Megaup dot net Browser Redirects
Megaup dot net is a file sharing and hosting service that allows users to upload files to it, then share the link to the file with other people. While the service offered does work, there is a multitude of issues related to the site itself and the way the service is offered to users.
Attempting to download a file from Megaup dot net without a reliable ad blocker is a harrowing experience. The user is met with a wall of ads that barely allow them to see the "Create download link" button. Some of those ads originate from questionable advertising networks and may lead to pages that contain malware.
The Megaup dot net page itself asks for permission to deliver push notifications to the browser, which is entirely not needed and can also be used as a gateway to install a browser hijacker or similar tools, classified as potentially unwanted programs, to the system.
Even if the user does manage to make it to the download button, the page served initially has an invisible overlay that doesn't allow clicking of the button. No matter where the user clicks, they are redirected to one of several pages provided by advertisers. The same process is repeated on a new click until the user is finally able to really click to generate the link to the file.
This sort of intrusive and aggressive advertising is already an issue, especially when it's misleading and displayed when the user is clicking on a different element on the page, but really clicking an invisible overlay. The issue is that in just two clicks, we managed to hit a page that attempted to download a malicious file, with the download automatically blocked by the Chrome browser's internal protection.
This is also a very likely venue for a browser hijacker to enter your system and cause unwanted redirects to Megaup pages.
Similar browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted software are often contained in software bundle installers offered on free download websites. It is generally a good idea to steer clear of similar download portals and use well-known, respectable ones that have strict content curation and moderation.
