Threat Database Adware Adware.CoolPic

Adware.CoolPic

By CagedTech in Adware
Published:
Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 20 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 188
First Seen: February 10, 2015
Last Seen: April 1, 2023
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of Adware.CoolPic on your system indicates the presence of unwanted software that could be compromising your online experience and potentially exposing you to more severe security risks. Adware, by its nature, is designed to display unwanted advertisements, collect user data for marketing purposes, and sometimes redirect search results to promotional websites. Understanding what Adware.CoolPic is, how it operates, its symptoms, and how to remove it are crucial steps in protecting your computer and your personal data.

What Is Adware.CoolPic?

Adware.CoolPic, as suggested by its detection name, falls into the category of adware, which is software that generates revenue for its developer by automatically displaying advertisements on the user's screen or within the user's browser. While not all adware is malicious, its presence can significantly degrade the user experience, slow down the system, and pose risks to security and privacy. Adware can be bundled with free software downloads, attached to spam emails, or even installed through exploited vulnerabilities in the system or applications.

How Adware.CoolPic Operates

Adware.CoolPic operates by infiltrating a user's system, often through deceptive means, and then displaying a multitude of advertisements. These can range from pop-ups and banners to more intrusive forms like redirects to sponsored content. The adware may also collect user data, such as browsing history and search queries, to tailor the advertisements to the user's interests, making them more likely to be clicked. This data collection aspect raises significant privacy concerns, as users may not be aware of the extent of the data being collected and how it is being used.

Symptoms of Infection

Symptoms of an Adware.CoolPic infection can include an increase in unwanted advertisements appearing on your computer or browser, unexpected changes to your browser's homepage or search engine, and a general slowdown in system performance. You might also notice that your browser is being redirected to unwanted websites or that new, unfamiliar programs are installed on your computer. These symptoms can indicate that your system is compromised and that you should take immediate action to remove the adware.

How to Remove Adware.CoolPic

  1. Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the adware from loading and to give you a cleaner environment to work in.
  2. Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove all traces of the adware.
  3. Uninstall any suspicious programs that you do not recognize or that were recently installed, as these could be related to the adware.
  4. Reset your web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) to their default settings to remove any changes made by the adware, such as altered homepages or search engines.
  5. Reboot your computer and perform another scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that all components of the adware have been removed.

Conclusion

Removing Adware.CoolPic from your system is a crucial step in protecting your privacy, improving your computer's performance, and preventing potential security risks. By understanding the nature of adware and taking proactive steps to secure your system, you can significantly reduce the risk of future infections. Regularly updating your software, being cautious with downloads and email attachments, and using reputable security software can help safeguard your computer against adware and other types of malware. Remember, vigilance and proactive security measures are key to maintaining a safe and secure computing environment.

SpyHunter Detects & Remove Adware.CoolPic

Registry Details

Adware.CoolPic may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
CLSID
{FEFE89E5-A43F-4f4b-8211-B11D91D02135}
SOFTWARE\CoolPic
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions\{FEFE89E5-A43F-4f4b-8211-B11D91D02135}
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{FEFE89E5-A43F-4f4b-8211-B11D91D02135}
SOFTWARE\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions\{FEFE89E5-A43F-4f4b-8211-B11D91D02135}
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\CoolPic
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{FEFE89E5-A43F-4f4b-8211-B11D91D02135}
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions\{FEFE89E5-A43F-4f4b-8211-B11D91D02135}
SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\CoolPic Updater
SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\CoolPic Updater

Directories

Adware.CoolPic may create the following directory or directories:

%PROGRAMFILES%\CoolPic