Fearful.app Adware
During the evaluation of new submissions on the VirusTotal website, our researchers came across Fearful.app. Upon investigation, we identified this application as part of the Pirrit adware family. Fearful.app functions as advertising-supported software (adware), initiating intrusive advertising campaigns.
Adware is crafted to facilitate the display of third-party graphical content, including pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, surveys, and various ads, on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
The displayed advertisements primarily endorse online scams, unreliable or harmful software, and potentially even malware. Clicking on certain ads may trigger the execution of scripts, leading to downloads or installations without user consent.
It's essential to note that although genuine products or services may be promoted through these ads, it is highly unlikely that such endorsements come from official sources. More probable is that scammers exploit affiliate programs associated with the content to earn illegitimate commissions.
It's important to highlight that adware may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system, user geolocation, or visits to particular sites. Regardless of whether Fearful.app displays advertisements, it poses a threat to the safety of the device and user.
While Pirrit applications often possess browser-hijacking functionalities, our analysis did not reveal such behaviors in Fearful.app.
Furthermore, adware typically engages in the collection of sensitive information, and Fearful.app may have the capability to track data. The gathered information may include visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, Internet cookies, account login credentials, credit card numbers, and more. This data can later be exploited through sale to third parties.
How Can Adware Impact Your Browsing Experience?
Adware can significantly impact your browsing experience in several negative ways. Here are some common ways in which adware affects users:
Intrusive Advertisements:
Adware bombards users with intrusive advertisements, such as pop-ups, banners, overlays, and interstitial ads. These ads can disrupt the normal flow of web browsing, making it frustrating for users to navigate websites.
Browser Slowdowns and Crashes:
The constant display of ads by adware can consume system resources and slow down your web browser. In some cases, adware may contribute to browser crashes or freezes, leading to a poor overall browsing experience.
Redirects to Unwanted Websites:
Adware may cause unwanted browser redirects, taking you to websites that you did not intend to visit. These redirects can lead to potentially harmful or deceptive sites.
Changes to Browser Settings:
Some adware programs may alter your browser settings without your consent. This could include changes to your homepage, default search engine, or the addition of unwanted browser extensions.
Compromised Privacy:
Adware often tracks users' online activities, collecting data such as visited websites, search queries, and clicked links. This information is used to deliver targeted advertisements but also raises privacy concerns.
Exposure to Scams and Malware:
Adware may display deceptive or malicious advertisements that can trick users into clicking on harmful links. This can lead to exposure to scams, phishing attempts, or malware downloads.
Difficulty in Closing Ads:
Some adware displays ads that are challenging to close or may use deceptive tactics to make users click on them. This can be frustrating and create a negative user experience.
To mitigate the impact of adware on your browsing experience, it's crucial to use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to detect and remove adware from your system. Additionally, practice safe browsing habits, avoid clicking on suspicious ads, and regularly review your browser extensions and settings.
