PowerRemote Adware
Our researchers identified the PowerRemote application as adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family, designed to execute intrusive advertisement campaigns.
Adware, short for advertising-supported software, functions by displaying ads across various interfaces. These ads predominantly promote online scams, untrustworthy or harmful software, and even malware. Clicking on some of these advertisements can trigger scripts that initiate discreet downloads or installations.
It's important to note that legitimate products or services promoted through these ads are unlikely to be endorsed by official entities. The promotion is more likely carried out by scammers exploiting affiliate programs to gain illegitimate commissions.
Software in this category may refrain from delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns under certain conditions, such as incompatible browser/system specifications or avoiding specific websites. Nevertheless, even if PowerRemote doesn't display ads, its presence on a system poses a threat to device and user safety.
While AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking capabilities, we did not observe these characteristics during our testing of PowerRemote. However, it is probable that this adware-type app includes data-tracking functionalities.
The information of interest may encompass visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, account login credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and more. The collected data can then be shared with or sold to third parties, potentially including cybercriminals.
What is the AdLoad Family of Adware Variants?
The AdLoad family refers to a group of adware variants that are designed to display intrusive advertisements on users' systems. Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is a type of software that generates revenue for its developers by delivering unwanted advertisements to users. The AdLoad family of adware is known for certain characteristics and behaviors:
Intrusive Advertisements: AdLoad adware is notorious for displaying aggressive and intrusive advertisements. These ads can take various forms, including pop-ups, banners, in-text ads, and interstitial ads, often disrupting the user's browsing experience.
Affiliate Marketing and Commissions: AdLoad adware typically operates on an affiliate marketing model. Developers earn commissions by promoting and endorsing certain products or services through the displayed advertisements. These ads may lead users to potentially unwanted or harmful content.
Potential for Browser Hijacking: Some variants within the AdLoad family may have browser-hijacking capabilities. This means they can modify browser settings, such as the homepage, default search engine, or new tab page, redirecting users to specific websites chosen by the adware developers.
Data Tracking and Privacy Concerns: AdLoad adware often includes data-tracking functionalities. It may collect information about users' online activities, including visited websites, search queries, and other browsing habits. This data can be used for targeted advertising or, in some cases, sold to third parties, raising privacy concerns.
Stealthy Installations: AdLoad variants may employ stealthy installation techniques, often bundling with free software or shareware downloads. Users may inadvertently install the adware when installing seemingly legitimate programs.
