What are PUP's? Are they dangerous?

[donetao]

What are PUP's?? Are they dangerous?? Please read about them as explained by my best friend MBAM;);)

They are bundled on 7 out of 8 of the down load sites. CNET is the worst one. It's all about $$$.

Be very careful. I trust Major Geeks, but you need to be very careful down loading freeware. It's getting really bad out there, so be careful. Please read how MBAM is working to stop them in the link below!!

https://blog.malwarebytes.org/malvertising-2/2014/07/pups-are-persistent/

Here's free software that will help a little, but you have to also use your brain and not rely on this program!!

http://unchecky.com/

[Katrina]

It is a good thing that I have malware bytes.

[donetao]

It is a good thing that I have malware bytes.

Yes Malwarebytes Premium is good, but you still have to practice safe surfing when your on the internet!!;);)

[Rich-M]

"PUPS" are best explained as "Probably Unwanted Programs" and you need to be careful as they are not actually Malware but are rather Malware enablers and as such most AV programs require you include "PUP" Removal as an option so be sure they are checked for removal in whatever you are using when you install the solutions.

 

Most Security Mods today are aware that while Malwarebytes used to be the very best program for Malware Removal, it is slipping and its scanning ability is on the wane. Usually as the program begins to slip into security it focuses on other types of removal to make up for what it can no longer be effective against thus SAS, the once great Spyware removal programs became primarily a remover of tracking cookies and became less and less effective against actual Malware. Mbam today is of little use controlling these new types of malware thus I believe has concentrated on "PUPS" in newer versions to make up for what it no longer is that good at and other programs are surpassing its ability.

 

What really stunned me this week was running every cleaner I know of and cleaning a system without protection since 2009 that miraculously was still running, then running Mbam to remove 95 PUPS. Only to run HItman Pro as an after thought and remove an MBR Rootkit and another common Rootkit afterwards Mbam should have removed easily and would have a few years ago. When I see things like that I know it is time to move on and while this isn't the first time, it could have had the most serious consequences.

[Katrina]

I like malware bytes. It was recommended to me here at ETS. Are you saying it's no good any longer?

[donetao]

I like malware bytes. It was recommended to me here at ETS. Are you saying it's no good any longer?

MBAM was never designed to run a lone as a Anti-Virus. Where people come up that idea really amazes me. It has always been designed to run along side your Anti-Virus in real time as a extra layer of protection. Our malware team here uses it as a on demand scanner, so it must be good for some thing. Every forum I have been on uses MBAM in their malware section. MBAM Premium has blocked a ton of malicious IP addresses from my computer. MBAM also has a Anti root kit software. I really get up set when people say that MBAM isn't any good these days. Don't let anyone tell you that. Cleaning up a PC that has ran on the internet sense 2009 without protection is going to require a lot of clean up. Root kits are rarely seen these days, but MBAM does have a Anti root kit software and it is now being run on most forums and replacing TDSS Killer. I guarantee you that MBAM is keeping up in the malware world. You can find all the MBAM software here. Don't pick on my MBAM!! I'm not trained in malware fighting, but I deal with it all the time here in my village. MABM has removed as many as 1200 PUP's on one PC here in my village, where I help seniors for free.

If you have MBAM Premium, check to see if Root Kit has been checked!

https://www.malwarebytes.org/downloads/#beta

PS @Katrina I would advise you to add MBAM Anti Expolit to your security. You will find it in the list above!!

Edited February 6, 2015 by donetao

[Rich-M]

Yes I am saying it is not as good as it used to be and is slipping. I have also had it fail to pick up many common Malware issues including various Trojans and noticed a while ago it seldom removed Antivirus 2014 any more either last year. It certainly cannot be used as a standalone against all Malware since it seems to remove less and less. I personally no longer use it for anything and I am a reseller.It also does not prevent Crypto Locker so I would never leave it alone against that kind of threat and that is one of the reasons I moved on to Emsisoft which does prevent Crypto Locker. Nod32 Antivirus also says it does.

[donetao]

MBAM is not a Anti- Virus. Never has been. Never will be! It's designed to run with your Anti -Virus. It's better that it used to be.

