Advanced System Care, promoted as a system optimization tool by IObit, is identified by Malwarebytes as PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemCare, classifying it as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP). This designation doesn’t necessarily mean it’s malware in the traditional sense, but it indicates that the software may include features or behaviors that users might find undesirable or unexpected. Understanding why Advanced System Care is flagged as a PUP is crucial for users concerned about their system’s security and performance.
Malwarebytes, a leading cybersecurity firm, proactively protects its users from PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemCare. Their real-time protection system is designed to automatically block the installation process of this software, preventing it from being installed on your system in the first place.
Malwarebytes real-time protection blocking the installation of Advanced System Care potentially unwanted program
Understanding Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)
Potentially unwanted programs, or PUPs, are applications that, while not strictly malicious, can negatively impact your user experience or system performance. They often bundle with legitimate software, use aggressive advertising tactics, or make system changes without clear user consent. In the case of system optimizers like Advanced System Care, the concern often revolves around exaggerated claims of performance improvement and sometimes aggressive upselling or bundling of other software.
While Advanced System Care offers features aimed at cleaning and optimizing your computer, its classification as a PUP by Malwarebytes suggests that its behavior or marketing practices warrant caution. Users might find themselves installing it unintentionally as part of a software bundle or feel pressured to purchase a full version after experiencing limited functionality in the free version.
Removing PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemCare with Malwarebytes
If PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemCare is detected on your system, Malwarebytes provides a straightforward removal process. The software is designed to detect and eliminate the program without requiring extensive user intervention. Here’s how to remove it:
- Download and Install Malwarebytes: If you don’t already have it, download Malwarebytes from the official website. Follow the installation prompts to install the application on your computer.
- Run a Threat Scan: Once installed, launch Malwarebytes and initiate a Threat Scan. This comprehensive scan will check your system for various threats, including PUPs like Advanced System Care.
- Quarantine Detected Threats: After the scan completes, Malwarebytes will display a list of detected threats, including PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemCare if found. Click the Quarantine button to remove these threats from your system.
- Reboot Your System: Malwarebytes might prompt you to reboot your computer to finalize the removal process. Follow the on-screen instructions to restart your system if required.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemCare and other potentially unwanted programs detected by Malwarebytes, helping to maintain your system’s performance and security.
Adding Advanced System Care to the Exclusion List (If Desired)
In specific scenarios, you might choose to keep Advanced System Care installed, despite the PUP detection. If you are certain about your decision and wish to prevent Malwarebytes from flagging it in future scans, you can add it to the exclusion list. Here’s how:
- Open Malwarebytes for Windows.
- Navigate to Detection History from the main menu.
- Click on the Allow List tab.
- To add an exclusion, click Add.
- Choose Allow a file or folder as the exclusion type. Use the Select a folder button to locate and select the main installation folder of Advanced System Care, typically found in
%PROGRAMFILES%IObitAdvanced SystemCare. - Repeat this process to add exclusions for any secondary files or folders associated with the software, such as
%ProgramData%IObitASC. - If you need to allow internet access for Advanced System Care (e.g., for updates), add another exclusion. Select Allow an application to connect to the internet, and use the Browse button to choose the executable file of Advanced System Care.
By adding these exclusions, you are instructing Malwarebytes to ignore Advanced System Care in future scans. However, exercise caution when adding exclusions, and only do so if you are confident in your decision to keep the program.
Associated Files and Folders (IOCs):
%PROGRAMFILES%IObitAdvanced SystemCare%ProgramData%IObitASC
Understanding the nature of potentially unwanted programs like Advanced System Care and how to manage them with security software like Malwarebytes is essential for maintaining a secure and efficient computing environment. Always be cautious when installing software and pay attention to security alerts to protect your system from unwanted applications.
