SkilledModuleSearch is an AdLoad Clone

During our investigation of newly submitted file samples, our researchers came across the SkilledModuleSearch application. This app falls into the category of adware, which means it is supported by advertising. Additionally, SkilledModuleSearch is associated with the AdLoad malware family.

Adware is specifically designed to execute intrusive advertising campaigns. It generates advertisements on visited websites or other interfaces, endorsing online scams, unreliable or harmful software, and even malware. Clicking on certain intrusive ads can trigger discreet downloads or installations.

It is important to note that any legitimate products or services encountered through these ads are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers or authorized entities. It is highly probable that scammers are responsible for this promotion, exploiting affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

In certain cases, advertising-supported software may not display ads due to unfavorable conditions such as incompatible browser or system specifications, user geolocation, or specific websites not being visited. However, even if SkilledModuleSearch does not currently deliver intrusive advertising campaigns, its mere presence on a system poses a threat to device and user safety.

Furthermore, AdLoad adware often possesses browser hijacking capabilities, and it is possible that SkilledModuleSearch shares similar characteristics, although it did not exhibit such traits during testing.

Moreover, SkilledModuleSearch is likely equipped with functionalities for tracking user data. This includes capturing information such as visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, internet cookies, personally identifiable details, financial-related data, and more. The collected information can then be shared with or sold to third parties.

In summary, the presence of software like SkilledModuleSearch on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy concerns, financial losses, and identity theft.

How Can Adware Compromise Your Browsing Privacy and Security?

Adware can compromise your browsing privacy and security in several ways:

• Intrusive Advertising: Adware is designed to display excessive and intrusive advertisements on websites you visit. These ads can disrupt your browsing experience, slow down your system, and make it difficult to focus on desired content. Clicking on these ads can lead to unintended consequences, such as being redirected to malicious websites or unknowingly downloading malware.
• Tracking and Data Collection: Adware often includes tracking functionalities to monitor your online activities. It can gather information such as your browsing history, search queries, clicked links, and even personal details. This data is then used to create targeted advertisements or shared with third parties for various purposes, including marketing, profiling, or selling to data brokers.
• Privacy Violations: Adware may access and collect sensitive information from your device, such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, or personal identification. This data can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or unauthorized account access. Additionally, the presence of adware on your system increases the risk of privacy breaches and unauthorized access to your personal information.
• Malware Delivery: Adware often serves as a gateway for delivering more dangerous malware onto your system. Clicking on ads or interacting with adware-generated content can trigger stealthy downloads and installations of malicious software, including ransomware, spyware, or keyloggers. These malware infections can compromise your data, damage your system, or give unauthorized access to cybercriminals.
• Browser Hijacking: Some adware variants have browser hijacking capabilities. They can modify your browser settings, change your default search engine, redirect you to unwanted websites, or inject additional advertisements into web pages. This hijacking can lead to a loss of control over your browsing experience, unwanted exposure to potentially harmful content, and difficulty in reverting back to your preferred settings.
• Performance and Security Issues: Adware consumes system resources, including memory and processing power, which can significantly impact your device's performance and slow down your browsing speed. Moreover, the presence of adware increases the vulnerability of your system to security threats, as it creates additional entry points for cyber attacks and compromises the overall security posture of your device.

To protect your browsing privacy and security, it is important to use reliable antivirus and anti-malware software, keep your operating system and applications up to date, be cautious of clicking on suspicious ads or links, and regularly scan your device for any signs of adware or malware. Additionally, exercising safe browsing practices and being mindful of the websites you visit and the software you download can help mitigate the risks associated with adware.