What is SharedFormat Adware?
During the analysis of new samples of potentially unwanted software, our research team identified the SharedFormat application as adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. This software is primarily designed to display advertisements, but it may also have additional harmful features. Adware is a type of software that allows third-party graphical content such as pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and other intrusive ads to be displayed on websites or interfaces visited by users.
The ads displayed through adware often promote online scams, unreliable or malicious software, and even malware. Clicking on these intrusive ads may initiate downloads or installations without the user's consent. It is important to note that any legitimate products or services promoted through these ads are highly unlikely to be endorsed by their developers or creators. Instead, scammers typically abuse affiliate programs associated with the content to obtain illegitimate commissions.
To run intrusive ad campaigns, adware may require specific conditions such as a compatible browser or system, user geolocation, or visits to particular websites. However, even if SharedFormat does not display ads, its presence on a system can still pose a risk to device and user safety.
How is Adware Similar to SharedFormat Commonly Distributed?
Adware, including SharedFormat, is commonly distributed through software bundling, where it is included in the installation packages of legitimate software. Users who download and install software from unverified sources or third-party websites run the risk of unwittingly installing adware and other potentially harmful software. Adware may also be distributed through malicious ads, fake software updates, and social engineering tactics such as phishing emails or messages containing links to download software that contains adware.
