Webroot not detecting the PUP.InstallIQ/Variant loader
Why is Webroot not detecting the PUP.InstallIQ/Variant loader known to propagate malware? I am alternately using a free version of "SuperAntiSpyware" that locates this every time in WD backup .zip files. (Not sure why this returns after I instruct SAV to delete it - ?) While it may not BE "malware", it is certainly invasive and rejected by most business grade AV software. Please advise. Mahalo.
Hello Mahalo, welcome to the Community!
What I have below is admittedly a copy/paste regarding PUP's (We call them PUA's here, Potentially Unwanted Application, but the terms come down to meaning the same thing.) I hope this gives you a bit more information as to why WSA did not detect these for you, how to get rid of them, and how to keep from getting them again in the future.
Below is some generic information on PUAs that we give out. It will help inform you of what they are and has some information of some generic steps that you can try/do to get rid of them. But what we really need is details on the source.
PUAs are very annoying at best in that they cause pop-ups, 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.
The key to avoiding them is to make sure that when downloading apps one does so from the author's own website or one that they have recommended, and not 3rd party downloading site.
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.
If you feel or consider yourself technically proficient then you can try these steps to remove it from your system.
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.
What I have below is admittedly a copy/paste regarding PUP's (We call them PUA's here, Potentially Unwanted Application, but the terms come down to meaning the same thing.) I hope this gives you a bit more information as to why WSA did not detect these for you, how to get rid of them, and how to keep from getting them again in the future.
Below is some generic information on PUAs that we give out. It will help inform you of what they are and has some information of some generic steps that you can try/do to get rid of them. But what we really need is details on the source.
PUAs are very annoying at best in that they cause pop-ups, 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.
The key to avoiding them is to make sure that when downloading apps one does so from the author's own website or one that they have recommended, and not 3rd party downloading site.
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.
If you feel or consider yourself technically proficient then you can try these steps to remove it from your system.
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.
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