ActivityCache Joins AdLoad Adware Family
During our investigation of new threat database submissions, our research team stumbled upon the ActivityCache app. After examining this software, we concluded that it is adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
Adware refers to software that is supported by advertising and is intended to display ads on visited websites or other interfaces. These ads may promote scams, unreliable or harmful software, and even malware. Some ads can also perform stealthy downloads or installations when clicked on.
It's important to note that any legitimate products or services promoted through these ads are likely being endorsed by scammers who are abusing affiliate programs to gain fraudulent commissions.
ActivityCache may not always display intrusive ad campaigns, depending on factors such as browser/system compatibility and visited websites. However, its presence on a system can still pose a risk to device and user safety.
It is also worth mentioning that AdLoad apps often have browser hijacker capabilities, although we did not observe this behavior in our analysis of ActivityCache.
Moreover, ActivityCache is likely gathering sensitive information such as browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable information, login credentials, credit card numbers, and more. This information can be sold to third parties or otherwise exploited for profit.
How Can Adware like ActivityCache Get on Your System?
Adware like ActivityCache can get onto your system through various methods. One of the most common ways is through software bundling, where adware is packaged with other free software that you download and install from the internet. When you install the software, the adware gets installed along with it without your knowledge or consent.
Adware can also be downloaded and installed by clicking on malicious links or pop-up ads, or by visiting websites that have been compromised. These sites can automatically download and install adware onto your system without your knowledge.
In some cases, adware can also be installed by exploiting vulnerabilities in your web browser or other software that you have installed on your system.
To prevent adware from getting onto your system, it's important to be cautious when downloading and installing software from the internet. Always download software from reputable sources, read user reviews, and pay attention to the installation process to avoid accidentally installing additional software.
You should also use antivirus software and keep it up-to-date to help detect and remove any adware that does manage to get onto your system. Finally, avoid clicking on suspicious links or pop-up ads, and use a pop-up blocker in your web browser to minimize the risk of inadvertently downloading adware.
