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Dialer:W32/Dialer

Name : Dialer:W32/Dialer
Detection Names : porn-dialer
win32.dialer
Category:Spyware
Type:Dialer
Platform:W32

Summary

A program that connects the computer to the Internet via a telephone line and modem. Malicious dialers will secretly connect the computer to premium-rate lines.

Disinfection

Automatic Disinfection

Allow F-Secure Anti-Virus to disinfect the relevant files.

For more general information on disinfection, please see Removal Instructions.

Additional Details

When searching our Virus Descriptions database for a specific program (e.g., Dialer:W32/Example.A), you may be directed to this page if the overview below sufficiently describes the program.

Alternatively, you may be directed to this page if no description matching that specific query is currently available. You can submit a sample of the suspect file to our Response Lab for further analysis via:

  • Sample Analysis System


About Dialers


The Type designation 'Dialer' was previously used by F-Secure to identify a program that connects the computer to the Internet via a telephone line and modem.

Malicious dialers secretly connect the computer to premium-rate lines, greatly increasing the usage charges payable by the user. Some dialers (known as porn-dialers) also provide its users with access to adult content, which may be inappropriate or unwanted.

With changes in the threat landscape today, programs previously identified as 'Dialer' programs would now be classified under the Riskware Category, with the Type designation 'Application'.

The update in naming better clarifies the program's overall security profile in the current, significantly more threatening malware environment.


More

For more information, see Encyclopedia: Dialer.