Mind the PUP: Top download portals to avoid

Unchecky was part of a few problem programs on a recent cleanup I did for a client. Serious browser hijacks and "Cannot display webpage" problems until it was removed. Then all was normal.

I now run all downloads thru Virus Total before I put it on my machine. The run it thru 60 of all the well known AV programs. And since I do the download and the checking in one of my Linux virtual machines, I am safe from any manipulations. If Virus Total raises red flags, I trash it.

Here is an example of the Picasa downloader from the Cnet site:

Cnet is one of the most scary sites on the net.
I won't even go there to read articles let alone download something.

Right Jack, that's why I picked it to show the example.

I just noticed on mbam site they boast about having a CNet high rating
How can they be so weird to even list anything about CNet being they serve so many with pupware
I imagine even if some dip downloads mbam from CNet

ThrashZone said:

I just noticed on mbam site they boast about having a CNet high rating
How can they be so weird to even list anything about CNet being they serve so many with pupware
I imagine even if some dip downloads mbam from CNet

Its funny, isn't it? This is just another example of our backwards society. No matter how bad you are, if you're popular, people will endorse you for their own gain.

Yep possibly mbam passed on CNet's auto pupware addition package :)

I actually prefer to use my Mint Mate in a virtual machine. It is the safest and malware has no chance.

Yes, CNET is a real malware box. It is rare that a download from them come in clean. Best is to always run everything thru Virus Total. Then you know how the download is.