LinkOptimizer

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Rootkit

Aliases :

LinkOptimizer

Summary

LinkOptimizer is an Adware/Spy application with active rootkit technology. LinkOptimizer copies itself to a windows directory. LinkOptimizer disables certain features of the operating system and downloads files from several websites and executes them.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.

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 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

LinkOptimizer is an adware program that generates pop-up windows at random intervals while connected to the internet. LinkOptimizer adds itself to a Browser Helper Object list in the registry to maintain control of Internet Explorer instances. It also hijacks the default search page.

Recently, LinkOptimizer was bundled with a powerful rootkit named Gromozon. Gromozon's main purpose was hiding its own presence along with the LinkOptimzier component, using numerous techniques, such as:

  • Special user account
  • Undocumented NTFS features
  • Blocking anti-rootkit programs
  • Windows API hooking
  • Removing the user's administrator rights