EscapeUpdate Mac Adware
Our team identified the EscapeUpdate application and determined that it is adware affiliated with the AdLoad malware family. EscapeUpdate functions by spamming users with unwelcome and misleading advertisements.
Adware, short for advertising-supported software, conducts intrusive advertising campaigns, allowing the placement of third-party graphical content, such as pop-ups, coupons, overlays, etc., on visited websites or other interfaces.
It is essential to note that adware may require specific conditions to function as intended, such as a compatible browser/system, user geolocation, or visits to particular websites. Nevertheless, even if EscapeUpdate refrains from delivering advertisements, its presence on a system poses a risk to device and user safety.
Advertisements displayed by adware often promote online scams, unreliable or hazardous software, and malware. Some of these ads can be triggered, for instance, by being clicked, to execute scripts that perform downloads or installations without user permission.
It's important to highlight that while legitimate products and services may be featured in these advertisements, they are unlikely to be officially endorsed in this manner by their developers or other authoritative entities. The endorsement is more likely carried out by scammers who exploit the content's affiliate programs to illicitly obtain commissions.
Although EscapeUpdate did not display browser-hijacking capabilities during testing, AdLoad applications commonly possess such features.
Furthermore, this adware-type application likely gathers private data, including URLs visited, viewed webpages, search queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial data, and more. The collected information may be shared with or sold to third parties, potentially including cybercriminals.
How Can Adware Impact the Performance of Your Computer?
Adware can significantly impact the performance of your computer in various ways, leading to a range of undesirable consequences. Here are some ways in which adware can affect your computer's performance:
Slowed Performance:
Adware often consumes system resources by running background processes and displaying numerous advertisements. This can result in sluggish performance, slow response times, and delayed execution of tasks.
Increased CPU Usage:
Adware can utilize a significant amount of your computer's central processing unit (CPU) resources. This increased CPU usage can lead to overall system slowdowns, especially when multiple adware-related processes are running simultaneously.
Pop-ups and Intrusive Ads:
Adware is known for generating intrusive ads, including pop-ups, banners, and overlays. Constant interruptions from these ads can be annoying and disruptive, impacting your overall computing experience.
Browser Hijacking:
Some aggressive adware may hijack your browser settings, changing the default homepage, search engine, or installing unwanted browser extensions. This can lead to a compromised browsing experience and make it challenging to revert to your preferred settings.
