Virus Encyclopedia

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PowerClean

 
Threat LevelModerate threat
DamageHigh
DistributionNot widespread
Common name:PowerClean
Technical name:Adware/PowerClean
Threat level:Low
Type:Spyware
Subtype: Adware
Effects:   It collects information on Internet usage and the applications installed in the computer and uses it to display pop-up advertisements.
Affected platforms:

Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:Nov. 20, 2006
Detection updated on:Nov. 20, 2006
StatisticsNo
Proactive protection:
Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies

Brief Description 

    

Adware refers to programs that display advertising using any means: pop-ups, banners, changes to the browser home page or search page, etc. The advertisements could be associated with the products or services offered by the creator of the program or by third-parties.

Adware can be installed in a number of ways, on some occasions without users' consent, and either with or without users' knowledge of its function.

 

PowerClean does not spread automatically using its own means. It needs an attacking user's intervention in order to reach the affected computer. The means of transmission used include, among others, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, email messages with attached files, Internet downloads, FTP, IRC channels, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing networks, etc.