CenterNow is an AdLoad Family Adware

During our examination of newly discovered files, our research team came across a malicious application called CenterNow. After a thorough analysis, we determined that this app belongs to the AdLoad malware family and operates as adware.

Adware, which stands for advertising-supported software, functions by delivering intrusive advertising campaigns. Essentially, this software facilitates the display of advertisements on visited websites and other interfaces.

These advertisements promote online scams, untrustworthy or hazardous software, and various forms of malware. Clicking on some of these intrusive ads can even trigger stealthy downloads or installations.

It's important to note that any legitimate content encountered through these advertisements is likely endorsed by scammers who exploit affiliate programs to earn illegitimate commissions.

It should be mentioned that adware may not run intrusive advertising campaigns if certain conditions are not met, such as incompatible browser or system specifications or specific websites not being visited. However, even if CenterNow does not display ads, its presence on a system still poses a risk to device and user safety.

Browser hijacking capabilities are commonly associated with AdLoad applications, although CenterNow did not exhibit such behavior during our analysis.

Furthermore, this rogue application has the ability to track and collect data. The targeted information includes visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, internet cookies, login credentials (usernames and passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and more. The collected data can be shared with or sold to third parties.

What Are the Potential Risks Adware Poses?

Adware poses several potential risks to users and their devices. Here are some of the risks associated with adware:

• Intrusive Advertising: Adware inundates users with intrusive advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, overlays, and other types of ads. These ads can disrupt the user experience, making it difficult to browse the internet or use applications effectively.
• Privacy Invasion: Adware often tracks users' online activities, collecting data such as browsing history, search queries, clicked links, and other information. This invasion of privacy can compromise personal and sensitive data, potentially leading to identity theft, targeted advertising, or other privacy-related issues.
• Malware Distribution: Adware can serve as a gateway for more severe malware infections. Clicking on certain ads displayed by adware may lead to the unintentional download and installation of malicious software, such as ransomware, trojans, or spyware. These malware infections can cause significant damage to the affected system and compromise the security of personal and financial information.
• System Performance Issues: Adware consumes system resources, including CPU and memory, which can result in slow performance, increased system crashes, and overall degradation of the user's computing experience. Adware may also install additional unwanted software or browser extensions, further impacting system performance and stability.
• Browser Hijacking: Some adware has browser-hijacking capabilities, altering the browser's settings without the user's consent. This can include changing the default search engine, modifying the homepage, or redirecting users to unwanted websites. These unauthorized changes can lead to a loss of control over the browser and make it difficult to revert to preferred settings.
• Unwanted Software Installations: Adware may trick users into installing additional unwanted software by displaying deceptive ads or fake software update prompts. This can result in the installation of potentially harmful or unnecessary applications that further compromise system security and performance.