Microsoft has bundled Java with "Ask Toolbar" as Malware Certification

According to Microsoft, "As security evaluation criteria change,Ask ToolbarI decided to detect it as malware. " Famous toolbar software that may be installed together with defaults when installing Java and free softwareMalwareIt is an abnormal situation that it will be certified.

BrowserModifier: Win32 / AskToolbarNotifier
https://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/threat/encyclopedia/entry.aspx?Name=BrowserModifier%3AWin32%2FAskToolbarNotifier

Ding dong, the witch is dead: Microsoft AV gets tough on Ask Toolbar | Ars Technica
http://arstechnica.com/security/2015/06/ding-dong-the-witch-is-dead-microsoft-av-gets-tough-on-ask-toolbar/

Since June 2015, Microsoft has changed the detection and evaluation criteria of malware for the purpose of strengthening security. As a result, it is a well-established search service and still the fourth-ranked search site in the United StatesAsk.comThe toolbar "Ask Toolbar" released by the company is now labeled with malware.


By the update Microsoft made on June 11, 2015, Windows 8.1Windows DefenderOr Windows 7Microsoft Security EssentialsYaMicrosoft Safety ScannerDetects and removes the Ask Toolbar as malware. As the Ask Toolbar's malware threat level is the second highest from the top, Ask Toolbar says, "A program that collects personal information, adversely affects privacy, and may harm PCs" It will be qualified as.

Since it was confirmed that the latest version of Ask Toolbar (12.28.1.1402) does not meet Microsoft's malware detection evaluation criteria, it is said that it will not be a detection target of malware. Ask Toolbar developersArs Technica"Microsoft is cracking down on older versions, and less than 1% is affected by Ask Toolbar users."

"Ask Toolbar restricts the browser operation of the user, such as overwriting the search provider" is the reason why Microsoft has certified the Ask Toolbar malware, but details are unknown. If you want to continue using Ask Toolbar,It is recommended to reinstall the Ask Toolbar version after 12.28.1.1402.