| Name | PopDown |
| Type | PUP |
| Short Description | PopDown promises to guard the user against unwanted pop-up ads but ends up producing them. |
| Symptoms | Pop-ups are displayed. |
| Distribution Method | Bundling. |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By PopDown |
PopDown is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that is supposed to guard the user’s browser against unwanted pop-up advertisements. Instead of doing what it promises, the application only compromises the user’s online privacy. PopDown may have been downloaded in a bundled installer or from a freeware page. Once on the system, PopDown may start generating advertisements – pop-ups and banners. The app needs to be uninstalled so that the system is restored to normal.
PopDown Distribution Method
PUAs typically share the same distribution method. They are primarily distributed in bundled packages. The purpose of bundling is purely monetary. Third party marketers and software providers apply the method to monetize profit by generating pay-per-click revenue or draw visitors to predefined pages.
NOTE
The PopDown app and similar products are often promoted on freeware pages. However, our research indicates that bundling is the primary distribution technique of adware.
To stay protected against bundling, users should always opt for the custom/ advanced installation and uncheck recommended software.
PopDown PUP Risk Evaluation
As we have said many times, despite PUPs are often included in the malware family, they are not malicious. PUPs are not viruses, but they are troublesome, indeed. PupDown and other applications of the same type often employ tracking technologies to obtain relevant data from users. Tracking technologies are:
- Browser cookies
- Web and DOM storage data
- Adobe Flash cookies
- Pixels
- Beacons
- JavaScript
- Unique identifiers
They are later used to collect PII and non-PII such as:
- Browsing-related details – histories, search queries, used cookies.
- Personal details such as usernames, passwords, website credentials, IP addresses, etc.
Collected data can be given to affiliate partners and digital agencies, and other interested sites, depending on the contract. That is why paying attention to the software’s Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, EULA is crucial.
PopDown Removal Options
Best case scenario is you only have PopDown running in the background. However, if the PUP reached your system through a bundled download, you may have more unwanted software installed without your knowledge. Potentially unwanted applications are often designed to alter the Windows Registry and add new entries. Multiple dynamic link library and executable files can also be added.
RECOMMENDED
After you have manually located and uninstalled the PUP, you should consider scanning the system via professional software. You can follow the instructions below the article or refer to AV software of your choice.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall PopDown in Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps to remove that program. No matter if you are using Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall PopDown.
Step 2: Remove PopDown from your browser
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer
Remove a toolbar from Safari
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select PopDown and click “Remove”
After PopDown is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select PopDown to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
After PopDown has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on PopDown
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall PopDown. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the PopDown will be removed.
Step 4: Remove PopDown automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
To clean your computer you should download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all PopDown associated objects.
