PUP.AdFender
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: | 10 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 135 |
| First Seen: | September 22, 2022 |
| Last Seen: | March 14, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The detection of PUP.AdFender on your system indicates the presence of a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that may be compromising your computer's security and performance. PUPs are software applications that, while not necessarily malicious, can still cause significant disruptions and pose risks to your personal data and system integrity. It is essential to understand the nature of PUP.AdFender and take prompt action to remove it from your system to prevent any potential harm.
Table of Contents
What Is PUP.AdFender?
PUP.AdFender is classified as a potentially unwanted program, which means it is not considered malware in the traditional sense but can still exhibit undesirable behavior. PUPs often find their way onto systems through bundled software downloads, where they are included alongside legitimate applications without the user's full knowledge or consent. Once installed, PUP.AdFender may display unwanted advertisements, collect user data without permission, or modify system settings to compromise security and performance.
How PUP.AdFender Operates
PUPs like PUP.AdFender typically operate by integrating themselves into the system in a way that makes them difficult to detect and remove. They may create entries in the system registry, add startup items, or install additional components that run in the background. These programs often have the capability to connect to the internet, which they use to download updates, report user activity, or display targeted advertisements. The primary goal of PUP.AdFender, like other PUPs, is usually to generate revenue for its developers through these advertisements or by selling collected user data.
Symptoms of Infection
Systems infected with PUP.AdFender may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including an increase in unwanted advertisements and pop-ups, slower system performance, and changes in browser settings or homepage redirects. Users may also notice unfamiliar programs or toolbars installed on their system, or they might experience an increase in spam emails or suspicious activity on their social media accounts. These symptoms can significantly disrupt the user experience and pose security risks, making it crucial to address the issue promptly.
How to Remove PUP.AdFender
- Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent PUP.AdFender from running and to make it easier to remove.
- Download and install a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, and perform a full scan of your system to detect and remove all components of PUP.AdFender.
- Manually uninstall any suspicious programs that you do not recognize or that were installed around the time the symptoms began.
- Reset your web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) to their default settings to remove any changes made by PUP.AdFender, such as altered homepages or search engines.
- Reboot your computer and perform another scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that all traces of PUP.AdFender have been removed.
Conclusion
Removing PUP.AdFender from your system is crucial to restoring your computer's security and performance. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively eliminate this potentially unwanted program and prevent future infections by being cautious with software downloads and regularly scanning your system for malware. Remember, vigilance and proactive measures are key to maintaining a secure and healthy computing environment. Always prioritize the security of your personal data and system integrity by staying informed and taking prompt action against any detected threats.
SpyHunter Detects & Remove PUP.AdFender
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. | AdFender.exe | 84760800086562066f1c04b9a7150b1f | 65 |
| 2. | adfender-2-60.exe | 72b71a91e9cbd9519e9e67cfd960c32c | 26 |
| 3. | AFHook.exe | 299e42e5a785c2711db4acc148ab8f93 | 18 |
