Think Before You Click: EPI PDF’s Hidden Extras

Authored by: Anuradha & Prabudh

PDF changing software program could be tremendous useful. Whether you’re turning a Word doc right into a PDF or merging recordsdata into one neat bundle, these instruments save time and make life simpler.

But right here’s one thing many individuals don’t notice — a few of these free PDF instruments include hidden baggage. When you put in them, they could additionally sneak in a brand new search engine, browser extension, or change your homepage with out clearly asking for permission. 

What’s Going On?

Some PDF software program is bundled with further packages. That means whenever you obtain and set up the PDF converter, it might additionally set up:

• A brand new search engine in your browser
• Toolbars or browser extensions
• Apps that run within the background in your laptop

Most of the time, these are usually not viruses, however they will decelerate your laptop, change your shopping expertise, and even accumulate your knowledge.

Geographical Customer Prevalence

The warmth map beneath illustrates the prevalence of EPI PDF software program within the subject in Q2, 2025.

We see that the highest nation encountering this software program is the United States of America with over 118,000 McAfee gadget encounters.

Why Do They Do This?

Many free software program corporations generate income by together with these extras. Other corporations pay them to advertise their search instruments or browser extensions. It’s a means for them to earn one thing in return for providing the software program totally free.

During our each day hunt at McAfee to safe our buyer, we got here throughout one such bundler software referred to as EPI PDF Editor that clearly had misleading nature in direction of the tip person.

Key Takeaways:

1. Read Before You Click “Next”
   Always take a second throughout set up to learn what every display says. Look for checkboxes that allow you to “opt out” of putting in further software program.
2. Choose “Custom” or “Advanced” Installation
   This provides you extra management over what will get put in in your laptop.
3. Download From Trusted Sources
   Stick to well-known web sites or the official website of the PDF software program. Avoid shady obtain hyperlinks from adverts or pop-ups.
4. Use Built-In Tools
   Many working techniques (like Windows or macOS) have already got easy PDF options like printing to PDF or viewing recordsdata, so that you may not want further software program in any respect.
5. Check Your Browser
   If your homepage all of a sudden adjustments otherwise you see a brand new search engine, go to your browser settings and alter it again.

McAfee researches such purposes proactively, and we overview the EULA and Privacy Policy repeatedly for brand new purposes.

Technical Analysis

EPI PDF Editor is distributed as an MSI installer. Upon launching, the installer window features a pre-selected choice to “Import your current browser settings into EPI PDF,” a alternative that seems unrelated to the software’s meant objective of dealing with PDF paperwork. Unless the person actively opts out by unchecking the field, this motion will proceed routinely.

Installer Branding Mismatch

The installer is branded as “PDF Converter,” indicating that it’s designed for typical PDF duties corresponding to viewing, changing, splitting, merging, and watermarking paperwork. However, the inclusion of an opt-out choice to import browser settings raises questions in regards to the software’s true performance.

Figure 1: Import browser settings

Privacy Policy Conflict

A more in-depth examination of the software program’s Privacy Policy and Terms reveals a misleading observe at play. Although the appliance is marketed as a PDF Converter, the authorized documentation tells a unique story. As proven in Figure 2, the Privacy Policy of this system—branded as EPIbrowser—explicitly defines the software program as a browser designed for Windows-based units. The screenshot shows each the EPIbrowser brand and the coverage textual content, clearly indicating that the person is just not putting in a PDF software, however quite an internet browser disguised as one.

Figure 2: Application identify in phrases & circumstances

Figure 3: Application which means in phrases

McAfee’s *PUP Policy states that Software installers should present software program licensing info previous to putting in any bundled elements.No ‘installation completed’ window pops up however as a substitute, a chromium-based browser opens with a tab opened that too with misleading conduct i.e. choices are current to edit the opened pdf however no motion being carried out. We can browse the web by opening different tabs.

Figure 4: Tab in EPI Browser

McAfee PUP coverage violated right here is, ”Installation: whether or not the person could make an knowledgeable choice in regards to the software program set up or add-ons and may adequately again out of any undesired installations.” Another suspicious conduct noticed is set up location i.e. from ‘Appdata/Temp’ as a substitute of Program Files or Program Files(x86). Further whereas checking management panel we discovered that pattern has created the entry with EPI Browser solely and could be uninstalled. Due to its misleading conduct, which aligns with the McAfee violation standards, this software has been labeled as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP).

The McAfee WebAdvisor browser extension warns customers when making an attempt to navigate to web sites identified to distribute PUPs.

Figure 5: McAfee Web Advisor Warning

Bottom Line

Free PDF instruments are helpful — however concentrate on what else would possibly include them. A number of further minutes of studying can prevent from hours of frustration later. ✅

Stay sensible. Stay protected. And all the time know what you’re actually putting in.

Indicator of Compromise

In a digital world the place comfort usually comes at a hidden value, it’s essential to be vigilant in regards to the software program we set up — particularly free instruments like PDF converters. As the case of EPI PDF Editor highlights, not all purposes are what they declare to be. Deceptive installations, hidden browser hijackers, and unauthorized knowledge assortment can compromise each your privateness and your gadget’s efficiency. By staying knowledgeable and cautious — studying set up prompts, selecting superior choices, and counting on trusted sources — you may shield your self from doubtlessly undesirable packages and keep away from falling into these traps.

At McAfee, our aim is to assist customers keep one step forward of misleading software program. Awareness is your first line of protection. So, the subsequent time you obtain a free software, take a second to suppose earlier than you click on. Because what looks like a easy set up may very well be opening the door to way more.

*PUP :- PUP stands for Potentially Unwanted Program which are used to ship customers some undesirable purposes like adverts, browser addon, search engine modification, further packages {that a} person is usually utilizing for each day objective.