ValueStandard Mac Adware
Our researchers came across ValueStandard during their examination of new files on the VirusTotal website. Upon analyzing this software, we determined that it falls into the category of adware, specifically linked to the AdLoad malware family.
ValueStandard is created with the intention of generating profits for its developers by inundating users with unwanted and misleading advertisements. Adware, short for advertising-supported software, functions by presenting ads (such as pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, etc.) across different interfaces.
It's worth noting that certain conditions might be required for this software to initiate intrusive ad campaigns, such as a compatible browser or system, user location, or visits to specific websites. Regardless of whether ValueStandard displays ads, its presence on a system remains a potential threat.
Ads displayed by adware mainly promote online scams, dubious or harmful software, and even potential malware. In some cases, these intrusive ads can execute scripts to trigger hidden downloads or installations upon being clicked.
While these advertisements might occasionally lead to legitimate products or services, it's highly unlikely that official entities are behind their promotion. More often, these endorsements are likely driven by scammers who exploit affiliate programs to gain unauthorized commissions.
Although AdLoad applications often include browser-hijacking capabilities, our testing did not reveal such functionalities in ValueStandard.
Adware typically gathers sensitive user information, and this could be the case with ValueStandard. The data targeted might encompass visited URLs, viewed webpages, entered search queries, internet cookies, usernames and passwords, personal identification details, financial information, and more. The collected data may be sold to third parties or exploited for profit in various ways.
How Can Adware Impact Your Browsing Experience?
Adware can significantly impact your browsing experience in various negative ways. It's important to understand how adware operates and the potential consequences it can have on your online activities:
Unwanted Advertisements:
Adware inundates your browsing sessions with a barrage of intrusive and often irrelevant advertisements. These ads can appear in various forms, including pop-ups, banners, overlays, and in-text ads. They can cover content on the webpage, disrupt your reading, and make it challenging to navigate websites.
Slower Performance:
Adware consumes system resources and slows down your device's performance. The constant loading and rendering of ads can lead to longer page load times, delays in interacting with websites, and overall sluggishness.
Altered Search Results:
Adware might modify your search results by injecting sponsored links or ads into the search engine results pages. This can make it difficult to find genuine and relevant information.
Redirects to Unwanted Websites:
Some adware can redirect your browsing to malicious or unwanted websites. These sites might contain scams, phishing attempts, or further malware infections.
Privacy Concerns:
Adware often collects your browsing habits, search queries, and personal information. This data is used to deliver targeted ads and can also be sold to third parties for various purposes, including identity theft and personalized marketing.
Risk of Malware Infection:
Adware sometimes serves as a gateway for more severe malware infections. Some adware might deliver malicious ads or redirect you to websites that distribute malware, potentially leading to serious security breaches.
