PUP.Optional.WebWatcher is Malwarebytes' detection name for a commercial system monitor by Awareness Technologies which may have the capabilities to harvest keystrokes, screenshots, network activity, and more from computers the software is installed on. PUP.Optional.WebWatcher may covertly monitor user behaviour and harvest personally identifiable information including names and passwords, keystrokes from emails, chat programs, websites visited, and financial activity.PUP.Optional.WebWatcher may be capable of the covert collection of screenshots, video recordings, or the ability to activate any connected camera or microphone. Collected information may be stored locally and later retrieved, or may be transmitted to an online service or location.
PUP.Optional.WebWatcher may run as a start-up entry and may be visible as running processes on compromised machines. Alternatively, PUP.Optional.EmployeeMonitor may also be configured in a manner which prevents visible processes and start-up entries.
PUP.Optional.WebWatcher may be distributed using various methods. This software may be packaged with free online software, or could be disguised as a harmless program and distributed by email. Alternatively, this software may be installed by an individual with physical or remote access to the computer. PUP.Optional.WebWatcher may be installed with or without user consent.
Malwarebytes can detect and remove many PUP.Optional.Webwatcher infections without further user interaction.
Should users wish to keep this program and exclude it from being detected in future scans, they can add the program to the exclusions list. Here’s how to do it.
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