GoldenCoupon
GoldenCoupon is a low-quality Web browser plug-in that may be utilized by marketers. The main problem with GoldenCoupon is that GoldenCoupon is advertised as a way to gain access to special shopping deals and online offers. However, malware researchers have observed that GoldenCoupon does not do this or provide any other kind of useful service. Instead, GoldenCoupon may cause a wide variety of issues on the affected computer, including performance issues and potentially compromising computer users' browsing data. PC security analysts have noted that affected Web browsers may display a large number of strange error messages and pop-up windows. Affected Web browsers may also be affected with a large number of advertisements, which may try to increase traffic and clicks. One additional problem with GoldenCoupon is that this low-quality Web browser add-on may be difficult to remove, requiring special actions to ensure that no threatening content gains access to the affected computer and that all content related to GoldenCoupon is removed completely.
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Uncovering the Purpose of GoldenCoupon and Other Potentially Unwanted Programs
PC security analysts classify GoldenCoupon as adware because its main purpose is to deliver advertisements to affected computers. Adware like GoldenCoupon and similar low-quality Web browser extensions are known as Potentially Unwanted Programs. PUPs are rarely as threatening as Trojans, viruses, worms or other forms of threats. However, PUPs like GoldenCoupon may display behaviors more closely associated with threats and use similar methods of distribution. The most common method for distributing PUPs like GoldenCoupon is by taking these low-quality Web browser extensions and bundling them with freeware or shareware downloads. In many cases, software is delivered through specially made installers that may also install GoldenCoupon and similar PUPs – it is important to remember that PUPs may be bundled (and often are) with legitimate, popular software that is hosted by a third party.
There are numerous symptoms that have been associated with GoldenCoupon. Some of these include system performance issues such as freezing, slowing down, crashing or presenting unreliable behavior. However, the main problem associated with GoldenCoupon is the presence of numerous unwanted advertisements and Web browser redirects.
How GoldenCoupon may be Used to Generate Revenue
The purpose of GoldenCoupon is to generate revenue at the expense of computer users. There are several ways in which GoldenCoupon does this. The principal method, however, is to generate advertising revenue. To do this, GoldenCoupon may make numerous modifications to the Web browser's settings. These changes are made to deliver advertising material to computer users as much as possible. PC security analysts have also noted that GoldenCoupon has components designed to track computer users' online movements to deliver targeted advertisements to the affected Web browser. Information gathered about the victim's online browsing habits may also be sold to a third party in order to generate revenue.
Removing GoldenCoupon and Similar PUPs from Your Computer
To remove PUPs like GoldenCoupon, PC security analysts recommend using manual removal methods initially, such as uninstalling GoldenCoupon through the Control Panel. However, it is important to understand that GoldenCoupon may be bundled or associated with numerous other suspicious programs or components. Because of this, malware analysts recommend scanning the affected computer thoroughly with a reliable security application that is fully up-to-date. If functions like Safe Mode or System Restore are not functional, it may be necessary to start up the affected computer using an external boot source in order to access the affected computer and run a reliable security application.
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