What is SkilledNetwork Mac Adware?
During the investigation of new app samples, our researchers came across an application called SkilledNetwork. Upon analysis, it was discovered that SkilledNetwork is a type of adware, which is a form of advertising-supported software. It is worth noting that SkilledNetwork is part of the AdLoad malware family.
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertising campaigns by displaying various types of ads such as pop-ups, banners, overlays, and surveys on different interfaces. These ads can promote online scams, harmful software, and even malware. Some of these intrusive ads can even perform downloads and installations without the user's consent.
Although legitimate content may be promoted through these ads, it is unlikely to be endorsed by the actual developers. Scammers often abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
SkilledNetwork may not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if the browser or system is incompatible, certain websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, its presence on a system can still pose a threat to device integrity and user safety.
Additionally, SkilledNetwork may have browser-hijacking capabilities, as this is typical for AdLoad adware, although none were observed during our analysis.
Furthermore, SkilledNetwork likely has data-tracking abilities and can collect various types of targeted information, such as visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, internet cookies, usernames, passwords, personally identifiable details, and credit card numbers. The collected data can be sold to third parties or abused for profit.
How Can Adware Like SkilledNetwork Get on Your Mac?
Adware like SkilledNetwork can get on your Mac through various means, including downloading and installing software from unverified sources, visiting malicious or compromised websites, or clicking on malicious links or ads.
Adware may also be bundled with legitimate software, and users may unwittingly install it during the installation process. Additionally, adware can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems to gain access to a device. To prevent adware and other types of malware from infecting your Mac, it is important to keep your software and operating system up-to-date, use reputable antivirus software, and exercise caution when downloading or installing software or clicking on links and ads.
