Threat Database Adware WeWatcherProxy

WeWatcherProxy

By GoldSparrow in Adware

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 80 % (High)
Infected Computers: 8
First Seen: October 12, 2015
Last Seen: February 2, 2021
OS(es) Affected: Windows

WeWatcherProxy is a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). WeWatcherProxy may be installed as a Web browser add-on and cause a number of unwanted effects on the affected computer. WeWatcherProxy may be installed on the affected computer in the Program Files directory, in a subdirectory named 'sysfiles.' WeWatcherProxy is marketed as a free proxy service specifically, used to allow computer users to access websites that could be blocked because of regional restrictions or browse the Web anonymously. Malware researchers strongly advise computer users to avoid these types of services or be quite careful when finding an appropriate one.

Beware of Free Proxies Such as WeWatcherProxy
Free proxies may be closely associated with PUPs and other kinds of unwanted components. These add-ons may be designed to affect how a Web browser connects to the Internet specifically, rerouting traffic through a specific server to conceal the original location of the computer. This is very similar to how PUPs work, rerouting the computer 's Web traffic through their own servers to force computer users to view online advertisements and other unwanted content. In fact, PUPs are known as browser hijackers, because they may take over a Web browser and hijack its Web traffic, forcing it to visit certain websites repeatedly. In the case of a proxy, computer users agree for their traffic to be routed through a specific server, but they may be forced to endure unwanted Web browser pop-ups banner advertisements, and additional unwanted content on the affected Web browser.

Dealing with PUPs Like WeWatcherProxy

What may initially have started as a way to use the Web more effectively may turn into an irritating mess quickly since PUPs may be notoriously difficult to remove. In most cases where unwanted content has been installed on a computer, the most common advice is to use a reliable security application to remove the unwanted content completely. However, since WeWatcherProxy may be installed by the computer users themselves, WeWatcherProxy may not be recognized as a problematic component. In fact, even if WeWatcherProxy is installed in dubious ways, PUPs like it may not be detected as problematic because many security programs are calibrated to deal with more severe forms of threats, such as viruses and Trojans. PUPs like WeWatcherProxy are not considered threatening, making their removal more of a problem if security software is not capable of detecting them.

When dealing with PUPs like WeWatcherProxy, it may be necessary to uninstall these components. Malware analysts advise using several approaches when dealing with WeWatcherProxy and similar PUPs. WeWatcherProxy needs to be removed from the affected Web browser. Malware analysts recommend using the Web browser's extensions or plug-in manager or administrator to remove these components. WeWatcherProxy and other PUPs may make this option appear gray, making it difficult for computer users to select the removal option. Because of this, it also may be necessary to use the Control Panel to remove WeWatcherProxy and other PUPs. To execute this task, computer users should use the 'Add and Remove Programs' option and search for WeWatcherProxy and related components. Entries related to WeWatcherProxy also should be removed from the Windows Registry (this may be done by performing a search for WeWatcherProxy). This will prevent WeWatcherProxy from being reinstalled or starting up automatically on start-up.

Finally, PC security researchers recommend the use of a reliable, fully updated security program to perform a full scan of the affected computer. In most cases, WeWatcherProxy and its associated advertisements may expose the affected Web browser to other unwanted content. A full scan will ensure that other PUPs, or even threatening content, has not been installed as a result of WeWatcherProxy advertisements and redirects.

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