You are talking apples and oranges and that's not a fair comparison that you're making!! IMHO you shouldn't be saying these things about MBAM without data to back it up. Malware is changing at this very minute, and MBAM is trying to keep up with all the new definitions. That's the reason for up dating each time before scanning. My MBAM Premium is constantly up dating. A new version has just been released and MBAM will always be around helping to protect your PC. Should you run it a lone without a Anti-Virus. Hell no!! You need a Anti-Virus also!!

:grr:

[allheart55 Cindy E]

Of course Mbam is not an antivirus program but it does pick up certain types of malware such as rogue programs, some Trojans, PUP's, etc. No one software program can provide complete protection and Malwarebytes should be running along side a good antivirus program.

[donetao]

Of course Mbam is not an antivirus program but it does pick up certain types of malware such as rogue programs, some Trojans, PUP's, etc. No one software program can provide complete protection and Malwarebytes should be running along side a good antivirus program.

Exactly [uSER=9187]@allheart55 (Cindy E)[/uSER] Well said and with a lot less words than I used. MBAM is not going down hill (Period!!)

[DSTM]

I think with all these differences of opinion @Katrina will be unsure what is the best protection to use against infections. She is asking questions and getting conflicting opinions.:)

[donetao]

I think with all these differences of opinion @Katrina will be unsure what is the best protection to use against infections. She is asking questions and getting conflicting opinions.:)

I agree @DSTM I tried to answer her question about MBAM and if it was any good. I usually don't advise members which Anti-Virus to run with MBAM.

I really don't see that much difference in them. I guess that would be a different discussion!

I like malware bytes. It was recommended to me here at ETS. Are you saying it's no good any longer?

I'm saying it's just as good and IMHO even better, Just don't confuse it. It was never meant to stand alone without a good Anti-Virus program.;);)

That's my story and I'm sticking with it.:)

[starbuck]

Ok, I've tried to condense this a bit.... but some things do need clarifying.

 

Here's free software that will help a little, but you have to also use your brain and not rely on this program!!

http://unchecky.com/

A free program that then charges for support? .... no thank you.

Now if you want to recommend a program that is written by Malware Removal Specialists and is then kept up to date by input from other Malware Removal Specialists..... then you're talking. (AdwCleaner and JRT )

 

Note that Unchecky was tested thoroughly by Softpedia and was found 100% clean.

Yeah right.... that doesn't mean a lot to be honest.

Just look at the rubbish that comes through with some of their downloads.

 

MBAM was never designed to run a lone as a Anti-Virus.

I really wish these companies would get rid of that stupid name...... Anti Virus!!

Virus's only account for less than 1% of malware these days.

So the term is outdated.

This is what Emsisoft say about calling their product 'an Anti Malware' scanner.

 

Our analysis lab has determined that classic viruses only make up less than 0.5% of total threats (in 2012). Referring to our product as an "Antivirus" would therefore be wrong by definition. We're perfectionists so we have elected to use the broader term "Malware" when naming our product. "Malware" includes all types of threats, such as viruses (0.5%), rogue security software (0.5%), rootkits (1.0%), adware (2.7%), possible malicious applications (4.1%), worms (4.6%), financial malware & password stealers (5.3%), online gaming password stealers (6.9%), backdoors (13.3%) and trojans (61.3%). Please note that not all "Anti-Malware" products on the market include the same functionality and protection level. - See more at: http://www.emsisoft.co.uk/en/software/antimalware/#sthash.00MOZeyV.dpuf

 

So if MBAM was efficient enough, it could be used as a so called Anti Virus.

 

As far as MBAM Premium goes...... I stick my neck out and say that i never recommend it.

I've seen problems with the premium version and I think that at least one member of staff here will back this up.

 

If you have MBAM Premium, check to see if Root Kit has been checked

Even the free version doesn't have this ticked by default!!!!

 

but MBAM does have a Anti root kit software and it is now being run on most forums and replacing TDSS Killer.

Not really true.

TDSSKiller only goes after a small but very dangerous type of Rootkit.

In other words, it's a specialized type of Rootkit remover.

It can't be compared to an ordinary Rootkit Removal program.

 

"PUPS" are best explained as "Probably Unwanted Programs" and you need to be careful as they are not actually Malware but are rather Malware enablers

Again, not really true.

Most are actually legit programs, (hence.... probably unwanted programs ) but why anyone would actually want them is beyond me.

But believe me.... some people do want them installed and do use them.

This is why a lot of AV programs don't detect them.

