What Is “Fast!”?

“Fast!” is a term that refers to a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that is often categorized as adware, redirect software, or malware due to its undesired behavior. Despite being marketed as a tool to enhance computer performance, boasting features such as accelerating applications, optimizing CPU execution, and reducing data transmission latency, it does more harm than good. The program installs without users’ consent, often through bundling with other software, and can severely disrupt the user’s computer experience. Due to the manner in which it installs itself and its questionable functionality, “Fast!” is deemed a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA), making it necessary to remove it from your system.

Threat Summary of Fast!

• Name: Fast!
• Type: Adware, Redirect, PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program)
• Short Description: An ad-supported program that alters browser settings and generates excessive pop-up ads.
• Symptoms: Flooded browser with pop-ups, sluggishness, and occasional browser unresponsiveness.
• Distribution Method: Freeware installations, bundled packages with other software.

Why Do I Have “Fast!” On My Computer?

Fast! can appear on your computer in a number of ways, but the most common method is through bundled installations. It is often packaged with free software downloads that are not always secure or transparent about what additional programs they install. If you’ve recently downloaded free software from a questionable website or used a “free” download manager, it’s highly likely that Fast! was bundled with it without your knowledge.

Another way Fast! can infect your computer is through visiting corrupted or poorly secured websites. Malicious web pages can execute harmful scripts or redirect users to websites that initiate the unwanted installation of software like Fast!.

What Does “Fast!” Do?

Once installed, Fast! starts functioning like adware, which means it will flood your browser with annoying pop-ups, banners, and other intrusive advertisements. These ads can interfere with your browsing experience, making your browser slow or even unresponsive. The ads could appear on any web page, making it difficult to focus or navigate. However, the problem doesn’t end with just ads.

Fast! is known to modify your browser settings to ensure that it can continually display its advertisements. It may also cause redirects to suspicious or fraudulent websites. These sites could trick you into downloading more harmful software or purchasing fake tools or services.

In some cases, Fast! adware may lead to more significant security risks, such as installing additional unwanted programs like browser hijackers, toolbars, fake system optimizers, and more. These additional programs may further slow down your computer, pose privacy risks, or cause other issues.

Symptoms of Fast! Infection

• Excessive pop-ups: Frequent pop-up windows and banners appear on websites, even on pages that would not typically display ads.
• Browser slowdowns: Web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari experience performance drops, including delays in loading pages and slow response times.
• Redirects to suspicious sites: You may be redirected to fake or malicious websites, often those promoting dubious offers or attempting to download more malware onto your computer.
• System unresponsiveness: Your computer may become sluggish or freeze when navigating the web, often caused by the additional resource usage by the adware.

Removal of Fast! PUP

The best way to remove Fast! is to use dedicated anti-malware or PUP removal tools. One effective tool for detecting and removing Fast! is SpyHunter, which specializes in identifying and eliminating potentially unwanted programs. Here’s how you can remove Fast! using SpyHunter:

Step 1: Download and Install SpyHunter

1. Visit the official SpyHunter website and download the installer.
2. Install SpyHunter by following the on-screen instructions. Make sure to decline any offers for additional software during the installation process.

Step 2: Run a System Scan

1. Open SpyHunter and click the “Start Scan” button to begin a comprehensive system scan.
2. SpyHunter will check for threats, including Fast!, and identify any potentially harmful files or programs on your system.

Step 3: Review Detected Threats

1. Once the scan is complete, SpyHunter will present a list of all detected threats.
2. Review the list carefully to ensure that Fast! and any associated threats are included.

Step 4: Remove Fast! and Other Detected Threats

1. Select all the threats you want to remove and click “Remove” to eliminate them from your system.
2. SpyHunter may require a reboot to fully complete the removal process.

Step 5: Perform a System Cleanup

1. After removing Fast!, run a system cleanup using SpyHunter’s tools to ensure that all residual files are removed.
2. It is also recommended to clear your browser cache and reset any modified browser settings, such as homepage or default search engine settings.

Preventive Methods to Avoid Future Infections

While the removal of Fast! is essential, preventing future infections is just as important. Here are some practical steps you can take to protect your computer from PUPs like Fast!:

Be Careful When Downloading Software

• Only download programs from trusted sources, such as official websites or reputable platforms (e.g., Microsoft Store or Apple App Store).
• Avoid downloading free software from third-party sites, especially if they seem suspicious or offer “too good to be true” deals.

Read Installation Screens

• Always opt for the custom or advanced installation option when installing free software. This allows you to uncheck any bundled programs you don’t want.
• Be vigilant for any additional software that is being bundled with the installer, and avoid installing any unwanted programs.

Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

• Install a reputable antivirus program that includes real-time protection to detect and block malicious software.
• Run regular scans with your antivirus software, even if you haven’t noticed any issues.

Keep Your Software Up-to-Date

• Ensure that your operating system and software are regularly updated. Security patches often fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware.
• Set your browser to automatically update to the latest version to avoid security holes.

Exercise Caution on the Web

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or visiting unsecured websites. Pay attention to URL signs like “http://” rather than “https://,” which signals that a site may not be encrypted.
• Be wary of pop-up ads, especially those that ask you to download software or provide personal information.

Use a Pop-Up Blocker

Many modern browsers have built-in pop-up blockers, but you can also install third-party extensions that prevent unwanted pop-ups and redirects.

Conclusion

While Fast! might initially seem like a helpful tool for enhancing computer performance, it is classified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) due to its deceptive installation methods and disruptive behavior. It floods your browser with ads, slows down your system, and may redirect you to dangerous websites. Removal of Fast! is necessary for restoring your computer’s performance and security.

Using an effective removal tool like SpyHunter and employing preventive measures will help ensure that your system remains free from unwanted programs in the future. Always stay cautious when downloading software and visiting websites, and regularly check your system for any signs of potential infections.