OperativeUnit Adware

OperativeUnit is sophisticated adware with browser hijacker capabilities, which operates by replacing the homepage and default search engine settings on victims’ computers. OperativeUnit is designed to generate revenue by promoting third-party products and services through a variety of Web-based advertisements, such as banner ads, in-text links, pop-up messages, and pop-unders.

OperativeUnit is also considered a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) due to the deceptive distribution techniques it employs. PUPs are rarely downloaded by users intentionally and as such, they have adopted various tricks that hide their installation on the user's computer. The most popular method by far is called 'bundling.' Whenever the user downloads and installs a freeware program, hidden inside its installation settings (either under Custom or Advanced) lurks a PUP that also will be installed. Another method shared between PUPs and malware threats is being placed inside fake software updaters/installers.

Keeping adware, browser hijackers, and other PUPs on your system may not represent a direct danger but it is not harmless, either. Adware display numerous intrusive advertisements that lead to severely diminished user experience on the device. Not to mention that the ads themselves may redirect to unsafe third-party websites. Browser hijackers promote fake or dubious search engines while also tracking the user's browsing activities and harvesting system information. Consider removing any such applications as soon as possible to prevent any potential security risks.