading each step carefully. To avoid this, PC security researchers strongly advise computer users to take special care when installing any new software to ensure that no unwanted content is also being installed.

Risks and Issues that may be Associated with NetFilter

It is a common sense that the presence of a PUP on a computer may raise the risk for additional PUP infections. The various advertisements, redirects, and other unwanted content associated with NetFilter may increase the risk that computer users will install other PUPs. Another issue with NetFilter is that this PUP has access to the computer users' information, particularly regarding their online activity. NetFilter may keep track of the websites a computer user visits, browsing habits, search history and other data. This information may be used by NetFilter to deliver advertisements to the affected Web browser. However, this data may also be sent to a third-party for use in marketing or, in some cases, in tactics such as identity theft or even credit card fraud.