PUP.MySearch
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.
| Popularity Rank: | 17,082 |
| Threat Level: | 10 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 359 |
| First Seen: | July 24, 2009 |
| Last Seen: | July 9, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The detection of PUP.MySearch on your system indicates the presence of a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that may be causing unwanted changes to your browser settings, search results, or overall system behavior. It's essential to understand the nature of this threat and take appropriate steps to remove it and prevent future occurrences.
Table of Contents
What Is PUP.MySearch?
PUP.MySearch is a type of malware that is classified as a potentially unwanted program. This category of threats includes software that, while not necessarily malicious in the classical sense, can still cause significant disruptions to your computing experience. PUPs often find their way onto systems through bundled downloads, where they are included alongside other, potentially legitimate software. Once installed, PUP.MySearch can alter browser settings, redirect search queries, and display unwanted advertisements, among other behaviors.
How PUP.MySearch Operates
PUP.MySearch operates by integrating itself into your web browser or system, often through extensions, add-ons, or by modifying system settings. It can monitor your browsing activities, collect data on your search queries, and use this information to generate targeted advertisements or to redirect your searches to specific websites. This not only compromises your privacy but can also lead to further security risks if the advertisements or redirected sites are malicious.
Symptoms of Infection
Identifying a PUP.MySearch infection can be challenging, as its symptoms may resemble those of other malware or even legitimate software behaviors. Common indicators include unexpected changes to your default search engine or homepage, an increase in unwanted pop-ups or advertisements, slower system performance, or redirects to unfamiliar websites. If you've noticed any of these symptoms, it's crucial to investigate further to determine the cause and take corrective action.
- Changes to browser settings without your consent
- Unwanted advertisements or pop-ups
- Redirects to unfamiliar or suspicious websites
- Slower than usual system performance
How to Remove PUP.MySearch
- Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent PUP.MySearch from loading and to give you a clean environment to work in.
- Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove all components of PUP.MySearch.
- Manually uninstall any suspicious programs that you do not recognize or that were installed around the time your issues began.
- Reset your web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) to their default settings to remove any changes made by PUP.MySearch.
- Reboot your computer and perform another scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that all remnants of PUP.MySearch have been removed.
Conclusion
Removing PUP.MySearch requires a combination of technical knowledge and the right tools. By following the steps outlined above and maintaining vigilance in your online activities, you can protect your system from PUP.MySearch and other potentially unwanted programs. Regularly updating your software, avoiding suspicious downloads, and using reputable security software are key to preventing future infections. Remember, staying informed and proactive is your best defense against malware and other online threats.
Aliases
14 security vendors flagged this file as malicious.
| Antivirus Vendor | Detection |
|---|---|
| Sophos | MyWebSearch |
| Panda | Application/MyWay |
| McAfee | potentially unwanted program MySearch |
| K7AntiVirus | Non-Virus:AdWare.Win32.MySearch.f |
| Ikarus | not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.MySearch.f |
| Fortinet | Adware/MySearch |
| F-Secure | AdWare.Win32.MySearch.f |
| ClamAV | Adware.Mysearch |
| CAT-QuickHeal | AdWare.MySearch.f (Not a Virus) |
| BitDefender | Adware.Myway.1 |
| AVG | Generic.OFK |
| Avast | Win32:Adware-gen |
| Authentium | W32/Adware.MYN |
| AntiVir | ADSPY/MySearch.F |
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. | S4BAR.DLL | 5cce67b641c73eba2e405d1372b213a9 | 1 |
