New virus Win32:Softonic-H

There is a new virus, Win32:Softonic-H. It is attached to Softonic’s downloader software. Softonic is a company that downloads software guaranteed virus free. But it seems it has been compromised. Does anyone know what this virus does and how dangerous it is?

Thanks for sharing.
Another free download site that is involved in malware sharing.
It’s a shame.
I never recommended Softonic anyway.

It is not malware as such but a so-called PUP detection. A possibly unwanted program or so-called riskware is a program that you have not willfully installed yourself (came with malware) or are not fully aware of the risks involved. In that case it should be removed. See: https://www.virustotal.com/file/975363464609146eaf5f582ef910c29cecfff8e0e88c0e7fabd21cce38edc5b2/analysis/
Avast flags this PUP as Win32:Softonic-H [PUP]. So it is your decision to keep the software or not.
Some also consider the downloader to contain adware,

polonus

CNet-downloads is also using a downloader that is not well seen around security communities:

http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?topic=11649.0

Still good, clean sites for downloads, besides the vendor’s site of course:

http://www.filehippo.com/

http://www.majorgeeks.com/

http://www.filehorse.com/

Regards.

Hi iroc9555,

Yes more and more users are becoming aware of the crapware additions, it is becoming a general scheme.
Majorgeeks is a great source for vendor’s free malware cleansing tools without the nagscreens and other additional adware,

polonus