PUP.WiseFolderLock

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Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 232
First Seen: May 14, 2017
Last Seen: January 16, 2023
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of PUP.WiseFolderLock 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's essential to understand the nature of this threat and take appropriate steps to remove it to prevent any potential harm.

What Is PUP.WiseFolderLock?

PUP.WiseFolderLock is a type of potentially unwanted program that may have been installed on your system without your knowledge or consent. PUPs are software applications that may not be malicious in nature but can still cause problems, such as displaying unwanted advertisements, collecting user data, or modifying system settings. The name PUP.WiseFolderLock suggests that it may be related to a program that claims to provide folder locking or security features, but its actual behavior may be different from its advertised purpose.

How PUP.WiseFolderLock Operates

PUP.WiseFolderLock may operate by installing itself on your system through various means, such as bundled software installations, infected downloads, or exploit kits. Once installed, it may start running in the background, consuming system resources, and potentially collecting user data or displaying unwanted advertisements. It may also modify system settings, such as registry entries or browser configurations, to maintain its presence on the system.

Symptoms of Infection

The symptoms of a PUP.WiseFolderLock infection may vary, but common indicators include unwanted advertisements or pop-ups, slow system performance, and unexpected changes to system settings. You may also notice unfamiliar programs or icons on your desktop or system tray, or experience browser redirects to unwanted websites. In some cases, you may not notice any symptoms at all, which is why regular system scans and monitoring are essential for detecting and removing PUPs like PUP.WiseFolderLock.

How to Remove PUP.WiseFolderLock

  1. Boot your system in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent PUP.WiseFolderLock from running and to allow for a more effective removal process.
  2. Run a full scan with a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove all components of PUP.WiseFolderLock.
  3. Uninstall any suspicious programs or applications that may be related to PUP.WiseFolderLock, using the Add/Remove Programs feature in the Control Panel.
  4. Reset your web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, to their default settings to remove any unwanted extensions or modifications made by PUP.WiseFolderLock.
  5. Reboot your system and run another full scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that all components of PUP.WiseFolderLock have been removed.

Conclusion

Removing PUP.WiseFolderLock from your system is essential to prevent any potential harm and to maintain your system's performance and security. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively remove this potentially unwanted program and prevent similar infections in the future. It's also important to practice safe computing habits, such as regularly updating your operating system and software, using strong antivirus protection, and being cautious when installing new programs or clicking on links from unknown sources. By taking these precautions, you can help protect your system from PUPs like PUP.WiseFolderLock and other types of malware.

SpyHunter Detects & Remove PUP.WiseFolderLock

Registry Details

PUP.WiseFolderLock may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
Regexp file mask
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\wisefolderlock.lnk
SOFTWARE\Classes\Folder\shell\Wise Folder Lock

Directories

PUP.WiseFolderLock may create the following directory or directories:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\WiseFolderLock
%PROGRAMFILES%\wisefolderlock
%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\wisefolderlock