Word Counter Widget
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:
Ranking: 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.
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 11 |
| First Seen: | January 18, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | April 19, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The Word Counter Widget is an application that claims to allow users to count words on visited websites. However, the application also is likely to start displaying intrusive advertisements. The Word Counter Widget is classified as adware and a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) due to its deceptive distribution methods and the lack of transparency about the advertisements it shows. Clicking on the advertisements generated by PUPs may lead to unintended downloads and installations, as well as attempts to collect sensitive information from unsuspecting users. Furthermore, while the Word Counter Widget is installed on the device, it could try to access data on opened websites, which could be used for marketing purposes or sold to third parties.
To protect yourself from any potentially intrusive activities, it is important to uninstall any unfamiliar extensions and add-ons from your browser. Additionally, you should be wary of any suspicious websites or applications that are promoted using deceptive methods. It also is recommended to use a reliable anti-malware program and keep it up-to-date to detect and remove any threatening software that may have been installed on your device.
What is A PUP?
A PUP is a piece of software that may or may not be harmful but can bring potential harm to computers due to its intrusive and possibly damaging behavior. This can range from having snooping capabilities to consuming resources on your computer or bombarding you with advertisements. It’s important to know what a PUP looks like so that you can prevent it from infiltrating your network in the first place.
How PUPs Like the Word Counter Widget get Installed on a Computer?
PUPs could be spread via email attachments, software bundles and instant message links, rogue websites, shady advertisements, etc. Such invasive applications also could be added to files obtained from file-sharing services, such as peer-to-peer networks. The bundling distribution method is especially commonplace. It involves combining multiple programs into one package and offering them as a single download. Computer users may not be aware that the bundle includes additional items, which are installed alongside the desired program. These extra programs can include toolbars, browser extensions, and other Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). Pay attention to what you are downloading and installing to avoid any unwanted software.
