Acalde.app

During their investigation of intrusive and potentially untrustworthy programs, information security researchers identified Alcalde.app. After a detailed analysis, experts confirmed that this application functions as adware targeting Mac devices in particular. Once installed on a user's Mac device, Alcalde.app generates revenue for its developers by delivering dubious and unwanted advertisements. Additionally, it has been linked to the Pirrit adware family, known for its aggressive ad distribution tactics.

Acalde.app May Lead to Increased Privacy and Security Issues

Adware like Alcalde.app engages in intrusive advertising campaigns by displaying third-party graphical content, such as pop-ups, banners, surveys, and overlays, on desktops, visited websites and other interfaces. These advertisements often promote online tactics, untrustworthy or harmful software and even malware. Clicking on these advertisements can trigger scripts that download or install software without the user's consent.

While some legitimate products or services may occasionally appear in these advertisements, they are unlikely to be promoted by official sources. Instead, fraudsters often exploit affiliate programs associated with these products to earn illegitimate commissions.

Adware can also have harmful capabilities beyond advertising, such as browser hijacking and data tracking. It can collect information like visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, Internet cookies, account login credentials, personally identifiable details,and credit card numbers. This collected data is often sold to third parties for profit.

Adware and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) Often Seek to Get Installed Stealthily on Users' Devices

Adware and PUPs often use stealthy methods to get installed on users' devices. Here are some common tactics they employ:

• Bundling with Free Software: Adware and PUPs are frequently bundled with legitimate free software. When users download and install a free application, they may inadvertently install additional unwanted programs. These extra programs are often included in the installation package and may be pre-selected for installation by default.
• Misleading Installers: Installers may use deceptive techniques to trick users into installing adware or PUPs. This can include using confusing language, presenting the adware as a necessary component, or hiding the decline option in less visible places.
• Fake Software Updates: Users may encounter fake software update notifications that prompt them to download and install updates for popular software like Flash Player, Java or web browsers. These fake updates often contain adware or PUPs.
• Malvertising: Adware can be distributed through unsafe advertisements (malvertising). When users click on these ads, they are redirected to websites that automatically download and install unwanted programs without their explicit consent.
• Phishing Emails: Cybercriminals may use phishing emails with attachments or links that, when clicked or opened, download adware or PUPs onto the user's device.
• Social Engineering: Adware and PUP developers often use social engineering techniques to manipulate users into downloading their programs. This could involve creating fake alerts, warnings, or offers that urge users to take immediate action.
• Masquerading as Legitimate Software: Some adware and PUPs disguise themselves as legitimate software or useful tools. They may appear as browser extensions, system cleaners, or performance enhancers to trick users into installing them.
• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks: Downloading software, games, or media files from peer-to-peer (P2P) networks may also lead to the inadvertent installation of adware or PUPs, as these files may be bundled with unwanted programs.

By understanding these tactics, users can be more vigilant and take steps to avoid inadvertently installing adware and PUPs on their devices.