Widthie

By CagedTech in Adware

Threat Scorecard

Ranking: 3,699
Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 8,226
First Seen: August 31, 2015
Last Seen: September 19, 2023
OS(es) Affected: Windows

Widthie is a Web browser toolbar that may display the window width at the top of the Web browser. However, this Web browser extension has been known to be installed automatically. Widthie may be included in the installation of other Web browser add-ons, PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs), adware and similar low-level threats. Widthie does not really create severe problems on affected computers, but may be linked to other components that may cause numerous issues on affected computers. One issue with these types of components is that they may try to take advantage of computer users by delivering advertisements and tracking their online activities. Because of this, PC security analysts strongly advise against permitting Widthie and its associated components to persist on affected computers. Widthie and its associated components should be removed with the help of a reliable security application that is fully up to date.

Widthie and Common Symptoms that may be Linked to this Web Browser Extension

Web browser extensions like Widthie may be associated in some way to irritating symptoms such as messages and pop-up windows on affected Web browsers. These kinds of issues may make it very difficult for computer users to use the affected Web browser. Widthie may be installed on the most popular Web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. Many of these pop-up messages may be linked to known online tactics. For example, they may try to make computer users believe that they need to download a fake Web browser or software update or trick them into believing that they have won some kind of prize. In many cases, pop-up messages linked to Widthie may warn computer users that their computers are infected with threats, and they need to use a bogus technical support service or download fake anti-virus software. These kinds of irritating symptoms may not be caused by Widthie directly, but by other unwanted components that may be installed alongside Widthie and similar Web browser add-ons.

How Widthie and Similar Web Browser Extensions may be Distributed

A common way in which Widthie may enter a computer is by bundling Widthie with another software. PUPs, adware, and other low-level threats that may be bundled with free software may be downloaded from certain websites known for distributing these kinds of unwanted extensions. Widthie may be included during the installation process of another software. Computer users may not be aware that the other software is being installed, often because they rush through the installation process or fail to read the instructions carefully. To prevent this from happening, PC security analysts recommend following the installation process of any new software and opt out of the installation of any extra content whenever the option to do so is present. In most cases, computer users should opt for advanced or custom installation options if these are present.

How Extensions Like Widthie may be Used to Profit

Although Widthie itself seems fairly harmless (simply displaying the window width at the top of the affected Web browser), the various extensions associated with Widthie may be used to generate revenue in a variety of ways. PC security researchers have noted that these kinds of components may be linked to advertising and affiliate marketing schemes that rely on forcing computer users to view certain content repeatedly. Many pop-up messages and windows associated in some way with Widthie also may promote known tactics that may try to trick computer users into exposing their data or paying for a fake service. In many cases, Widthie may be installed along with a tracking component that may keep records of the affected Web browser's activities and settings.

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