Accona Toolbar

The Accoona Toolbar is an Internet Explorer toolbar that is bundled and installed with other programs. First, installs itself or any other item without user permission or knowledge at time of installation. Second, installs without providing explicit opt-out option from vendor's site or associated application. Third, the uninstaller left behind objects. It is a Software that displays pop-up/pop-under advertisements when the primary user interface is not visible, or which do not appear to be associated with the product.0

General information:

Malware Name:	Accona Toolbar
Malware Type:	Toolbar
Company Name:	Accoona
Company URL:	http://www.accoona.com/
Threat Level:
Operating System:	WIN XP
Installation Type:	Installed through EXE
Operation:	Time of After Installation.

Company Description:

Accoona.com is a search engine with interactive tools that provides users with better web, business and news results; powered by proprietary Artificial Intelligence technology. The name Accoona is derived from the Swahili phrase, Hakuna Matata, which means “don’t worry be happy.” Accoona CEO Stuart Kauder says, “The company name was chosen specifically with the end user in mind. Its goal is to make its users happy by helping them find relevant results to their queries.” The company is taking the competitive search engine sector to the next level, leveraging its advanced search technologies, experienced executives, and strong relations with China – the second largest online population in the world - and soon to be the world’s largest.

Spyware Description:

The Accoona Toolbar is an Internet Explorer toolbar that is bundled and installed with other programs. First, installs itself or any other item without user permission or knowledge at time of installation. Second, installs without providing explicit opt-out option from vendor's site or associated application. Third, the uninstaller left behind objects. It is a Software that displays pop-up/pop-under advertisements when the primary user interface is not visible, or which do not appear to be associated with the product.0

Characteristics/Symptoms:

    -> Adds a third-party utility bar to the web browser -> Changes browser -> It has a search function and provides search results for paid advertisers -> Track browsing habits0

Additional information might be found here:

	Search at Google for Accona Toolbar
	Search at Bing for Accona Toolbar
	Search at Yahoo for Accona Toolbar

Processes Running:

showbar.exe

File information Created after Installation:

File Location	Size (Bytes)	Type
C:\Program Files\Accoona\ASearchAssist.dll	131072	Application Extension
C:\Program Files\Accoona\acache.hst	unknown	HST File
C:\Program Files\Accoona\acache2.hst	32	HST File

Folder information Created after Installation:

Folder Location

Registry information Created after Installation: