SystemLocator Adware
While examining new submissions on the VirusTotal platform, our research team came across SystemLocator. Upon thorough analysis, it was determined that SystemLocator is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. Adware, a type of software supported by advertising, is designed to inundate users with unwanted and potentially harmful advertisements.
The ultimate purpose of adware is to generate revenue for its creators by displaying various types of ads, including pop-ups, overlays, coupons, banners, and more, on visited websites or in pop-ups.
It is worth noting that ad-supported software may not function as intended under certain conditions, such as incompatible browsers or systems or specific sites not being visited. However, even if SystemLocator does not deliver advertisements, it still poses a threat to device and user safety.
The ads presented by this software can promote online scams, unreliable or hazardous programs, and even malware. Clicking on these ads may trigger scripts to initiate downloads or installations without user consent.
While it is possible to encounter genuine products or services through these ads, they are unlikely to be endorsed by official parties. Such endorsements are often carried out by scammers aiming to earn illegitimate commissions by exploiting affiliate programs associated with the promoted content.
Although AdLoad applications typically possess browser-hijacking capabilities, SystemLocator did not exhibit such traits during testing.
SystemLocator may include data-tracking features, as is common with adware. Information of interest may encompass visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, Internet cookies, usernames, passwords, personally identifiable information, financial data, and more. This valuable data can be sold to third parties or exploited for profit in other ways.
What is the AdLoad Group of Adware Clone Apps?
The AdLoad group refers to a family of adware clone applications known for their intrusive advertising practices and potentially harmful effects on users' devices. These adware programs typically operate by displaying unwanted advertisements, pop-ups, banners, and other forms of advertising to users while they browse the internet.
AdLoad adware is notorious for its aggressive distribution methods and the wide variety of tactics it employs to generate revenue for its creators. These tactics may include browser hijacking, where the adware takes control of the user's browser settings to redirect them to specific websites or display additional advertisements. AdLoad adware may also track users' online activities and collect personal information for targeted advertising purposes.
One characteristic of the AdLoad group is the proliferation of clone applications, which are essentially variants of the same adware program with slight modifications. These clone apps often share similar functionality and behavior but may have different names, appearances, or distribution methods.
The AdLoad group of adware clone apps poses a significant threat to users' online privacy and security due to its intrusive advertising practices and potential for malware distribution. Users should be cautious when downloading and installing software from unknown sources and use reputable antivirus and antimalware tools to protect against adware and other types of malware. Additionally, regularly updating software and maintaining strong security practices can help mitigate the risks associated with adware infections.
