Threat Descriptions

Adware:W32/Zestyfind

Classification

Category :

Spyware

Type :

Adware

Platform :

W32

Aliases :

-

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

Adware:W32/Zestyfind is an adware program that creates a shortcut link on the desktop.

Zestyfind is created by Nic Tech Networks, who also created the Look2Me adware program; not surprisingly, a Look2Me-infected machine may also be infected with Zestyfind.

Installation

As a Nic Tech Netwoks creation, Zestyfind may be bundled together with installations of Look2Me adware. It may also be installed by other adware or malware.

This adware is dropped as an executable file in the Windows directory as:

  • iconXX.exe

Where XX can be either one or two alphanumeric characters (e.g., "iconz3.exe" or "icont.exe").

The purpose of the file is to copy itself to the Windows directory and create a shortcut link on the desktop pointing to the zestyfind.com search page.

Here are some screenshots of the shortcut link:

The shortcut link may lead to:

  • https://www.zestyfind.com/cgi-bin/search.cgikeywords=gambling - Online Gambling Desktop Shortcut
  • https://www.zestyfind.com/cgi-bin/search.cgikeywords=travel - Travel Specials Desktop Shortcut
  • https://www.zestyfind.com/cgi-bin/search.cgikeywords=music - Music Tracks
  • https://www.zestyfind.com/cgi-bin/search.cgikeywords=gambling - Free Casino
  • https://www.zestyfind.com/cgi-bin/search.cgikeywords=auctions - Online Auctions
  • https://www.zestyfind.com/cgi-bin/search.cgikeywords=dating - Online Dating