Threat Database Adware Adware.BHO

Adware.BHO

By CagedTech in Adware
Published:
Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 20 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 273
First Seen: July 24, 2009
Last Seen: January 2, 2024
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of Adware.BHO on your system indicates the presence of unwanted software that may be compromising your computer's security and performance. Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is designed to display unwanted advertisements, collect user data, or redirect searches to sponsored content. Understanding the nature of this threat and taking prompt action is crucial to protect your personal data and restore your system's integrity.

What Is Adware.BHO?

Adware.BHO refers to a type of adware that utilizes a Browser Helper Object (BHO) to integrate itself into your web browser. BHOs are components that can modify or extend the functionality of a browser, but in the case of Adware.BHO, this capability is exploited to display advertisements, track browsing habits, or potentially lead to more malicious activities. This type of adware can affect various aspects of your browsing experience, from altering your homepage and search engine to injecting ads into web pages you visit.

How Adware.BHO Operates

Adware.BHO operates by first infiltrating your system, often through bundled software downloads, deceptive links, or exploits in software vulnerabilities. Once installed, it integrates into your browser, allowing it to monitor and control certain browser functions. This integration enables the adware to inject advertisements, redirect your searches, or even collect sensitive information such as browsing history, search queries, and personal data. The primary goal of Adware.BHO is to generate revenue for its developers through pay-per-click advertising, data selling, or other malicious means.

Symptoms of Infection

Symptoms of an Adware.BHO infection can vary but commonly include an increase in unwanted advertisements and pop-ups, unexpected changes to your browser's homepage or search engine, and slower browser performance. You might also notice that your browser is being redirected to unwanted websites or that additional, unfamiliar toolbars have been added. In some cases, the presence of adware can lead to more severe issues, such as system crashes, data breaches, or the installation of additional malware.

  • Increased number of advertisements and pop-ups
  • Changes to browser settings without user consent
  • Slower performance of the browser or system
  • Unwanted redirects or additional toolbars

How to Remove Adware.BHO

  1. Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the adware from loading and to gain better control over the removal process.
  2. Use a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to perform a full scan of your system. This will help identify and remove all components of the adware.
  3. Manually uninstall any suspicious programs that were installed around the time the adware was detected. Be cautious and only remove programs you are certain are unsafe.
  4. Reset your web browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge) to their default settings. This will remove any changes made by the adware, including unwanted extensions or altered settings.
  5. Reboot your computer and perform another scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure all remnants of the adware have been removed.

Conclusion

Removing Adware.BHO requires a combination of technical knowledge and the right tools. By following the steps outlined above and maintaining vigilance in your online activities, you can protect your system from similar threats in the future. Regularly updating your software, avoiding suspicious downloads, and using reputable security software are key practices in preventing adware infections. Remember, the detection and removal of adware are crucial steps in safeguarding your personal data and ensuring the smooth operation of your computer.

Aliases

15 security vendors flagged this file as malicious.

Antivirus Vendor Detection
Panda Trj/CI.A
AntiVir Adware/Zwangi.A.557
BitDefender Trojan.Generic.6332355
Kaspersky not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Zwangi.hfo
Symantec WS.Reputation.1
McAfee Artemis!07A794BEAB1C
BitDefender Trojan.Generic.6374709
Antiy-AVL AdWare/Win32.Zwangi.gen
AVG Generic4.BQYA
AhnLab-V3 Win-Adware/Zwangi.26112
Comodo UnclassifiedMalware
eTrust-Vet Win32/OneStep.D!Adware
AntiVir ADWARE/Adware.Gen
Symantec Trojan.Gen.2
AntiVir Adware/Zwangi.A.719

File System Details

Adware.BHO may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. questscan167.exe ed20f3dabb96c522778205924b20a217 46
2. questscan165.exe dd91ba585974f6ed3f52bb0ccdbaa3c1 26
3. questscan169.exe 73b2297d31b5c130de9d8db2bec7f5bc 15
4. questscan163.exe 1e078e543cad45e7bbeffa355d5e341c 13
5. queryscan157.exe 8895b36e40b0c91084d27600c62eea90 10
6. resultbar185.exe c9a35082b9fa86b1591e0909497ab046 7
7. questscan166.exe 140ebdfb0d431f2ed09affe562a05675 7
8. queryscan159.exe b826fa328c82742b79af520648210736 4
9. questscan164.exe a07260873da2b5de45b04154fcacf644 2
10. questscan161.exe d05349d61a00acd3191e8196d56d5e33 1
11. findxplorer189.exe 07a794beab1c52ad1a6a1ca91abd6004 1
12. ThunderAdvise.dll 5e1c31dcd6cf457192f55f68d618dda8 0
13. CLADD 88fb47151db5ff540f35840a1270c780 0
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