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OtShot

Posted: March 16, 2013

OtShot (sometimes called Hotshot, the OtShot Virus or OtShot MFC) is a Potentially Unwanted Application that offers Greeting Card-creating functions as a form of specialized image editor, but also includes many unwanted 'features,' such as attempting to access your e-mail address book, creating pop-ups and causing system instability. Although you may install OtShot like any program, most PC users affected by OtShot were compromised through fake software updates for unrelated applications, including fraudulent operating system updates. SpywareRemove.com malware researchers recommend that you avoid unusual pop-up installer prompts and, if needed, use anti-malware programs for removing OtShot if OtShot does manage to install itself without your permission.

OtShot: a Real Hotshot for Sneaking in Where OtShot is Unwanted

Even though OtShot is marketed as a supposedly beneficial program for your PC, OtShot also appears to be more than happy to dive bomb into your hard drive via fraudulent means – while disguising itself as an update for other applications, especially ones of reputable and widely-used brands like Microsoft. Some of the most recent installers for OtShot may use disguises like fake Windows XP service packs and EXE files for Mozilla's Firefox browser. Given these well-identified infection vectors, simply staying clear of download links from unofficial sources should be enough to keep OtShot off of your computer.

There are fairly large a number of negative characteristics linked to OtShot that are completely unrelated to its supposed function as an image editor. These issues can include:

  • System performance problems (slowdowns and program crashes).
  • Pop-up messages that can't be disabled.
  • Attempts to access the contacts of your e-mail clients, such as Outlook.
  • Changes to your Desktop wallpaper settings.
  • OtShot automatically launching with Windows with no way to disable OtShot.

Turning OtShot into a Blazing Ball of Nothing

OtShot usually is associated with pop-up links and other download sources from free software sites with long histories of distributing suspicious and unwanted software. If you keep your browser history clean and avoid any needless contact with sites that have reputations for peddling PUP software, OtShot is unlikely to wind up on your computer.

If you do see symptoms of OtShot's presence, which, SpywareRemove.com malware experts have noted, are easily identifiable, you should be ready to use anti-malware software as needed to remove OtShot and all of its system changes. OtShot does try to resist being deleted and, even if OtShot does seem to uninstall through usual methods, will include components that are most easily removed by appropriate anti-malware tools.

Since OtShot does have some beneficial functions, SpywareRemove.com malware researchers have not yet classified OtShot as actual malware, but they do note that its many disadvantages and dangerous distribution methods make OtShot much closer to a low-level PC threat than a typical PUP.

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