OverallHelpDesk is an AdLoad Variant

Our research team came across the OverallHelpDesk application during the examination of fresh file samples. This application falls into the category of advertising-supported software (adware) and is associated with the AdLoad malware family. OverallHelpDesk is responsible for delivering intrusive advertising campaigns and may possess other potentially harmful capabilities.

Adware is created with the aim of generating revenue for its developers by inundating users with unwanted and potentially malicious advertisements. These third-party graphical elements are displayed on visited webpages or other interfaces.

These advertisements predominantly promote online scams, unreliable or hazardous software, and potentially malicious software. Some of these ads, when clicked, can trigger scripts that initiate downloads or installations without obtaining the user's consent.

It's important to note that while legitimate content may occasionally appear within these ads, it's highly unlikely that official entities would promote their products in this manner. It is more probable that these endorsements are orchestrated by scammers who exploit affiliate programs associated with these products to earn unauthorized commissions.

Advertising-supported software may refrain from running intrusive ad campaigns under specific conditions, such as incompatibility with the browser or system, non-visitations to particular websites, or other unsuitable circumstances. Nevertheless, the presence of OverallHelpDesk on a system continues to pose a threat.

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

Additionally, it's worth noting that adware typically includes data-tracking features, and this may also be applicable to OverallHelpDesk. The data of interest may encompass visited URLs, viewed webpages, entered search queries, internet cookies, account login credentials, personally identifiable information, credit card numbers, and more. This collected data can then be shared with or sold to third parties.

How Can Adware Impact Your Online Privacy?

Adware can have a significant impact on your online privacy by collecting and exploiting various types of personal and sensitive information. Here's how adware can affect your online privacy:

• Data Collection: Adware often tracks your online behavior, including the websites you visit, search queries you make, and the content you interact with. It can gather information about your browsing habits, which can be highly revealing about your interests and activities.
• Cookies and Tracking: Adware may use cookies and other tracking technologies to monitor your online activities across different websites. This information is used to build a profile of your preferences and behavior, allowing advertisers to target you with personalized ads.
• Login Credentials: In some cases, adware can capture your login credentials, such as usernames and passwords, as you enter them on websites. This information can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.
• Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Adware may collect PII, such as your name, email address, phone number, and even your physical address. This data can be used for identity theft or sold to third parties for various purposes.