Adware:W32/BetterInternet

Classification

Summary

This program delivers advertising content to the user. It is usually annoying but harmless, unless it is combined with spyware or trackware.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it may block the file from running, move it to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or ask you to select an action.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

Check for the latest database updates
First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.
Submit a sample
After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.
Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.
Exclude a file from further scanning
If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.
Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

This is the family description for the Adware:W32/BetterInternet family of adware programs, which contains multiple variants.

BetterInternet is an adware program that displays various kinds of pop-up advertisments via the Internet Explorer Windows browser. There have been reports of BetterInternet variants being distributed bundled together with advertising-supported software. Alternatively, the adware is distributed through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.

Installation

On download to a computer system, BetterInternet's main executable file is attached to the Explorer.exe process. It is then executed automatically each time the system is started.

Activity

While active, the BetterInternet program displays pop-up advertisements whenever the user visits certain websites.

The program may attempt to connect to various remote systems to retrieve advertising materials. It may also download and install additional components and updates for its own program.