InstallCore adware that can generate intrusive ads for generating pay-per-click revenue
InstallCore[1] is a free application launched by ironSource Ltd. company in 2010. It is promoted as “the leading application installation platform for premium publishers” and allegedly claims to improve users’ browsing experience by speeding up software installation. Unfortunately, it’s yet another intrusive adware and potentially unwanted application (PUA), which may flood web browsers with intrusive commercials, banners, and hyperlinks to gain financial profit from advertising.
Although initially, it may seem like a useful HTML-based installer for improving the installation of apps, you should know that it is recognized as PUP.Optional.InstallCore or Adware.InstallCore, while most of the reputable security vendors warn people not to trust it due to potentially dangerous ads that it may deliver, as well as possible redirect to phishing sites. On top of that, the application is known for spying on its users with the help of web beacons and tracking cookies.
| Name | InstallCore |
| Launch date | 2010 |
| Also known as | PUP.Optional.InstallCore or Adware.InstallCore |
| Classification | Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA), adware |
| Symptoms | Web browser keeps displaying an excessive amount of popups and banners that are filled with sponsored content. The application may try to reroute your web browser to malware download websites. The web browser may slow down |
| Danger level | Danger level – low. The application is not dangerous, though the content that it brings to its users can expose users to irrelevant or even potentially dangerous content |
| Removal | The adware can be eliminated with anti-malware. That’s a quick solution for those who save time. However, you can also try to get rid of it manually with the tutorial provided at the end of this post |
| Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego optimization tool helps people to recover system’s performance after malware infection | |
If you have noticed an increased amount of ads during your web browsing, the culprit of that may be the InstallCore virus. This installer has been spreading various possibly unwanted components in a bundle with freeware and shareware. Therefore, if you can’t browse the net without seeing random ads everywhere, you should check the system for malware.
The InstallCore ads are intrusive as they tend to cover the original content of the websites. However, these ads can be linked to suspicious third-party websites that may be primarily used for spreading malware or tricking people into paying for various useless subscriptions.
InstallCore is an advertising platform that earns the money by displaying third-party content on peoples’ web browsers
InstallCore is an advertising platform that earns the money by displaying third-party content on peoples’ web browsers
In most of the cases, InstallCore adware is set to collect data related to people’s browsing activity. However, many people go against the disclosure of their email address, PC’s location, IP address, and similar information that can give away their identity. After collecting the required amount of data and sending it to affiliated parties, this application is likely to adapt most of the InstallCore ads according to user’s preferences, thus increasing the number of clicks.
That’s why security experts agree upon the need to remove InstallCore virus from the machine. If you have recently installed this program on your computer or noticed ads marked by the slogan of this tool, you should double-check your computer with a reputable anti-spyware.
InstallCore removal will stop intrusive ads and allow you to surf the net uninterrupted. Besides, third parties won’t be capable of spying on your web browsing activities easily.
Online forums are full of users’ questions on how to uninstall Adware.InstallCore virus
InstallCore is usually detected by updated AV engines as a PUP or PUA
PUPs rely on bundling. That’s the easiest way to infiltrate machines without being noticed
Adware, browser hijacker, and other PUPs are spread using bundling. You can easily download this program manually but you should remember that it may also enter your computer in a bundle with download managers, PDF creators, video streaming software, etc.
This particular program can be installed manually from its official website. However, most of the downloads are indirect. In other words, people download it without knowing about such a tool at all. After that, it may start displaying targeted advertising material and may be used to collect information about users’ online activity. Besides, it may start bothering you with annoying advertisements and may also initiate other unwanted activities.
InstallCore advertising scheme
InstallCore advertising scheme
You can find this program on your computer after downloading third-party applications, so you should start monitoring the installation of the freeware and opt-out of optional components that are usually added to them. For getting the ability to see what is hiding behind the installer of the freeware, you should read the End User License Agreement (EULA), Privacy Policy, and similar information. Besides, select Custom or Advanced installation of the freeware, and then uncheck all checkmarks claimong that you want to install browser-based applications.
InstallCore ads will be terminated upon adware removal
Technically, InstallCore is not a virus. Practically, most of the users consider it to be a virus due to extremely aggressive advertising processes. The application generates pop-ups, banners, new tab ads, and other forms of advertisements promoting various commercials.
InstallCore ads can be intrusive and expose people to suspicious third party sites
InstallCore ads can be intrusive and expose people to suspicious third party sites
Alternatively, it may enable push notifications and trigger random web browsers redirects to the websites of its sponsors. Therefore, the only way to clean unwanted content from your web browser is to perform a full InstallCore removal. As we have already pointed out, the easiest way to do that is to run a scan with a professional AV engine.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
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While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various circumstances, malware is also one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. Potentially unwanted programs may clear files that keep the application from running smoothly.
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