Hostify

Posted by Lisa Blanc on April 13, 2016

What is Hostify?

If you would like to turn your PC into a Wi-fi hotspot, we do not recommend that you use Hostify. This desktop application has proved to be rather questionable to say the least. In fact, our researchers at anti-spyware-101.com have labeled it as a potentially unwanted program or PUP in short. This category usually involves applications that do not mean direct and great danger to your privacy and your operating system. But it does not mean that this PUP cannot cause security-related issues indirectly. It is one thing that this application does not even seem to work properly as it is supposed to be; another thing is that it may spy on you and may also arrive with other PUPs and malicious software installers. If this would not be enough for you to want to remove Hostify from your computer, please go on with this article to see more clearly to make the right decision. test test test

Where does Hostify come from?

One thing is for sure: This PUP cannot come from its promotional website (hostify.lu) if you have an up-to-date browser. Why? Because clicking on the “Download App” button results in a red, warning page that says “Attackers on dl.wizzuniquify.com might attempt to trick you into installing programs that harm your browsing experience.” We do not assume that any security-minded computer user would persist on installing this software after seeing this page. However, it is possible to actually download the installer if you have not updated your browsers lately. But it still raises questions about the reliability of this PUP, of course.

What raise even more red flags are the alternative channels this PUP uses to spread over the net. According to our specialists, this application can be found, for example, in freeware bundles containing malware infections. In order to be infected with this software via a bundle, you need to click on unsafe third-party ads (pop-ups, banners) that may be presented to you by an adware program on board or while viewing a suspicious file-sharing website. But your computer may already be infected with a malicious software installer that can download this PUP in the background. As you can see, there is a high probability that your PC is infected with a number of malware programs if you find this PUP on board. Therefore, we advise you to not only remove Hostify alone, but also scan your system to detect all possible threats as well.

How does Hostify work?

Our research shows that this application is based on the same engine as Max Driver Updater and Max Computer Cleaner. As a matter of fact, these potentially unwanted programs are all hosted on the same server, too. We have found that although this application claims to enable you “to share your internet connection with your friends and family” with a single click, this main function does not seem to work. Instead, it is possible that this PUP gathers data about your online behavior, which can be used to target you with customized advertising when shared with third parties. It is also possible that this software is used to download other PUPs onto your computer in the background, without your knowledge or permission, which is rather suspicious behavior. We do not recommend that you keep this useless application on board one minute longer even if it does not seem to be a very harmful infection. If you decide to remove Hostify, please read on to find out how.

How to delete Hostify

As a matter of fact, it is just as easy to get rid of this annoying application as it is to get infected with it. A few clicks and you should be free of this threat. Even if you are an inexperienced computer user, you will find our instructions below quite easy to follow. All you have to do is run the uninstaller through Control Panel; yes, that simple. However, this will not remove all the infections from your computer and you should not forget about them. It is important for you to eliminate all the threats if you want to use your computer and go online safely. If you do not want to go after all these infections manually, we suggest that you use a professional anti-malware application.