Hostify

Hostify is supposed to be a desktop application that claims to “turn your PC into a Wi-fi Hotspot for FREE”; however, we have found that this is an unreliable program that might present certain system security issues instead of sharing your connection. Therefore, we have labeled it as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). This means that this application is not a major threat to your computer and cannot be called malicious. However, this should not suggest that it is all right to keep it on your PC either. As a matter of fact, there are a couple of questionable traits this PUP has shown and we believe it is important for us to share with you so that you can make up your mind. We believe that you should delete Hostify if you want to feel perfectly secure using your computer. Please continue reading our article to learn more.

You can find the official website at hostify.lu. This looks like a fine, professional site, however simple it is; until you click on the “Download App” button. If your browser is up-to-date, you may find yourself on a scary red warning page as you are redirected to dl.wizzuniquify.com/download/1/hostify-widget.exe, which is supposed to be the download link of the installer of this questionable program. The title of this page says: “The site ahead contains harmful programs”; certainly, not a good bit of news. But it definitely tells us a lot about the reliability of this PUP. Of course, it is quite possible that not every user uses freshly updated browsers so they would download and install this software without an issue. Well, until they activate this program, of course.

Unfortunately, this is not the only way this PUP may find a way to your computer. We have found that it is more probable that you download it in a freeware bundle. This can happen if you end up on an unfamiliar file-sharing website while searching the web for some free software, music, or movies. While there are reputable and reliable sites, you should be aware that there are even more fake and malicious ones whose only interest is to lure you there and mislead you into clicking on third-party content. There could be deceiving banner or pop-up ads that pose as buttons, for example. All in all, it is essential that you avoid such websites and clicking on any third-party ads. If you think this PUP may have entered your PC in such a bundle, you should not hesitate to remove Hostify and scan your computer for other infections.

We have noticed that this PUP uses the same engine and server as Sound+, Space Sound Pro, and Max Driver Updater, which are all potentially unwanted programs. This program claims to “offer you the possibility to share your internet connection with your friends and family with a simple button click.” In reality, we have found that this software does not even work as promised. Instead, this PUP may collect your browsing data and replace your legitimate cookies with its own. It is also possible that this program is capable of replacing advertisements with potentially unsafe ones. Another worrisome trait we have discovered is that this program might also be used to download other unwanted applications in the background. All in all, we do not advise you to use or keep this PUP as it might behave unexpectedly, not to mention that it is totally useless. So, if you are ready to remove Hostify from your PC, let us help you with the solution.

The only good and working thing about this PUP is most probably its uninstaller. We have found that it does not seem to leave any leftovers. All you have to do is find this uninstaller in the installed programs list through Control Panel and activate it. If you need assistance with this, please refer to our instructions below. But, if you want to take care of all the possible infections on your computer automatically, you should install a trustworthy anti-malware application. You can also help the protection of your operating system by keeping all your software and drivers (Adobe Flash and Java) regularly updated. This can prevent cyber criminals from accessing information on your computer by exploiting previous security holes.

Remove Hostify from Windows

Windows XP

1. Access the Start menu and choose Control Panel.
2. Pick Add or Remove Programs.
3. Click on the application and press Remove.

Windows Vista/Windows 7

1. Tap Win+R and type in Control Panel. Hit the Enter key.
2. Select Uninstall a program.
3. Click on the application and press Uninstall.

Windows 8/Windows 8.1/Windows 10

1. Tap Win+X and select Programs and Features.
2. Click on the application and press Uninstall.