Home Malware Programs Adware User-Agent Switcher

User-Agent Switcher

Posted: June 30, 2016

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 8/10
Infected PCs: 14
First Seen: June 30, 2016
Last Seen: February 19, 2020
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The User-Agent Switcher is a questionable adware that may inject large quantities of commercial materials in Web pages. The User-Agent Switcher doesn't offer any positive features that can negate the unpleasant consequences of the ads. In theory, the User-Agent Switcher should help you switch to different user agents with a click of the mouse. The User-Agent Switcher is expected to let your browser load a mobile version of the page, or change some advanced settings and protocols.

The programmers may rely on user agents to check if some site elements load properly in all Web clients. The User-Agent Switcher cannot achieve these features. Its description is misleading to make the PC user agree to the installation. In some cases, the User-Agent Switcher may come automatically. This issue may occur when people download freeware and install it without reading details. The developers of such applications don't earn money from its license, so they may agree to include third-party software in exchange for commissions. All parts of the bundle will be loaded together unless you uncheck some of them manually via the 'Advanced' menu. The User-Agent Switcher may cause a variety of changes in the configuration of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Just like the majority of ad-based extensions, this one may substitute both your homepage and default search provider. The alternatives may be unreliable, so you shouldn't consider using them. The User-Agent Switcher may manipulate your searches by including a variety of sponsored links at the front positions. This adware also may generate pop-ups, banners, in-text ads and other commercial materials. Some of the links may take you to new shopping platforms that are legit, but others may expose you unsafe sites associated with harmful activities. Due to the loading of these ads, the performance of your Web clients may deteriorate. To stop the ads, you should delete the User-Agent Switcher with credible security software.

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