Virus Encyclopedia
Welcome to the Virus Encyclopedia of Panda Security.
Startpage.UW | |
Threat Level DamageDistribution |
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| Common name: | Startpage.UW |
| Technical name: | Adware/Startpage.UW |
| Threat level: | Low |
| Type: | Spyware |
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Subtype:
| Adware |
| Effects: |
It collects information on Internet usage and the applications installed in the computer and uses it to display pop-up advertisements.
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| Affected platforms:
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Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95 |
| First detected on: | May 3, 2005 |
| Detection updated on: | May 3, 2005 |
| Statistics | No |
Proactive protection: | Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies
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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. It affects productivity, preventing tasks from being carried out: - In the affected computer:
it displays pop-up windows.
Startpage.UW uses the following propagation or distribution methods: - Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.
- File infection: it infects different types of files, which are then distributed through any of the usual means: floppy disks, email messages with attachments, Internet download, files transferred via FTP, IRC channels, P2P file sharing networks, etc.
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