FilterBoard Mac Adware

Our team of researchers came across the FilterBoard application during an examination of new file submissions. After analyzing this software, we determined that it falls into the category of ad-supported software, commonly known as adware. FilterBoard is affiliated with the AdLoad malware family.

Adware is created with the intention of generating revenue for its developers by bombarding users with unwanted and deceptive advertisements. These third-party graphical ads are typically displayed on websites users visit or within other interfaces.

It's worth noting that software in this category may not always deliver intrusive ad campaigns. The presence of such ads may depend on factors like browser or system compatibility, specific webpages visited, or other conditions. Nevertheless, even if FilterBoard doesn't display advertisements, it poses a risk to device and user security.

Ads delivered by adware primarily promote online scams, unreliable or harmful software, and, in some cases, even malware. Clicking on these ads can trigger scripts to perform hidden downloads or installations.

While a small portion of legitimate products or services may be advertised through these ads, they are highly unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. In most cases, these promotions are conducted by scammers who exploit affiliate programs to earn illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, while AdLoad applications often exhibit browser hijacking characteristics, we did not observe such traits during our investigation of FilterBoard.

Additionally, ad-supported software typically includes data-tracking features, and this may apply to the FilterBoard app. The information collected may encompass browsing and search history, internet cookies, personally identifiable details, usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and more. This collected information can be sold to third parties or otherwise exploited for profit.

What is the AdLoad Family of Adware?

The AdLoad family of adware is a group of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) known for their aggressive advertising tactics and the delivery of intrusive ads to users. AdLoad adware is designed to generate revenue for its creators by displaying a wide range of advertisements on a user's computer or device. These ads can take the form of pop-up windows, banners, in-text ads, and various other types of commercial content.

The key characteristics and behaviors associated with AdLoad and similar adware families include:

• Invasive Advertisements: AdLoad is notorious for its aggressive advertising techniques, often bombarding users with unwanted and deceptive ads. These ads can interfere with the user's browsing experience and lead to frustration.
• Browser Hijacking: Some variants of AdLoad adware can modify browser settings, such as the homepage and default search engine, without the user's consent. This can lead to unwanted redirects and search results.
• Data Tracking: AdLoad typically includes tracking mechanisms that monitor a user's online behavior, such as browsing history and search queries. This data is then used to deliver more targeted ads and potentially sold to third-party advertisers.
• Installation Through Bundling: AdLoad and similar adware often get installed on a user's system through software bundling. It is included with free or pirated software downloads, and users may unknowingly agree to install it during the installation process.
• Reduced System Performance: The constant delivery of ads can consume system resources and slow down the performance of the affected device.
• Privacy Concerns: The data collected by AdLoad and similar adware can raise privacy concerns, as it may include personally identifiable information and browsing habits.