Pluto TV review: an ad-supported program that causes advertising campaigns while being used for watching movies
Pluto TV is represented as a legitimate online television service granting access to 75 live channels and streaming hundreds of popular movies and TV series. However, cyber security experts have doubts is Pluto TV safe because its service features elements typical to adware-type programs. Increased amount of advertisements and web browser’s redirects to unknown domains are just few reasons why it has been attributed to “adware” and potentially unwanted program (PUP) categories.
| Name | Pluto TV |
|---|---|
| Type | Potentially unwanted program |
| Spreads as | Browser extension |
| Distribution | Bundling |
| Main symptoms | Users report about annoying popup ads |
| Main dangers | Third party ads might be infected with malware |
| Removal | You can uninstall Pluto TV with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego |
Based on reviews by many users, it turns out that many people consider it to be a malicious virus. However, according to VirusTotal analysis[1], the main executable file – PlutoTvSetup.exe – is regarded as a safe file. Its official site does not contain malware either. On the other hand, these facts do not fully redeem the reputation of this product. In depth analysis revealed some pieces of suspicious aspects suggesting that Pluto TV virus can hardly be trusted:
- no HTTPS protocol
- occasional bothersome commercial offers
- collection and sharing users‘ personal information with business partners
Especially the latter aspect makes Pluto.tv similar to PUP-like programs. In the privacy policy, the developer mentions that the company highly values the privacy of its clients. However, on the same hand, the company preserves the right to accumulate and share people’s personal information with its commercial partners and gives us the reason to consider Pluto TV removal.
Here is the extract from the privacy policy:
We gather various types of Personal Information from our users, as explained in more detail below, and we use this Personal Information internally in connection with our Services(…). In certain cases, we may also share some Personal Information with third parties, but only as described below.
The privacy policy also mentions that the website is immune to “do not track” signals. Unless you use a VPN[2], your personal information will be leaked to third parties.[3]
Though the policy mentions that such information is also shared to the extent of third-party service delivery, taking into account recent data breaches[4], such personal data sharing may only increase the risks of identity theft. Therefore, it is a viable reason to remove Pluto TV virus rather than keep it. You can use Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or Malwarebytes to accelerate the process.
Certainly, such data trading guarantees free Pluto TV services. However, before using the service, you need to question which is more valuable: your privacy or convenience.
Pluto TV is not a virus nor it is malicious, however, it contains several security flaws.
Pluto TV is not a virus nor it is malicious, however, it contains several security flaws.
The program may be installed without PC user’s permission
All volunteers to download this program can access its official website (pluto.tv) and download the extension directly. Officially people can get Pluto TV and program’s version for the Internet. The latest version available is 0.0.9. However, even downloading it from the official promotion site poses a risk of getting additional web browser’s plug-ins alongside the main installer.
However, most of its downloads were not direct. It has been found that the company initiates additional distribution campaigns that are carried out with the help of other free programs. This PUP may be promoted as optional component along with its partners’ products. Therefore, it’s important to inspect freeware installation settings and deselect add-ons before finishing the installation procedure. Note that the only way to get information about optional downloads is to opt for Advanced or Custom installation method.
A complete Pluto TV removal guide
Pluto TV removal is not a difficult task. The program has an official uninstaller that can be found in the Control Panel. However, you won’t find its extensions or other additional components there, so you must check every web browser and reset it (highly recommended). Any active component of the malware may reinstall the main executable or keep initiating suspicious activities on its own.
Having this in mind, we would strongly recommend you to remove Pluto TV extensions with the help of professional anti-malware utility. It will ensure complete PUP removal, including its cookies, files, and registry entries. If you are still willing to get rid of this PUP manually, check the guide below explaining how to uninstall the app from your computer.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
