Softonic Download Site Briefly Delivers Trojan Adware Installer

[Jack]

Until just a few minutes ago, Softonic, a software download site, was delivering adware that would be installed regardless of whether the user had declined to install it. This threat was embedded in fake UnRarX and VLC installer packages.

These packages purported to install a toolbar that is related to ChatZum. Even if the user declined the offer to install the toolbar, the package would silently install an Internet plug-in called Zako, and would change the browser’s search option to point to ChatZum’s site.

Read more: http://www.intego.com/mac-security-blog/softonic-download-site-briefly-delivers-trojan-adware-installer/

 

[japchinlvr]

3 days ago I got V9 Portal Hijacker from a softonic download. I declined all offers. Still working on the removal!

 

[ZeroDay]

I never use Softsonic, I've just never trusted them.

 

[Jack]

I never use Softsonic, I've just never trusted them.

Same here. I have never downloaded a piece of software from this site. And to be honest Softonic is known to bundle adware with their installer, so maybe you wouldn't have gotten the ChatZum Toolbar, but you would still have installed another piece of adware.

Simple tip: Avoid Softonic!

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@japchinlvr. V9 will hijack your browser shortcuts by adding it's argument in the Target field. You should be able to remove this hijack by running this software: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/shortcut-cleaner/

 

[nishaddesilva]

I never trust download sites which offer their own online software downloaders, such as Softonic, Brothersoft and CNET.
The only two download sites that I trust and use are Softexia and Softpedia which offer legit or complete downloads either from their servers directly or from the developer's server.

 

[Littlebits]

Softonic has been serving malware in their installers for awhile.

Safe download sites are Softpedia, MajorGeeks, FileHippo and SnapFiles.
And the download sites offered by BetaNews- Filefourm and DownloadCrew.

I never trust other download sites.

Thanks.

 

[jamescv7]

Web of Trust marked it as cautious (AFAIK) for softonic and like brothersoft they are allowing/bypassing some files to be grayware/adware.

Better at all from manufacturer site itself for official mirrors.

 

[Ink]

I may have used Softonic once, and almost made a positive reviews of the site. Lucky I didn't

 

[arc_de_triomphe]

I agree with you : Softonic is a bad site

The problem is sometimes the official site redirect us to some of those bad sites to download the product.
In that case, Softpedia and MajorGeeks are very helpful