Threat Database Potentially Unwanted Programs PUP.AthTek RegistryCleaner

PUP.AthTek RegistryCleaner

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Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 44
First Seen: March 27, 2019
Last Seen: May 26, 2021
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of PUP.AthTek RegistryCleaner on your system indicates the presence of a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that may be causing issues with your computer's performance and security. It is essential to understand the nature of this threat and take immediate action to remove it and prevent further damage.

What Is PUP.AthTek RegistryCleaner?

PUP.AthTek RegistryCleaner is a type of potentially unwanted program that is designed to appear as a useful tool for cleaning and optimizing the Windows registry. However, its true intentions and behaviors may be malicious, and it can lead to various problems, including decreased system performance, annoying pop-ups, and potential security risks.

How PUP.AthTek RegistryCleaner Operates

PUPs like PUP.AthTek RegistryCleaner often operate by installing themselves on a system without the user's knowledge or consent. They may be bundled with other software, downloaded from the internet, or installed through exploited vulnerabilities. Once installed, they can start displaying unwanted advertisements, collecting user data, or modifying system settings to their advantage.

Symptoms of Infection

Systems infected with PUP.AthTek RegistryCleaner may exhibit a range of symptoms, including slow system performance, frequent pop-ups and advertisements, unexpected changes to browser settings, and the presence of unfamiliar programs or icons. Users may also notice that their system is more prone to crashes, freezes, or errors.

  • Unwanted changes to browser settings, such as the homepage or default search engine
  • Appearance of unfamiliar programs or icons on the desktop or in the system tray
  • Frequent pop-ups and advertisements, even when no browser is open
  • Slow system performance, including slow startup and shutdown times

How to Remove PUP.AthTek RegistryCleaner

  1. Boot your system in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the PUP from loading and to allow for a more effective removal process
  2. Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove all instances of the PUP
  3. Uninstall any suspicious programs or applications that may be related to the PUP, using the Windows Control Panel or Settings app
  4. Reset your web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, to their default settings to remove any unwanted changes or extensions
  5. Reboot your system and perform a follow-up scan to ensure that all instances of the PUP have been removed

Conclusion

The removal of PUP.AthTek RegistryCleaner is crucial to maintaining the security and performance of your system. By following the steps outlined above and using reputable anti-malware tools, you can effectively remove this PUP and prevent further damage. It is also essential to practice safe computing habits, such as avoiding suspicious downloads and being cautious when installing new software, to prevent similar infections in the future.

SpyHunter Detects & Remove PUP.AthTek RegistryCleaner

File System Details

PUP.AthTek RegistryCleaner may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. 2_registrycleaner.exe 42709d7b323169494c1f23e6a0fda82a 15
2. ARC64.exe a544c3b6196fd96cf6205c3818293547 7