RemoteManager Mac Adware
While examining new file submissions, our research team came across the RemoteManager app. Upon investigating this software, we concluded that it is classified as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
Adware refers to software that is supported by advertising and is designed to generate revenue for its developers by displaying unwanted advertisements to users. These advertisements, including pop-ups, overlays, banners, and more, are third-party graphical content that appears on various interfaces.
These advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable or hazardous software, and even malware. Clicking on some of these ads may trigger scripts that initiate downloads or installations without the user's consent.
It's important to note that legitimate products and services are unlikely to be promoted through these ads by official parties. The endorsement is likely carried out by scammers who exploit affiliate programs associated with the content to gain illegitimate commissions.
Ad-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertising campaigns, such as a compatible browser or system, user geolocation, or visits to specific websites. Even if RemoteManager itself does not display advertisements, its presence on a system poses a threat to device and user safety.
Typically, AdLoad applications possess browser-hijacking capabilities. However, during testing, RemoteManager did not exhibit these traits. Furthermore, this rogue app likely collects private information. Adware commonly targets various types of data, including visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, usernames/passwords, internet cookies, personally identifiable information, credit card numbers, and more. The gathered information can be sold to third parties.
How Can Adware Compromise Your Browsing Safety and Privacy?
Adware can compromise your browsing safety and privacy in several ways:
Intrusive and unwanted advertisements: Adware inundates your browsing experience with intrusive and unwanted advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, and overlays. These ads can be distracting, disrupt your online activities, and make it difficult to navigate websites effectively.
Clicking on malicious ads: Adware often displays deceptive or misleading ads that trick users into clicking on them. These ads can redirect you to malicious websites that may contain malware, phishing scams, or other threats. Clicking on such ads puts your device and personal information at risk.
Browser hijacking: Adware may hijack your browser settings, altering your homepage, default search engine, or new tab page without your consent. It redirects your searches to unwanted or unsafe websites, potentially exposing you to further security risks.
Slowed browsing speed and performance: Adware consumes system resources, leading to decreased browsing speed, frequent freezes, or crashes. It can significantly degrade your overall browsing experience and hinder your productivity.
Tracking and data collection: Adware often tracks your online activities, monitoring websites you visit, search queries you make, and other browsing behavior. This collected data is used to generate targeted advertisements or sold to third parties for various purposes, including advertising, analytics, or even identity theft.
Privacy breaches: Adware may access and collect sensitive information stored on your device, such as login credentials, credit card details, or personal data. This information can be exploited for financial fraud, identity theft, or other malicious activities.
System vulnerabilities: Adware can introduce security vulnerabilities to your device by installing additional unwanted software, modifying system files, or disabling security features. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by other malware or attackers to gain unauthorized access to your device.
Reduced control over your browsing experience: Adware takes control over your browsing by injecting unwanted advertisements, modifying search results, or altering website content. This diminishes your control and ability to browse the internet safely and according to your preferences.
