Threat Database Hacktool PUP.Keygen.AA

PUP.Keygen.AA

By CagedTech in Hacktool
Published:
Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Popularity Rank: 13,385
Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 3,651
First Seen: June 22, 2011
Last Seen: October 3, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of PUP.Keygen.AA on your system indicates the presence of a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that may compromise your computer's security and performance. This type of malware is designed to operate discreetly, often without the user's knowledge or consent, and can lead to a range of issues, from annoying pop-ups and slow system performance to more severe problems like data theft and unauthorized access to your computer.

What Is PUP.Keygen.AA?

PUP.Keygen.AA is a type of potentially unwanted program that is typically installed on a computer without the user's full awareness or consent. It may be bundled with other software, downloaded from untrusted sources, or installed through exploits in vulnerable applications. The "Keygen" part of the name suggests that this PUP might be related to key generators, which are often used to illegally activate software. However, the exact nature and purpose of PUP.Keygen.AA can vary, and its impact on your system depends on its specific design and the intentions of its creators.

How PUP.Keygen.AA Operates

PUPs like PUP.Keygen.AA often operate by integrating themselves into the system in a way that makes them difficult to detect and remove. They may alter system settings, add themselves to startup programs, and even modify browser configurations to display unwanted advertisements or redirect users to malicious websites. These programs can also collect user data, including browsing history and personal information, which can be used for targeted advertising or sold to third parties. The operation of PUP.Keygen.AA is typically aimed at generating revenue for its creators, often at the expense of the user's privacy and system security.

Symptoms of Infection

Identifying a PUP.Keygen.AA infection can be challenging due to its stealthy nature. However, common symptoms include an increase in unwanted pop-ups and advertisements, slower system performance, unexpected changes in browser settings, and the appearance of unknown programs or toolbars. Users might also notice that their search engine or homepage has been changed without their consent. In some cases, the presence of PUP.Keygen.AA might be indicated by an increase in suspicious network activity or unusual system crashes.

How to Remove PUP.Keygen.AA

  1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking to prevent PUP.Keygen.AA from loading and to make the removal process safer and more effective.
  2. Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove all components of PUP.Keygen.AA.
  3. Uninstall suspicious programs that you do not recognize or that were installed around the time the symptoms appeared.
  4. Reset your browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) to their default settings to remove any malicious extensions or settings changes made by PUP.Keygen.AA.
  5. Reboot your computer and then perform another scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that all components of the PUP have been removed.

Conclusion

The removal of PUP.Keygen.AA requires careful and thorough action to ensure that all its components are eliminated from your system. It's crucial to use reputable anti-malware tools and follow safe removal practices to avoid causing further damage. After removal, maintaining good security practices, such as regularly updating your operating system and applications, using strong antivirus software, and being cautious when downloading software from the internet, can help prevent future infections. By taking these steps, you can protect your computer, your data, and your privacy from the threats posed by PUP.Keygen.AA and other types of malware.

Aliases

15 security vendors flagged this file as malicious.

Antivirus Vendor Detection
Panda Trj/CI.A
AVG Dropper.Generic2.IFQ
Fortinet W32/WinTrim.A!tr
Ikarus Trojan-Downloader.Win32.CodecPack
Sunbelt Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT
AhnLab-V3 Worm/Win32.Kolab
Microsoft VirTool:Win32/CeeInject.gen!AR
a-squared Trojan-Downloader.Win32.CodecPack!IK
eTrust-Vet Win32/IRCBot.A!generic
Sophos Mal/Wintrim-A
McAfee-GW-Edition Heuristic.BehavesLike.Win32.CodeInjection.H
AntiVir TR/Buzus.265735.AR
Comodo TrojWare.Win32.Injector.A
Kaspersky Net-Worm.Win32.Kolab.ikp
Avast Win32:Wmis

File System Details

PUP.Keygen.AA may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. wmiskxl.exe e1c59f1fb57561a5483d515280c1a9ca 1