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REPACKAGING, A SOURCE OF INFECTION!

Repackaging, or software bundling, is a method used by some download sites.

Potentially unwanted software (LPI) or Potentialy Unwanted Programs (PUP) are the cause of many infections. The most common example is adware. InstallCoreCrossriderGraftor ou Boxore which pollute the Registry and your explorer.

They are usually installed without your knowledge by downloading freeware. In fact, some sites use the repackaging method, an operation which consists of redoing the software installation module by adding download options. These options allow you to add other software such as browser toolbars, adware, potentially unwanted software, intrusive advertising software, or even browser hijackers.

The trick is to hide the addition of additional programs through pre-checked options called “Advanced” or “Custom”. It goes without saying that the user generally chooses the “Standard” installation without reading the options offered.

This operation consists of redoing the installation module (setup) of free software (freeware) by adding download options.

These options allow you to add other software such as browser toolbars, adwares, potentially unwanted software, intrusive advertising software, or even browser hijackers. The trick is to hide the addition of additional programs through pre-checked options called “advanced" or "Personalized”. It goes without saying that the user generally chooses the “Standard” installation without reading the options offered. It may also happen that the installation conditions are in another language, which makes them even more difficult to understand.

This method makes it possible to legalize the download of additional software since it is done with your consent and sites that practice the repackaging method cannot be prosecuted.

It is also strongly recommended to read the End User License Agreement (EULA) of a software to avoid automatically installing these unwanted additional software. Antiviruses are generally helpless when a user has intentionally installed unwanted software due to not having read the EULA in its entirety.

The addition of these new programs may reduce the performance of your system but also slow down, redirect or harm your Internet browsing with the display of unwanted advertisements.

This software which is not necessarily desired by the user is classified as Potentially Unwanted Optional Programs (LPI) or better known as Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP). Repackaging is widely used to include aggressive adware like InstallCore, Crossrider, Graftor, Boxore or even Wajam. Ultimately, programs that pollute your Registry and your data storage units.

Please note that software repackaging can be done so that additional software is included and installed without your consent. In this case, the potential risk of adding malware cannot be excluded and great caution is required when using it.

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