 

Mbam today is of little use controlling these new types of malware thus I believe has concentrated on "PUPS" in newer versions to make up for what it no longer is that good at and other programs are surpassing its ability.

You do have to take into account that just removing malware with a scanner is not always the best way to deal with things.

Malware writers are becoming very good at what they write.

Sometimes removing the obvious signs will lead to other problems.

We have seen scanners remove malware only to find that the internet connection is broken.

One of the reasons that a certain adware removal program has just removed detection for one type.

MBAM is written by Malware Removal Specialists and if they deem that removing certain types of malware detection will lead to other problems, they'll leave out the detection so that it can be dealt with properly.

Sadly not all AV program writers do this and it does cause problems when AV's detect something and remove it.

As a first line detection program, MBAM is still a good call.

 

It certainly cannot be used as a standalone against all Malware since it seems to remove less and less.

We all know that NO one program will detect everything.

That's why we have dedicated removal programs.

 

The bottom line is ................

Don't attack your system with an axe... get detailed info and then use a scalpel.

[allheart55 Cindy E]

Thank you, Pete. You have explained away some misconceptions and as always have given us the real deal.

 

I love this....

The bottom line is ................

Don't attack your system with an axe... get detailed info and then use a scalpel.

[donetao]

Wow! There is a whole lot there that I disagree with, but I guess we can agree to disagree!

Lets start with this reply!!

A free program that then charges for support? .... no thank you.

Now if you want to recommend a program that is written by Malware Removal Specialists and is then kept up to date by input from other Malware Removal Specialists..... then you're talking. (AdwCleaner and JRT )

uncheeky is freeware and has nothing to do with malware and junk removal. Although those both are good programs!

Yeah right.... that doesn't mean a lot to be honest.

Just look at the rubbish that comes through with some of their downloads.

Please explain what rubbish came with uncheeky. Rubbish that came trough with which down loads?? Are you talking about Softpedia

So if MBAM was efficient enough, it could be used as a so called Anti Virus.

 

As far as MBAM Premium goes...... I stick my neck out and say that i never recommend it.

I've seen problems with the premium version and I think that at least one member of staff here will back this up.

I would like to hear what problems you have seen with the Premium version and which staff backs you up. I would like very much to report this on the MBAM forum where I'm currently a registered member. Thank you!

Even the free version doesn't have this ticked by default!!!!

Why is this even a issue. Root kits are very rarely seen these days. Just click it before scanning with MBAM!

Most are actually legit programs, (hence.... probably unwanted programs ) but why anyone would actually want them is beyond me.

But believe me.... some people do want them installed and do use them.

This is why a lot of AV programs don't detect them.

That is not true. Some PUP's bread malware into your system and some redirect your home page and cause other unwanted problems.

That is exaxtly why MBAM has now started to detect PUP's.

Finally One more time MBAM is not a stand alone malware security and needs to be run with a good Anit-Virus program

MBAM is written by Malware Removal Specialists and if they deem that removing certain types of malware detection will lead to other problems, they'll leave out the detection so that it can be dealt with properly.

Please supply data for you above reply. Thank you! Once again I would like to post your statements on MBAM forum.

Great discussion. I hopping all are enjoying and learning!

[starbuck]

Ok donetao

 

I'll answer some of your statements now.... the rest can wait until tomorrow as it's nearly midnight here.

 

uncheeky is freeware and has nothing to do with malware and junk removal.

I didn't say it had anything to do with those programs..... please read things properly.

Yes it's freeware.... but the support costs.

While Unchecky is free, you can support the development by using our service of a 24/7 software removal support.

 

Our technical support team is available by phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to answer questions and help you remove unwanted software from your computer.

 

The service includes:

 

24/7 support.

Fluent English speaking support team.

Technical experts that will assist you in uninstalling unwanted software.

 

Order Unchecky software removal support now for $7.99 a month

That is expensive!

 

Why is this even a issue. Root kits are very rarely seen these days. Just click it before scanning with MBAM!

But it's not made clear that the option is there.

Plus, if you are doing a malware scan.... why not scan for everything? .... what's the point of half a scan?

 

That is not true. Some PUP's bread malware into your system and some redirect your home page and cause other unwanted problems.

PUP's get onto your system because YOU allowed it.

If the user spent time reading the install pages properly, PUP's wouldn't be a problem.

