Is there a current computer hacking going on? I opened Mozilla and immediately received an unsolicited request to check my credit score with Experian, Transunion, etc. Why?
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It sounds like you could have a PUA that could be hijacking your browser and showing you those ads:
https://community.webroot.com/t5/Techie-KB/How-to-Remove-Potentially-Unwanted-Applications/ta-p/40744
https://community.webroot.com/t5/Techie-KB/How-to-Remove-Potentially-Unwanted-Applications/ta-p/40744
Hi path
If I may elaborate on what Nic has advised, and provide some background information in response to your 'Why?' question?
You may know what we know as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) here in the Community, as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) but rally the same difference, i.e., a non-malware program that can be very annoying at best in that they cause pop-us, redirect your browser home page, and other behaviour that may slow down the computer and direct ads your way, but they are not actually doing anything bad like damaging files or stealing information. Often they are installed intentionally by you the user as browser add-ons for various tasks such as quick search tools. But they also come with the result of added annoying pop-ups and ads. Other times they 'piggy back' with other software that you installed, or try to 'sneak' onto your system entirely.
WSA does detect and remove many PUA's, and more are being added, but WSA does not detect all of them. A simple browser add-on with PUA behaviour that is easy to identify and easy to remove is not likely to be detected and removed by WSA. Those that are intentionally difficult to locate and remove are. Please see this link for more information regarding Webroot's stance on these annoying programs.
Nic has already provided you with the Webroot guindace on steps to try to rid yourself of this pesky critter, however, if that does not work or you do not feel technically capable then the best thing to do is to Open a Support Ticket & ask Webroot Support to take a look and remove these for you. There is NO CHARGE for this for valid WSA license holder.
Hope that further assists you and complements what Nic advised?
Please feel free to come back and ask further questions if required.
Regards, Baldrick
If I may elaborate on what Nic has advised, and provide some background information in response to your 'Why?' question?
You may know what we know as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) here in the Community, as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) but rally the same difference, i.e., a non-malware program that can be very annoying at best in that they cause pop-us, redirect your browser home page, and other behaviour that may slow down the computer and direct ads your way, but they are not actually doing anything bad like damaging files or stealing information. Often they are installed intentionally by you the user as browser add-ons for various tasks such as quick search tools. But they also come with the result of added annoying pop-ups and ads. Other times they 'piggy back' with other software that you installed, or try to 'sneak' onto your system entirely.
WSA does detect and remove many PUA's, and more are being added, but WSA does not detect all of them. A simple browser add-on with PUA behaviour that is easy to identify and easy to remove is not likely to be detected and removed by WSA. Those that are intentionally difficult to locate and remove are. Please see this link for more information regarding Webroot's stance on these annoying programs.
Nic has already provided you with the Webroot guindace on steps to try to rid yourself of this pesky critter, however, if that does not work or you do not feel technically capable then the best thing to do is to Open a Support Ticket & ask Webroot Support to take a look and remove these for you. There is NO CHARGE for this for valid WSA license holder.
Hope that further assists you and complements what Nic advised?
Please feel free to come back and ask further questions if required.
Regards, Baldrick
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