Why is the Program ‘Browser Assistant’ a PUP and is it Dangerous?

Browser Assistant Injects JavaScript Code into a User’s Web browser

Browser Assistant is a potentially unwanted program or PUP that users may have installed unwittingly. The program could have arrived via a software bundle that users  download while browsing  for so-called freeware. As a result, while looking for a free program they want, users could end up with a completely random app like Browser Assistant. Browser Assistant is designed to inject JavaScript code into the users’ web browsers. It usually targets the Edge and Firefox browsers on Windows.

Browser Assistant appears to have been created by Realistic Media Inc. The publisher name Realistic Media Inc. can be found on the list of installed programs in the Control Panel, right next to the Browser Assistant’s entry. Also, the program’s associated files in the Startup folder could be under ‘BrowserAssistant’ and ‘updater.’

Browser Assistant can cause unwanted redirects to promoted websites. It can also bombard users with annoying and questionable advertisements, similar to adware. Browser Assistant may also be tracking your browsing activities, as it attempts to collect such data as your browsing and search histories, device data, and more for online marketing purposes.

Browser Assistant may have come bundled with freeware. PUPs often come as a pre-selected option on the freeware’s installation wizard. This means users should manually check the ‘Advanced’ or ‘Custom’ option on the setup wizard each time they install new software to ensure that they only receive the programs they actually intended to install.