Threat Database Adware Adware.SeekmoSearchAssistant

Adware.SeekmoSearchAssistant

By CagedTech in Adware
Published:
Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 20 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 0
First Seen: July 24, 2009
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of Adware.SeekmoSearchAssistant on your system indicates the presence of unwanted software that may be disrupting your online experience. Adware programs like this one are designed to display advertisements, collect user data, and potentially redirect your browsing activity. Understanding the nature and behavior of this adware is crucial to effectively removing it and preventing future infections.

What Is Adware.SeekmoSearchAssistant?

Adware.SeekmoSearchAssistant is identified as an adware program, which is a type of malware that prioritizes generating revenue for its creators by displaying advertisements, often in intrusive or deceptive ways. These programs can be bundled with free software downloads, attached to spam emails, or exploited through vulnerabilities in software. The primary goal of adware is to expose users to as many advertisements as possible, which can lead to a range of issues including slowed system performance, increased risk of additional malware infections, and potential privacy violations.

How Adware.SeekmoSearchAssistant Operates

Adware programs like Adware.SeekmoSearchAssistant typically operate by integrating themselves into your web browsing experience. They can modify browser settings, install unwanted toolbars, or inject advertisements into web pages. These programs may also collect user data, such as browsing history and search queries, to tailor advertisements to the user's interests, making them more likely to be clicked. This data collection aspect raises significant privacy concerns, as it can potentially be shared with third parties or used for malicious purposes.

Symptoms of Infection

Symptoms of an Adware.SeekmoSearchAssistant infection can vary but often include an increase in unwanted advertisements appearing on your computer or mobile device. You might notice pop-ups, banners, or full-page ads that are not typically seen on the websites you visit. Additionally, your browser's homepage or search engine might have been changed without your consent, and you may find unfamiliar toolbars or extensions installed. In some cases, the adware can cause your browser to crash or become unresponsive, further disrupting your online activities.

  • Increased number of advertisements
  • Unwanted changes to browser settings
  • Installation of unfamiliar toolbars or extensions
  • Browser crashes or unresponsiveness

How to Remove Adware.SeekmoSearchAssistant

  1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking to limit the adware's ability to interfere with the removal process. This mode allows you to access the internet while disabling most background programs, making it easier to remove stubborn malware.
  2. Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter. These tools are designed to detect and remove adware and other types of malware, providing a comprehensive solution to clean your system.
  3. Uninstall suspicious programs that you do not recognize or no longer need. Be cautious and only remove programs that you are certain are malicious or unnecessary, as uninstalling critical system software can cause system instability.
  4. Reset your browser settings for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or any other browser that may have been affected. This step will revert your browser to its default settings, removing any unwanted changes made by the adware. Note that this will also remove any saved bookmarks, extensions, and other customizations, so it's advisable to back up your important browser data before proceeding.
  5. Finally, reboot your system and perform another scan to ensure that the adware has been completely removed and that no additional threats are present. This final scan is crucial, as some malware can leave behind remnants that only become active after a system restart.

Conclusion

Removing Adware.SeekmoSearchAssistant requires a combination of understanding its behavior, recognizing the symptoms of infection, and taking systematic steps to clean your system. By following the removal guide outlined above and maintaining good digital hygiene practices, such as regularly updating your software and being cautious with downloads and email attachments, you can protect your system from adware and other malware threats. Remember, prevention and vigilance are key to a safe and secure online experience.

Aliases

15 security vendors flagged this file as malicious.

Antivirus Vendor Detection
F-Prot W32/Backdoor.BVEB
BitDefender Adware.Zango.SC
Sunbelt Zango
Sophos 180solutions
K7AntiVirus not-a-virus:AdTool.Win32.Zango.d
Ikarus not-a-virus:AdTool.Win32.Zango.r
Fortinet Adware/ZangoSA
F-Secure AdTool.Win32.Zango.d
eSafe Spyware.ZangoSearch
ClamAV Adware.Zango-6
CAT-QuickHeal AdTool.Zango.d (Not a Virus)
Symantec Adware.ZangoSearch
Sophos Istbar
Prevx1 Malicious Software
Microsoft Adware:Win32/SeekmoSearchAssistant

File System Details

Adware.SeekmoSearchAssistant may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. OEAddOn.exe 1ea664dff18d0d31c8c61d0c58c01b03 0
2. Setup.exe f4b7f35915c4ccada1fbe9d327c21f4a 0
3. seekmo.exe 73a17c598a7b4ebcc7c0e5a240be62c7 0