Classification

Category :

Spyware

Type :

Adware

Aliases :

Adware.freeprod toolbar, Adware.MaxSearch, Maxifiles Director, Adware.Maxifiles

Summary

Adware.Maxifiles usually takes the form of a toolbar, being installed through Active-X but is also reported to be spread through AOL and AIM, being forcibly installed by worms. It may change browser settings and install other software to the system.

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

Maxifiles.com distributes spyware named Director. It runs hidden from the user and installs in a way as to appear to be part of the operating system.

The software communicates with and receives script commands from the Maxifile servers. Director masks itself as a Windows component by using service32 as its process name and Windows as its folder name. There is no uninstaller for Director or any indication to the user that it is running.

Maxifiles' website is a web portal for various interests. Usage of the webpage is tracked. There have also been reports that Maxifiles products link to phishing websites.