Win32/virut.NBP

If your anti-virus software is detecting the presence of Win32/Virut.NBP on your computer, this means that your Web browser has become infected by a Potentially Unwanted Program. These types of programs are not considered threatening (unlike Trojans, viruses or rootkits) but have many behaviors that may be associated with threats. They may become very irritating and pose a security risk. The main purpose of Win32/Virut.NBP and most other PUPs is to expose computer users to countless advertisements on affected Web browsers. Since Win32/Virut.NBP may cause numerous problems on affected Web browsers, PC security researchers strongly recommend the immediate removal of this PUP with the help of a reliable security application.

Win32/Virut.NBP should be Removed Right Away

Despite not being considered threatening, there are several reasons to remove Win32/Virut.NBP, including the following:

• Win32/Virut.NBP does not deliver valuable services or content. In the few cases where computer users find usefulness in Win32/Virut.NBP, this value is outweighed by the various symptoms that have been linked to this and similar PUPs.
• Win32/Virut.NBP may be difficult to remove, often maintaining a pernicious presence on the affected computer and using underhanded tactics to mislead computer users into believing that Win32/Virut.NBP has been removed entirely when that is not the case.
• Win32/Virut.NBP may be installed using misleading tactics, often bundled with other software and using tactics that prey on computer users that are distracted or inexperienced.
• Win32/Virut.NBP may be associated with various performance issues on affected computers. Win32/Virut.NBP may cause Web browsers to slow down, freeze or crash frequently, as well as having wider implications on the entire computer's performance and security.
• Win32/Virut.NBP may cause the appearance of numerous pop-up advertisements and redirects on affected Web browsers, making affected Web browsers increasingly difficult to use due to constant distractions and irritations.

General Purpose of Win32/Virut.NBP and Similar PUPs

Win32/Virut.NBP PUPs are promoted as useful Web browser extensions. However, the main purpose of Win32/Virut.NBP is to advertise on affected Web browsers. Regardless of their stated intent, these PUPs display numerous advertisements and unwanted content on affected Web browsers. Win32/Virut.NBP may be associated with irritating pop-up advertisements and insert banner advertisements and in-text links on Web pages viewed on affected Web browsers automatically.

Removing Win32/Virut.NBP

If Win32/Virut.NBP has been installed on your computer, PC security researchers recommend its immediate removal. These types of PUPs may be uninstalled using the Windows Control Panel. However, computer users may also need to remove registry entries associated with Win32/Virut.NBP from the Windows Registry manually. Since Win32/Virut.NBP may make changes to the affected Web browser's settings (such as changing its default search engine or homepage), PC security researchers also advise restoring these settings to their defaults manually. Malware analysts also recommend running a full, in-depth analysis of the compromised computer with a security application to ensure that Win32/Virut.NBP has not been associated with other PUPs or even threats.

How PUPs Like Win32/Virut.NBP may Enter a Computer

The most common way of distributing Win32/Virut.NBP is by bundling this PUP with other software. Legitimate software may be bundled with Win32/Virut.NBP through the use of custom, third-party installers. Many software download websites and other third parties use this tactic to generate profits at the expense of computer users. In most cases, computer users do have the option of installing the PUP on their computer. However, accessing the option to opt out is often inconvenient, generally requiring the use of Custom or Advanced Installation options, which many computer users will not use due to inexperience or carelessness. When a new software is installed, PUPs such as Win32/Virut.NBP are then installed automatically.