Yes some will change your Homepage ( but you are warned about this..... just read things carefully)

I've never had a PUP on any of my systems.

 

Please explain what rubbish came with uncheeky. Rubbish that came trough with which down loads?? Are you talking about Softpedia

I didn't say that rubbish came through with UnChecky.

What i was saying is that just because SoftPedia say it's rubbish free.... is nothing to go by.

Most people will tell you to stay away from those types of download sites if at all possible.

Their downloaders are to be feared.

[donetao]

Hi! I have not attended any kind of school for fighting malware. I have thought about it but so far I haven't made a decision to speed a year in training and not be able to pass forward other things I know a little about while being in training. I respect all who spend a year in training and I firmly believe there is a place for them on all help forums. I have my way of cleaning up infected computers and I have the programs that get the job done for me. I also am familiar with the snake oil programs that people get talked into down loading. I found one PC with 5 tool bars and I often find seniors running more than one Anti-Virus.

I seldom have to return to a seniors PC and clean it again. I teach them how to safe surf. I add WOT and AdBlocker to their browsers. Recently I started adding MBAM Anti Exploit. They give me a big hug and a smile and I assure them they can call me any time!

[donetao]

To my knowledge uncheeky is freeware and you do not need to use the support.

It's always a good idea to check all options before scanning your PC with any type of malware scanner!

PUP's are not good for any thing and are becoming a real nuisance.

Use the author when you down load freeware when you can. I trust Major Geeks when down loading freeware when I can't use the author

Not all PC users are geeks and don't realize PUP's are being installed and that's why I recommended unchecky

You also need to recognize PUP's and not count on unchecky to protect you from PUP.

Learn how to recognize PUPS!

 

https://blog.malwarebytes.org/malvertising-2/2014/07/pups-are-persistent/

 

[allheart55 Cindy E]

While we are on the subject of Malwarebytes, I am one staff member that can confirm some issues with the pro version. I still use and recommend Malwarebytes Pro to all my people but I have had, as have others, problems with a bad definition download. Also I have had at least ten people with corrupted Mbam Pro. Each time the problem was easily resolved and I still believe 100% in it's effectiveness.

[donetao]

While we are on the subject of Malwarebytes, I am one staff member that can confirm some issues with the pro version. I still use and recommend Malwarebytes Pro to all my people but I have had, as have others, problems with a bad definition download. Also I have had at least ten people with corrupted Mbam Pro. Each time the problem was easily resolved and I still believe 100% in it's effectiveness.

Hi! [uSER=9187]@allheart55 (Cindy E)[/uSER] I have not had any problems that I'm aware of or I remember. Been using MBAM for nearly 10 years. I think most software programs have some glitches some times sooner or later. Are you saying MBAM still has problems or have they been corrected. I'm not aware of any problems! If there are problems, I could report them on MBAM forum!!

Thanks for your reply!

[allheart55 Cindy E]

I could be wrong but to my knowledge Malwarebytes has only been around since 2009, I think.

 

I agree, all software programs have probably had some minor glitches here and there but I rely on Starbucks advice and knowledge because I believe he is one of the best in the Malware Field.

 

I have had quite a few clients that have experienced corrupted MBAM files but a uninstall and a new reinstall have taken care of that issue. As for the bad definitions file Starbuck helped me with that problem awhile ago. Many people experienced it.

[donetao]

As for the bad definitions file Starbuck helped me with that problem awhile ago. Many people experienced it.

Hi [uSER=9187]@allheart55 (Cindy E)[/uSER] Are we talking False positives. I too have installed MBAM over the top, but I really have forgotten why I did that. All malware programs have false positives.;);)

[donetao]

MBAM was founded in 2008!

https://www.malwarebytes.org/company/

[allheart55 Cindy E]

Hi [uSER=9187]@allheart55 (Cindy E)[/uSER] Are we talking False positives. I too have installed MBAM over the top, but I really have forgotten why I did that. All malware programs have false positives.;);)

 

It happened back in July, last year. It had nothing to do with False Positives. Malwarebytes Pro quarantined the Entire System 32 folder. See this thread....http://freepchelp.forum/t/200595/

[donetao]

I have had MBAM for longer than that. I never experienced that problem. That's not good; but if it's OK now, I see no problems with recommending it to our members now. I'm very interested in all of this and I'm going to do a little research on this.

Thanks for the info!!