Redirected hostfile entry

Classification

Category :

Spyware

Type :

Other

Aliases :

Redirected hostfile entry

Summary

The file appears to be suspicious, is potentially undesirable, or may be structured in a way or has characteristics that resembles known malware. This may indicate the presence of a malware infection, or that the suspect file is malicious.

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 detection is triggered when an entry in your hostsfile redirects a particular IP address to a different host. A redirected hosts file entry is a common action performed by various malware.

If the modified entry in your hosts file is intended (such as by use of a hosts file list), add this listing to your ignorelist. If not, selecting this item will remove the entry from your hosts file.

For more information about hosts files, please see Encyclopedia: Hosts File.