3 ms·

Java actually installs malware (the Ask toolbar) unless you are careful enough to deselect it during the installation/update process.

• johnchristopher 13y ago
  There was a bunch of other crap: a lollipop promotion app, a trojan and internet explorer settings changed. Funny, but he didn't installed the Ask toolbar :). I did when uninstalling/reinstalling Java and clicking a little bit too fast :). Hopefully it's not as tedious to remove as a trojan.
• sigzero 13y ago
  Uh no. That is not "malware". Unwanted software yes but not malware.
  • Groxx 13y ago
    The difference? Be sure to point out why tricking you into installing it isn't malicious, why it's not malicious that after that it changes your default search provider to send your searches to them (privacy much?), and why it's not malicious that it's abnormally hard to remove (a quick Google will demonstrate the normal 'remove toolbar' steps don't work, even Wikipedia has a note and several links on this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ask.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ask.com ). It tricks people to installing it, reports your search activity (maybe other data? I can't find details, not installing it myself), and takes major, unnecessary steps to make it hard to uninstall it. Sounds like malware to me.
  • kristofferR 13y ago
    It's a malicious software that hijacks the browser, displays unwanted ads and changes the search engine/start page. Most common search suggestions for Cydoor (well known adware): http://i.imgur.com/iXqJdzU.png http://i.imgur.com/iXqJdzU.png Most common search suggestions for Ask Toolbar: http://i.imgur.com/HziYjkZ.png http://i.imgur.com/HziYjkZ.png Looks pretty similar to me.
• btipling 13y ago
  Heh. I guess that makes me a malware writer as I worked on the Ask Toolbar for Firefox when I worked at Ask.com.