DNS-Locker
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:
Ranking: 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: | 1 |
First Seen: | September 1, 2015 |
Last Seen: | May 13, 2020 |
OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
DNS-Locker is a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) that may be responsible for a wide variety of irritating symptoms on affected Web browsers. DNS-Locker may alter the way your Web browser connects to the Internet by altering the affected computer's DNS settings. This allows DNS-Locker to redirect Web traffic, display unwanted Web pages on affected Web browsers, and force computer users to view certain content repeatedly. DNS-Locker may be responsible for displaying numerous advertisements on affected computers, as well as for Web browser redirects, pop-ups and other irritating symptoms. If DNS-Locker is installed on your Web browser, PC security researchers strongly advise removing DNS-Locker immediately. DNS-Locker may affect the most popular Web browsers used today, including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.
Table of Contents
Responding to DNS-Locker and Symptoms that may be Associated with DNS-Locker
DNS-Locker has been linked to various irritating symptoms such as pop-up windows and new tabs opened automatically on the affected Web browser. DNS-Locker may become very disruptive quickly due to the way DNS-Locker prevents computer users from using their Web browsers normally. One additional problem related to DNS-Locker is that many of its associated advertisements may try to carry out known tactics or expose computer users to potentially harmful content online. For example, DNS-Locker advertisements may try to persuade computer users to download fake software updates or bogus video codecs. These ads may also try to convince computer users to interact with them by claiming that there is a prize of some kind. DNS-Locker may display pop-up advertisements claiming that there is a threat issue on the victim's computer and advertising fake security software or a bogus technical support number. PC security analysts strongly advise against interacting in any way with DNS-Locker advertisements and pop-up messages, since doing this may increase the risk of additional PUPs and other types of unwanted content entering the affected computer.
How DNS-Locker and Similar PUPs may be Distributed
The most common way in which DNS-Locker is distributed is by bundling DNS-Locker with other software. Low-quality freeware may be bundled with DNS-Locker and other PUPs using a third-party installer or download manager. During the installation of the free program, computer users may be prompted to install DNS-Locker and similar PUPs and may be opted in by default. Computer users should pay attention to the installation process when installing any new software in order to opt out of installing DNS-Locker and another unwanted content. If a custom or advanced installation option is present, computer users should use it to prevent DNS-Locker and other unwanted content from being installed on their computers.
How DNS-Locker may be Used to Make Money at the Expense of Inexperienced Computer Users
Advertisements are an essential part of the Internet. Advertisements allow website creators to support their content and continue to deliver their online services or content. However, there are ways in which certain people may abuse the advertisement system by creating components specifically designed to force computer users to view advertisements repeatedly. DNS-Locker and other PUPs are designed so that computer users may have no choice but to view their related advertisements and Web pages. They also may track the computer users' activity, keeping records of the websites viewed and searches carried out on the affected Web browser. This data may be used for marketing or sold to a third-party, representing a security concern. DNS-Locker may be associated with various pay-per-click and affiliate marketing campaigns that may generate revenue by pushing computer users towards certain websites or links.
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