Adware:W32/WhenU

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Classification

Category:

Spyware

Type:

Adware

Platform:

W32

Aliases:

SaveNow, Save, WhenU Searchbar

Summary

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

Removal

Automatic action

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.

Suspect a file is incorrectly detected (a False Positive)?

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 detection database 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.

Find out more

Knowledge Base

Find the latest advice in our Community Knowledge Base.

User Guide

See the user guide for your product on the Help Center.

Contact Support

Chat with or call an expert for help.

Submit a sample

Submit a file or URL for further analysis.

Technical Details

Adware:W32/WhenU displays targeted advertisements during the web browsing session.

Installation

During installation, a unique machine ID is generated to track the number of installations.

If the program is installed as part of a bundled package, an affiliate ID is also generated to indicate the product the program was bundled with. In the communication with WhenU servers, the affiliate ID is included and the unique machine ID excluded.

Targeted Advertising

In order to target advertisements to appropriate viewers, the program monitors the user's browsing behavior. Details monitored include visited URLs, search terms entered and content of webpages viewed.

Unlike most adware, WhenU does not forward collected data to its servers for analysis. Instead, the analysis and content selection is performed on the local system, as the program uses the collected browsing information to query a local database and chose the most appropriate advertisement to display.

Once selected, a request is send to the remote server to download the selected content. The reason for the selection is included in the request. In addition, if the user subsequently clicks on the advertisement, the action is reported back to the server.

Additional

The program has several related programs, all based on the same technology. The three most common are:

SearchBar

WhenU's SearchBar is a toolbar hooked on to the Desktop that displays contextual advertisements in the form of rotating text links accessible from within the application. Performing search queries via the SearchBar produces search results that are monitored by the search provider.

SaveNow

WhenU's SaveNow displays popup advertisements during the web browsing session. The advertisements usually relate to discount offers. The program runs in the background, with a small tray icon visible.

Save

Save behaves exactly like SaveNow, but is usually bundled with free software to generate profit for the free software vendor.