NativeSeason Browser Hijacker is a Scam
NativeSeason, a seemingly innocuous application, was recently brought to our attention during a routine inspection of new file submissions to VirusTotal. However, beneath its unassuming façade lies a more sinister purpose. NativeSeason operates as adware, a type of software designed with one primary goal - to generate revenue for its developers. It is important to note that NativeSeason also belongs to the notorious AdLoad malware family.
At its core, adware like NativeSeason is a digital pest, inundating users with unwanted and deceptive advertisements. These intrusive adverts manifest in various forms, from annoying pop-ups to obtrusive overlays, deceptive surveys, and distracting banners, often compromising the user experience.
The Lurking Threat of NativeSeason
The danger posed by NativeSeason extends beyond mere annoyance. This adware-type application can deliver advertisements promoting online scams, unreliable software, and even potential malware. Some of these ads have the ability to execute scripts, leading to stealthy downloads or installations when clicked. This nefarious tactic puts users' digital security and personal information at risk.
NativeSeason's association with the AdLoad malware family raises further concerns. While browser hijacking is a common trait in AdLoad applications, it wasn't observed during testing of NativeSeason. However, this doesn't diminish the potential harm it can cause to your system.
Data Tracking and Its Consequences
Intriguingly, NativeSeason likely possesses data-tracking functionalities, a standard feature in adware. This enables the collection of sensitive information such as browsing history, search engine queries, cookies, usernames, passwords, and even credit card numbers. This harvested data can then be sold to third parties or exploited for illicit profits, exposing users to the grave risks of privacy breaches and identity theft.
To sum it up, the presence of advertising-supported software like NativeSeason on your device can have dire consequences. It opens the door to potential system infections, severe privacy breaches, financial losses, and the haunting specter of identity theft. In an era where digital security is paramount, vigilance against such deceptive applications is more crucial than ever.
