4Squared

PUP.4Squared is a Potentially Unwanted Program distributed through the 4shared.com file-sharing/storage website, a site that has recently acquired a reputation for distributing malware. Potentially Unwanted Programs and low-level PC threats distributed through this site have been known to bear a number of misleading file names, such as installers for popular games or quiz generators. Although PUP.4Squared, as part of a typical 4shared account installation, does not possess much capability to harm your computer, SpywareRemove.com malware researchers recommend avoiding any downloads through 4shared, as a confirmed infection vector. Naturally, deleting PUP.4Squared with a suitable anti-malware tool goes hand-in-hand with keeping your PC clean of 4shared-related PC threats.

When Your Computer's Squared Off by a Hasty Download

With software pirates always looking for new sources for illegal downloads and other Web surfers always interested in free file hosting options, PUP.4Squared and the 4shared website appear to have been poised to take advantage of this easy traffic revenue for some time. However, only in the last two years have complaints about this file-sharing site turned into a general trend of disreputable behavior. SpywareRemove.com malware researchers particularly highlight the following issues that affect anyone trying to download files with PUP.4Squared or 4shared:

• The 4shared.com site markets its download accessibility in a misleading manner that limits any mention of the prerequisite account or the fact that this account usually will include an installation of PUP.4Squared software.
• Various PC threats and PUPs like PUP.4Squared also are distributed through intentionally misnamed file downloads. Many file names will conform to the names of popular products, such as Minecraft, but any attempt to launch them will install PUP.4Squared or another unwanted program.
• Even after PUP.4Squared and the account registration issues are overcome, the 4shared site does not appear to moderate much, if any of its content. Malware researchers have noticed a correlation between heavy use of PUP.4Squared and malware infections that are distributed through 4shared downloads. Other types of unwanted content, such as adult erotica and general advertising spam, also has been associated with downloads managed through PUP.4Squared.

Keeping Your PC from Getting 4Squared

Most PUP.4Squared installations are the result of careless Web surfers who, in their eagerness to download a 'free' movie or game, end up installing PUP.4Squared instead of launching their desired content. SpywareRemove.com malware experts note that a basic level of attentiveness to details like file sizes, file extensions and the overall reputation of downloading sites can help keep your computer from getting Potentially Unwanted Programs like PUP.4Squared.

If you need to remove PUP.4Squared after installing PUP.4Squared, a reasonable majority of anti-malware programs have been confirmed to be able to detect and delete PUP.4Squared easily. The aliases by which PUP.4Squared is detected will depend on your anti-malware software of choice, with different aliases ranging from names of Trojan downloaders to variants of 4shared PUPs or simply generic Trojans.