PicRec

PicRec is a browser add-on designed for loading additional banners, pop-ups and other advertising-associated content automatically. Because its presence may degrade the quality of your Web-browsing experience and even by a security hazard, malware researchers have classified PicRec as adware that you may remove with little hesitation. However, due to its history of blocking standardized deletion efforts, an easy removal of PicRec may require specialized anti-adware utilities that also should be able to reverse any browser settings responsible for launching its advertisements.

PicRec: a New Source of Arbitrary Advertisements in Your Browser

Potentially Unwanted Programs usually are not considered high-level threats due to their dearth of deliberate attack features or major security risks. However, being a PUP doesn't make PicRec any less of a safety risk to your Web browser, and malware researchers have found PicRec distributed by sites known for trafficking in fraudulent Flash updates and other poor business practices. Like most adware, PicRec is distributed heavily by freeware domains and may be bundled with other unwanted applications. Installers for PicRec typically are disguised as installers for other, free programs developed by unrelated third parties.

PicRec's installation process includes browser modifications that may display advertising content regardless of a Web page's original content. These functions may allow PicRec to insert new advertisements into a Web page, hijack preexisting advertising plugins or load new windows (or tabs) by itself. Typical browsers affected by PicRec and similar adware tend towards Windows-based ones (such as Internet Explorer and Chrome) although the browsers of other OSes are not necessarily immune to similar advertising intrusions from other sources.

Overall, malware researchers see no advantages and substantial risks to PicRec's advertising content, which may expose you to other, equally fraudulent download sources or even deliberate attacks against your PC. However, the bulk of PicRec's advertisements, so far, have been rated as relatively safe shopping content (although this rating should not be taken as an endorsement of PicRec's affiliates).

The Right Recommendations on a PicRec Removal

Adware add-ons may be limited in terms of their intended features, but their advertisements are frequent sources of other intrusions that may be related to phishing sites, malware installers or other threats. With these considerations taken into account, uninstalling PicRec with appropriate PC security software obviously is preferable to any prolonged interaction with its advertisements, regardless of the source of a PicRec installation. Malware researchers also might recommend scanning any suspicious installers from freeware sites with poor business histories, which can allow your security software to detect the bundle-based distribution programs that allow adware like PicRec to thrive.

Sites confirmed for distributing PicRec programs don't provide any independent, reputable software that would only be available from them. Whatever is the case, if there is any motive to estimate that the trustworthiness of an adware peddler is lacking, you should search for original, safe sources to download a desired media player or other freeware application.