ActiveQuest Adware
During our examination of new files, our research team uncovered another instance of adware belonging to the AdLoad malware lineage, identified as ActiveQuest. This rogue software functions by conducting intrusive advertising campaigns and may possess additional detrimental features.
Adware, short for advertising-supported software, earns revenue for its creators through advertisements. Typically, such software displays various types of ads, such as banners, pop-ups, and overlays, across different interfaces. These advertisements can promote online scams, untrustworthy or harmful software, and even malware. Certain ads may trigger scripts to execute clandestine downloads or installations.
It's important to note that while legitimate products or services might be advertised through these channels, they are unlikely to be officially endorsed in this manner. Instead, it's probable that scammers exploit affiliate programs associated with the content to gain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may refrain from displaying intrusive ad campaigns under certain conditions, such as incompatible browsers or systems, user geolocation, or visits to specific websites. However, even if ActiveQuest doesn't exhibit ads, its presence on a device poses a threat.
While AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking capabilities, we did not observe such traits during our investigation of the ActiveQuest adware.
AdLoad software, along with adware in general, typically includes data-tracking functionalities, which may also apply to ActiveQuest. This data can include visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, account credentials, and other personal information.
What is the AdLoad Family of Adware Clones?
The AdLoad family refers to a group of adware clones that share similarities in their behavior, distribution methods, and characteristics. These adware variants are typically designed to generate revenue for their creators by displaying intrusive advertisements on users' devices. The AdLoad family includes various adware strains, such as ActiveQuest, that operate by running aggressive ad campaigns and may possess additional harmful functionalities.
AdLoad adware clones often employ tactics like browser hijacking, where they take control of a user's browser settings to redirect them to specific websites or display unwanted advertisements. They may also collect user data, including browsing history, search queries, and personal information, for targeted advertising purposes or other nefarious activities.
These adware variants are commonly distributed through deceptive methods, such as bundling with freeware or shareware applications, fake software updates, or misleading online advertisements. Once installed on a user's device, they can be challenging to remove and may persistently display ads or interfere with the normal operation of the device.
Overall, the AdLoad family of adware clones poses a threat to users' privacy, security, and browsing experience by inundating them with unwanted advertisements and potentially compromising their personal information. Users should exercise caution when downloading software and regularly update their security software to protect against these types of threats.
