AboutExtended

AboutExtended is yet another dubious application targeting Mac users. It is designed to perform the actions typically associated with adware and browser hijackers. Furthermore, the application tries to hide its installation by being distributed via questionable methods, such as bundling and fake installers/updates for other more popular software products. The reliance on these underhanded tactics is enough to classify AboutEdxtended as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program).

If AboutExtended manages to slip by without getting noticed, it will start to monetize its presence immediately. First, AboutExtended will begin injecting third-party advertisements that do not originate from the visited sites. This intrusive advertising campaign can impact the browsing experience on the device severely. The advertisements themselves should be approached with caution, as users who engage with them risk being redirected to hoax websites, phishing pages or other suspicious destinations. 

As for the browser hijacker part of AboutExtended, it is responsible for taking control over the user's Web browsers. Applications with such functionality typically modify the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine, forcing all three settings to open a promoted address. Browser hijackers are usually involved in the promotion of fake search engines that are incapable of producing any search results on their own. Users will instead be show results taken from a legitimate engine such as Yahoo, Bing, or Google, or a dubious one that could display results filled with sponsored ad links.

Users have another intrusive functionality to worry about, as nearly all PUPs are capable of spying on their browsing activities. However, the dubious applications may not stop there and the collected information also could include numerous device details or even payment data that has been saved into the affected browser.