Adware.SideSearch
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Popularity Rank: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 0 |
| First Seen: | July 24, 2009 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The detection of Adware.SideSearch on your system indicates the presence of unwanted software that could be compromising your online experience and potentially exposing you to more serious threats. Adware, by its nature, is designed to display advertisements on your computer, often in intrusive and disruptive ways. Understanding what Adware.SideSearch is, how it operates, and the symptoms it causes is crucial for effective removal and prevention of future infections.
Table of Contents
What Is Adware.SideSearch?
Adware.SideSearch refers to a type of adware that is specifically designed to redirect your searches or display advertisements based on your search queries, among other potentially unwanted behaviors. Unlike viruses or Trojans that aim to cause direct harm to your system, adware primarily focuses on generating revenue for its creators by displaying ads, collecting data on your browsing habits, or redirecting you to affiliate sites. The name Adware.SideSearch itself suggests a focus on search-related activities, possibly indicating that this adware interferes with your search engine results or displays ads in a sidebar or other non-intrusive yet annoying manner.
How Adware.SideSearch Operates
Adware like Adware.SideSearch typically operates by infiltrating your system through various means, such as bundled software installations, deceptive downloads, or exploits in software vulnerabilities. Once installed, it can modify your browser settings, install additional toolbars or extensions, and even run background processes to monitor your browsing activities and serve targeted advertisements. This adware might also communicate with remote servers to report your browsing habits or to receive updates and new advertising content.
Symptoms of Infection
Symptoms of an Adware.SideSearch infection can vary but commonly include an increase in unwanted advertisements, such as pop-ups, banners, and redirects to unwanted websites. Your default search engine or homepage might be changed without your consent, and you might notice a slowdown in your system's performance due to the additional background processes running. In some cases, the adware might also collect and transmit personal data, though this is more characteristic of more malicious forms of malware.
How to Remove Adware.SideSearch
- Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to limit the adware's ability to interfere with the removal process.
- Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove all components of the adware.
- Manually uninstall any suspicious programs that were installed around the time the adware was detected.
- Reset your web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) to their default settings to remove any changes made by the adware, such as modified homepages or search engines.
- Reboot your computer and perform another scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that all traces of the adware have been removed.
Conclusion
Removing Adware.SideSearch requires a combination of technical knowledge and the right tools. By understanding the nature of adware and following the steps outlined for removal, you can restore your system to a clean state and prevent future infections by being cautious with software downloads and regularly scanning your system for malware. Remember, prevention is key, and maintaining good cybersecurity practices will help protect your system from a wide range of threats, including adware like Adware.SideSearch.
Aliases
15 security vendors flagged this file as malicious.
| Antivirus Vendor | Detection |
|---|---|
| Symantec | Adware.SideSearch |
| Prevx1 | Malicious Software |
| Panda | Adware/SideSearch |
| Kaspersky | not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.BHO.crt |
| F-Secure | AdWare.Win32.BHO.crt |
| eWido | Not-A-Virus.Adware.BHO |
| CAT-QuickHeal | AdWare.BHO.crt (Not a Virus) |
| AntiVir | ADSPY/Agent.334848 |
| Symantec | Trojan.Adclicker |
| Sophos | Mysidesearch Search Enhancer |
| NOD32 | probably a variant of Win32/Adware.MySideSearch |
| Microsoft | Adware:Win32/SideSearch |
| McAfee-GW-Edition | Ad-Spyware.Bho.dvg |
| McAfee | potentially unwanted program Generic PUP |
| K7AntiVirus | not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.BHO.dvg |
File System Details
| # | File Name | MD5 |
Detections
Detections: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on
infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | myss_sb.dll | 206a74a8b3a8be81776514c101404fc7 | 0 |
