DominantNetwork Mac Adware
Our research team came across the DominantNetwork adware-type application during our review of new file submissions on the VirusTotal website. This software is affiliated with the AdLoad malware family and is designed to conduct intrusive advertising campaigns.
Adware, short for advertising-supported software, functions by facilitating the display of third-party visual content, such as pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, surveys, and more, on various interfaces.
These advertisements predominantly promote online scams, untrustworthy or harmful software, and even malware. Clicking on some of these ads can trigger scripts that initiate downloads or installations without obtaining user consent.
It's important to note that any legitimate products or services advertised through these means are unlikely to be officially endorsed in such a manner. More likely, scammers abuse the affiliate programs associated with the content to gain illicit commissions.
While advertising-supported software may not display ad campaigns under certain conditions, such as incompatible browsers or systems, specific websites not being visited, or other unsuitable circumstances, the presence of DominantNetwork on a system still poses a risk to device and user security.
Although AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking capabilities, we did not observe these functionalities when examining DominantNetwork.
Adware typically collects private information, and this may also apply to DominantNetwork. The gathered data can include visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, usernames, passwords, personally identifiable information, credit card numbers, and more. This collected data can be sold to third parties or otherwise exploited for financial gain.
How Can Adware Find Its Way on Your Mac?
Adware can find its way onto your Mac through various means, often by disguising itself as legitimate software or infiltrating your system through deceptive tactics. Here are common ways adware can infect your Mac:
Bundled Software: Adware is frequently bundled with legitimate software downloads from the internet. When you download and install a seemingly safe program, the adware may be included as an additional component, often hidden in the installation process.
Freeware or Shareware: Many free or low-cost software applications often come bundled with adware to generate revenue for the developer. Always be cautious when downloading software from unverified sources.
Deceptive Ads and Pop-ups: Clicking on misleading ads or pop-ups on websites, especially those offering free downloads or claiming to improve your Mac's performance, can lead to adware installations.
Fake Updates: Some adware disguises itself as software updates, such as Adobe Flash updates or browser extensions. Users may unwittingly download and install adware while trying to keep their software up-to-date.
Malicious Websites: Visiting malicious or compromised websites can trigger drive-by downloads, where adware is automatically downloaded and installed on your Mac without your consent.
Phishing Emails and Attachments: Opening email attachments or clicking on links in phishing emails can lead to adware installations if the email contains malicious content.
Pirated Software: Downloading cracked or pirated software from untrustworthy sources increases the risk of adware infections. These downloads may be modified to include adware.
Social Engineering: Adware creators may employ social engineering techniques to trick users into downloading and installing malicious software, often by posing as trusted entities or tech support.
