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SurfDefense

Posted: February 28, 2017

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 8/10
Infected PCs: 37
First Seen: February 28, 2017
Last Seen: January 8, 2020
OS(es) Affected: Windows

SurfDefense is a Potentially Unwanted Program that offers to improve the user's security while browsing the Web. However, the extension does not do this by performing any file scans or other actions that can ensure that the user will not be downloading infected files. Instead, the protection it offers includes a website filter that will keep users away from websites linked to fraudulent or unsafe content. According to the official download page of SurfDefense, the database of corrupted sites includes over a million pages, and users can rest assured that the list is updated so that SurfDefense will keep them away from the most recent hoaxes and fraudulent schemes found on the Web regularly.

However, what the software may not mention is that by installing it, users also will have to agree to the Terms & Conditions, which may include some interesting things such as, for example, a disclaimer that SurfDefense's application will display advertisements (banners, pop-ups, in-text ads, etc.) in the user's Web browser for as long as SurfDefense is running. The company behind SurfDefense may claim that this is required to keep the software free and cover operating costs, but users should keep in mind that by agreeing to this, they may have their Web browsing experience ruined by the numerous ads they'll start seeing.

The marketing content that SurfDefense may bring to the Web browser should not be unsafe, but there is no doubt that most of the ads will be irrelevant to the user. It is not uncommon for SurfDefense ads to promote other security software, services, products or 3rd-party utilities. It is certain that they are better, ad-free alternatives to SurfDefense so that users who are not happy with the advertising methods that this program uses, should consider removing it as soon as possible. Getting rid of SurfDefense is a task that can be handled either via manual uninstall, or by using an anti-malware utility.

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