SmartTravel

SmartTravel is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) due to its questionable distribution methods. Such undesired applications usually sneak into devices through a marketing technique called "bundling" – their installation files are packed along with regular programs that users download and install deliberately. In the case of SmartTravel, it is described as a helpful tool that allows easy access to the Web-based collaborative travel guide Wikitravel. Yet, the application has nothing to do with the creators of Wikitravel.

In fact, SmartTravel is a rogue application with adware functionalities, and its only purpose is to display promotional content, like pop-ups, banners, fake surveys and giveaways, and other intrusive advertisements on Internet sites and other online platforms. Such behavior leads to a decreased browsing experience for the user and endangers the safety of the affected device.

All pages and services promoted by SmartTravel could be potentially unsafe. They could result in various malware being downloaded and installed on the user’s computer without notice or consent. Furthermore, SmartTravel likely has data tracking abilities, whereby the targeted data could include sensitive personal and financial details. The collected information can be monetized by being sold to third parties subsequently. SmartTravel’s presence on a device can lead to malware infections, severe financial losses, and even identity theft. Users are advised to conduct a thorough malware scan with a professional ant-virus program and remove SmartTravel along with all other detected issues.