DriverMax 5.9 Serial Key
Alyson Hoffses
DriverMax is designed to ensure that the drivers installed onto the system are up to date (i.e., the software detects missing and outdated drivers). In fact, DriverMax is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) due to its dubious distribution methods, which can lead to inadvertent installation.
Products are classified as PUAs when they are promoted using dubious techniques. Software endorsed in this way may seem legitimate, however, these methods are commonly used to proliferate untrusted content. One marketing technique is called "bundling", by which the advertised content is pre-packed with additional, often malicious, PUAs.
These unwanted programs have various capabilities, which can endanger device/user safety. Some types, classified as adware, run intrusive advertisement campaigns and enable the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc. on any visited website.
Additionally, when clicked, the resultant ads redirect to sale-based, untrusted/rogue, deceptive/scam, compromised and malicious sites. Some intrusive ads can be triggered (when clicked) to execute scripts designed to stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs).
Other unwanted apps are classified as browser hijackers - they operate by modifying browsers and promoting fake search engines, which have no genuine value to regular users and are typically unable to provide unique results. Fake search engines tend to redirect (or cause redirection chains leading) to Google, Bing, Yahoo or other legitimate search engines.
Other PUAs can force-open various dangerous websites. Furthermore, PUAs often have data tracking capabilities. They can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect sensitive information derived from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details).
The gathered data usually includes personally identifiable information. Some developers monetize the collected information by sharing it with, or selling it to, third parties. To summarize, the potential risks of unwanted software on devices includes system infiltration and infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft.
Driver Tuneup, Orange Defender Antivirus, SpeedyFixer and OBERONBOOSTER are some examples of other potentially unwanted apps. Software within this classification often seem legitimate and useful, however, this is seldom the case. The features often do not work (e.g. fake anti-viruses, etc).
Nonoperational functions (especially, following activation/purchase) is a clear sign of an untrusted product, which is designed solely to generate revenue at users' expense. This purpose is achieved through intrusive advertisement campaigns, promotion of untrusted/malicious websites via rogue redirects, browser hijacking and monitoring of private data.
PUAs are often downloaded/installed unintentionally with other products. "Bundling" is the term used to describe this deceptive marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious applications.
Rushing download/installation processes (e.g. skimming or ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, used presets, etc.), increases the risk of inadvertent installation of bundled content, despite the presence of any opt-out options.
Some PUAs have "official" promotional websites, from which they can be downloaded. Intrusive ads proliferate these apps as well - once they are clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' permission.
Unofficial and free file-hosting (freeware) sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders are untrusted, as they can offer deceptive and/or bundled content. Treat download and installation processes with caution.
Read the terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and decline downloading/installing supplementary apps, tools, functions and other additions. Intrusive advertisements tend to seem legitimate and harmless, however, they can redirect to dubious web pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating and so on).
If you encounter these ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
At time of research, DriverMax did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the internet, continue with the removal guide below.
Click the Edge menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
If you continue to have problems with removal of the drivermax pua, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.
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