MethodOnline Adware
Our research team came across MethodOnline during a review of new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon investigation, we identified this application as ad-supported software, categorized under the AdLoad malware family.
Adware is crafted to generate revenue for developers by inundating users with undesirable and potentially harmful advertisements. These third-party graphical elements, such as pop-ups, surveys, banners, overlays, coupons, etc., are displayed on visited websites or other interfaces.
Primarily, these ads promote online scams, unreliable or harmful software, and potential malware. Some ads can be triggered, for instance, through clicks, executing scripts that initiate downloads or installations without user consent. It's important to note that any seemingly genuine content found through these ads is likely endorsed by scammers seeking illegitimate commissions through abuse of affiliate programs.
Advertising-supported software may have specific requirements for running intrusive ad campaigns, such as compatible browser/system specifications, user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, regardless of whether MethodOnline displays ads or not, its presence on a device poses a threat.
While previous AdLoad applications we've encountered often possessed browser-hijacking capabilities, MethodOnline did not exhibit these traits in our analysis.
It's crucial to mention that adware typically includes data-tracking functionalities, and this might be applicable to the MethodOnline app. Data of interest may encompass URLs visited, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable information, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data could be monetized through sale to third parties, potentially including cybercriminals.
How Can Adware Compromise Your Browsing Safety?
Adware can compromise your browsing safety in various ways, posing risks to both your online experience and the security of your personal information. Here are several ways in which adware can undermine your browsing safety:
Unwanted Advertisements:
Adware inundates your browser with intrusive and unwanted advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, and overlays. These ads can be distracting, annoying, and may obstruct the content you're trying to view.
Promotion of Scams and Malicious Software:
Adware often displays ads that promote online scams, fake products, or unreliable software. Clicking on such ads may lead you to deceptive websites designed to steal personal information or distribute malware.
Automatic Downloads and Installations:
Some adware-triggered ads can initiate automatic downloads or installations without your consent. This poses a significant security risk, as these downloads may include malicious software or potentially unwanted programs.
Execution of Malicious Scripts:
Clicking on certain ads facilitated by adware may trigger the execution of malicious scripts. These scripts can perform actions such as installing malware, compromising your system's security.
Browser Redirects to Phishing Sites:
Adware may redirect your browser to phishing sites that imitate legitimate websites, attempting to trick you into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details.
Compromised Affiliate Programs:
Ads delivered by adware may lead you to seemingly genuine websites or products. However, these may be part of affiliate programs abused by scammers to gain illegitimate commissions through fraudulent activities.
Tracking and Profiling:
Adware often includes tracking functionalities, monitoring your online behavior, visited websites, and search queries. This collected data can be exploited for targeted advertising or, in some cases, sold to third parties, raising privacy concerns.
