Peapoon Ads
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: | 80 % (High) |
| Infected Computers: | 8 |
| First Seen: | August 6, 2015 |
| Last Seen: | September 10, 2021 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
PC security analysts have noticed the presence of numerous advertisements associated with an adware component known as Peapoon. These advertisements that may contain labels associating them with this adware component are intrusive and may be associated with various known online tactics and similar problems. Peapoon advertisements are caused by a Web browser extension that is designed to insert advertisements into affected Web browsers. These kinds of Web browser components may be marketed as a way for computer users to gain access to coupons and special deals. However, their main purpose is to display Peapoon advertisements and may not provide any benefit to computer users. Peapoon may affect the most popular Web browsers, including Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Their presence may make it very difficult to use these Web browsers due to their constant interruptions and the intrusive advertisements that are inserted into various websites viewed on affected Web browsers.
Table of Contents
The Various Problems that may be Caused by Peapoon Advertisements
Peapoon advertisements may take the form of pop-up windows or open new tabs on the affected Web browser. Pop-up Peapoon advertisements may become extremely aggravating and as problematic as many types of threats. Some tactics that may be associated with Peapoon may include the following:
- Some Peapoon advertisements may try to convince computer users to download an 'update' for their Web browsers or a platform like Adobe Flash or Java. This supposed update may be a fake update, a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) or a more threatening type of component.
- Peapoon advertisements may try to convince computer users that they have won a prize or that they can win a prize if they fill out a survey. For example, a common message associated with these kinds of advertisements may read 'Congratulations, you have won a new iPhone' to trick inexperienced computer users into interacting with the advertisement.
- Some Peapoon advertisements that may claim that there is a problem present on the affected computer as a way of tricking inexperienced computer users into downloading and installing fake security applications or low-quality system optimizers.
- Peapoon advertisements also may take the form of sidebars or pop-up windows that appear to offer coupon codes or special deals on items viewed on the affected Web browser, particularly when viewing a shopping website.
How Adware Associated with Peapoon Advertisements may be Distributed
Adware associated with Peapoon may be distributed by including it in the installation of other software. This technique, often known as bundling, involves creating installers or download managers designed to trick inexperienced computer users into installing software they do not want. This type of approach is common when installing freeware programs downloaded from certain software download websites. During the installation process, computer users may be prompted to download and install a toolbar or Web browser extension. In most cases, they may be opted in by default. To opt out, computer users may have to deal with convoluted language, confusing instructions, or it may be necessary to access custom or advanced installation features.
How Peapoon Advertisements may be Used to Make Money at the Expense of Computer Users
Advertisements are an essential part of financing websites and online services. However, legitimate websites will display advertisements and attract computer users by creating quality content. Peapoon advertisements may be associated with an approach that involves forcing computer users to visit websites repeatedly or force the advertisements onto the computer users by altering their Web browser settings. Peapoon also may be associated with components that track the computer users' online activities, tracking their online habits, searches and history in order to create more advertisements or for use in marketing. This makes dealing with Peapoon not only a matter of getting rid of something irritant but also of protecting one's privacy.
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