But how does adware, other forms of malware and unwanted software find its way on to your PC or laptop in the first place? In many cases it will sneak its way on via a program that you are installing, streaming or downloading. Potentially Unwanted Programs, (termed PUP’s for short) and other malware are often bundled with software such as PDF document creators or with the videos, TV shows, movies and music that are you are downloading. Therefore you should always make sure that you have a reputable and up to date anti-malware software program running on your machine at all times.
Whilst PUP.Optional.OpenCandy is not technically speaking a virus, this PUP can be extremely annoying and quite difficult to get rid of. It will come loaded with adware, which as anyone who has been infected by adware can tell you, can drive you to the brink of insanity with its relentless adverts, plus it will very likely hijack your browser and install a strange and unwanted toolbar on your machine too. Not only do unwanted toolbars get in the way but they can direct you to websites that the creators want you to visit and can in general make using your computer a real user-unfriendly experience. PUP.Optional.OpenCandy is also a form of spyware which enables it to be installed deep within your PC’s operating system so that it is harder for you to find – and therefore delete.
So the annoyances and dangers of PUP’s are clear but how do you stop unwittingly installing them on your PC? Your anti-malware software is the most helpful tool in your arsenal but you also need to pay attention to what you’re downloading too. It might seem like a nuisance but reading the end user license agreement carefully when you’re downloading or installing something is an absolute must. Because PUP’s come packaged with freeware they will often be mentioned somewhere in the wording. If you spot a reference to a PUP, malware, adware or additional software to the actual one you are downloading you should make sure you uncheck any boxes that appear to be offering something ‘extra’. Either that or decide how important that download is and if you really do need or want it.
The two rules to remember therefore when protecting yourself from a PUP such as PUP.Optional.OpenCandy is to exercise caution, only download things from sites you trust and to run your anti-malware regularly. Since this PUP comes bundled with other unwanted applications, it would be a good idea to run a full system scan with anti-malware software.
Written by Michael Kaur, http://deletemalware.blogspot.com
PUP.Optional.OpenCandy removal instructions:
1. Download recommended anti-malware software and run a full system scan to remove PUP.Optional.OpenCandy and associated malware from your computer.
2. Remove potentially unwanted extensions from your web browser.
Google Chrome:
1. Click on Chrome menu button. Go to Tools → Extensions.
2. Click on the trashcan icon and remove the extensions that might be causing Chitka pop ups. Basically, remove all extensions that you didn't install. It's perfectly OK to remove all extensions since by default Google Chrome comes without any extensions.
Mozilla Firefox:
1. Go to Tools → Add-ons.
2. Select Extensions. Remove all extensions that you didn't install. Please note, by default Firefox comes without any extensions.
Internet Explorer:
1. Go to Tools → Manage Add-ons. If you have the latest version, simply click on the Settings button.
2. Select Toolbars and Extensions. Remove all add-ons that you didn't install or you believe may cause those annoying pop-ups to show up.
3. Download CCleaner and tidy up your computer, remove temp files, etc.
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