PUP.Optional.MindsparkA found by Malwarebytes but not by AVG

[johnoo]

I run AVG free latest free version 2015.0.5577 & I run Malwarbytes weekly.

On this weeks run of Malwarbytes a problem was found:- PUP.Optional.Mindspark A, but this has not been flagged up by AVG.

I quarantined it, felt this the best action, but why did AVG not flag it up?

I just worry about these things!

[Irene]

More info about it here:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_other-protect_scanning/is-mindsparka-a-virus-or-malware/7cd7e65e-08dd-4ec0-9103-115d6ac72ab9

Included is a link to a removal guide.

[johnoo]

Thanks for quick reply, & comprehensive but it leads to further questions:-

1 As I have quanantined the PUP, is this not enough, or do I have to also use the removal tools?

2 By removing will some programs not work, for instance I have downloaded "Ashampoo" for making CD copies?

Edit Note:-

Just had a look at the Malwarebytes History & it shows that the PUP has been put into Quarantine, it also says that " items in quarantine pose no threat & that I can delete them direct from the Malwarebytes program. So why do I need the removal tools?

[Irene]

The advice does suggest further actions to completely remove it. Personally, I would complete the processes.

Here is another link which covers detection and removal:

http://malwarefixes.com/threats/pup-optional-mindspark/

Quote from the above link...

When Malwarebytes Anti-Malware interface appears, please select Threat Scan. Click on Scan Now button to begin the process. The program will check for any available update before proceeding. Do not skip this step. Virus scan may take a while, please wait for the process to finish.

When scanning is done, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will display the list of identified threats. Remove all and restart the computer to finalized the scan process.

Downloads are included for the software (AdwCleaner & Avast Browser Cleanup) to complete the next two stages:

Second step: Run AdwCleaner to totally remove PUP.Optional.MindSpark.A Third step:

Cleanup the Browser using Avast Browser Cleanup

[andsome]

Malware bytes is an excellent program. Personally, I have NEVER experienced a problem doing what it advises. If a pup or anything else is in quarantine and the computer carries on working fine, then deleting the pup altogether can do no harm, it avoids any chance of you later reactivating it. To me it seems pointless in running a program like malware bytes if you don't then use it

[johnoo]

Short of time today, but I think this is interesting.

As a start I went into Malwarebytes, to look at the quarantined PUP.

Then I selected "Delete"

Then reran Malwarbytes after doing a update.

Result:- Stated to be totally clean machine with no Malicious software present, so it looks as if quarantining the PUP & then selecting "delete" totally removes it.

[Irene]

The only thing that I might question would be: Have you actually removed all related content?

The decision is yours, johnoo. ;)

[johnoo]

Just to let you know, I put the PUP into Quarantine within Malwarebytes & then deleted it.

I then ran Malwarbytes again & advised at the end that the machine was clean, no PUP.

I then ran Adwcleaner & again no problems.

So that's it with hope.

[Irene]

Thanks for the feedback, johnoo. :D