What is PUP.Optional.APNToolbar and How To Remove APNToolbar Virus

What is “APNToolbar”?

“APNToolbar” is “Potentially Unwanted Program” (PUP) that Modifies some of the system files and hides among the system files. Such “Potentially Unwanted Programs” (PUPs) continue to trouble the users or let us say trick the users with bogus ads, i.e., ad banners with discounted coupons, security alerts, instant bug fixes and then make money on every activity user performs.

This kind of program is specially designed to bloat a filesystem, fill up memory with junk, and places advertisements and extensions in the toolbars of the web browsers. Because of such annoying programs, many of our users who read our blogs know we have taken an aggressive approach to eliminating such programs.

Like all the other unwanted programs, APNToolbar is also bundled with a parent installer file.

Also Read: How To Remove Sality virus From Your Computer Easily?

Here this malware holds the ability to steal the user’s confidential detail, i.e., login ID and passwords, banking account details. On the other hand, it has a different role to play this virus would display ads every time you go online this is the primary feature used to make money. The developers get paid every time the user clicks on the ad this technique of making money is called pay per click. 

How does it get installed on the system?

The developers use a widespread strategy known as “bundling” to spread the virus. Bundling is a process in which the target application is attached to a freeware program and gets installed with the freeware program.

And the other most popular way of spreading such applications is through advertisements pop-ups. Vendors are hired for this purpose they help in creating the sponsored product ads for the developers. This kind of ads are designed using attractive taglines or by offering fake discount coupons so that people are attracted and feel a need download such applications or at least to give it a try.

Targeted browsers

The promotional ads can show up on any web browser but the most common targeted browsers are Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. These ads are activated if you enter third-party websites or if you are infected with an adware.

Adware is a malicious program and the chances of getting hit by it is very common. It could strike your system if you don’t have an antivirus or let us say a firewall or in case if your security program is outdated or expired.

Also Read: How To Remove Fake Windows ACTION CENTER Warning From Computer?

How to block a PUP before it infects your system?

Someday when you plan on installing a freeware software or a freeware game make sure you read the complete license agreement section and read all the terms and conditions. And if that is too much or you don’t feel like reading it just make sure if an installation comes up with the options “custom or automatic”, it is always recommended that you go with custom installation process as this would disclose the other programs that might get installed along with it. If you see any additional add-ons or toolbars checked, then remember to uncheck them this would avoid the installation of a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP).

Since, now we have reached an understanding that “APNToolbar” is categorized as a potentially unwanted program and adware, we would recommend you to get rid of it.

Follow the instruction below to uninstall “APNToolbar” and temporarily disable adware and then create a firewall for your computer all by yourself.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously. This will take you to windows task manager. Here, make sure that you are looking into the application tab and now search for “APN”. If present, then select it and click on End Task.
2. Now you can close the task manager.
3. Now, we need to open control panel from the start menu or by holding Windows key + R key at the same time. This would bring up the “RUN” box now in this box you need to type control and hit ok.
4. Here, in the control panel click on Add/Remove program.
5. This will show the list of all the installed program.
6. Look for “APN” and all the other programs that you find suspicious, select each of these programs individually and uninstall them.

Now let us look at the steps you need to follow to prevent such programs from installing on worry about the security or the performance of your computer. Let us get your computer without your permission by creating a strong firewall. By doing this, you will never have to start.

Also Read: How To Remove yandex.ru Redirect Virus From Browser?