Favoriteman

Classification

Category :

Spyware

Type :

Data Miner

Aliases :

Mindset Interactive, F1Organizer, ATPartners, SpyAssult, Windows Help 4 Smart Browsing

Summary

Favoriteman used to track the browser's usage and to display pop-up advertisements. The company behind Favoriteman has closed down and has ceased to exist.

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

Favoriteman was the first product Mindset Interactive created. Like many other Spyware vendors, Mindset changed their name and built up new sites to get a clean track record. Their most recent name was F1Organizer.

Known modifications and name changes are F1Organizer, ATPartners, SpyAssult and Windows Help 4 Smart Browsing.

It appears however that Mindset Interactive has closed down all their sites and operations.

F-Secure still detects Favoriteman because it still exists in the wild. Even though the components are no longer harmful, they add additional payload to your browser.

Mindset Interactive also created NetPal. Read the description of NetPal here:

  • https://www.f-secure.com/sw-desc/netpal.shtml