AgentLocator

During their analysis of intrusive and untrustworthy software, information security researchers came across the AgentLocator application. Upon closer examination, they identified it as exhibiting typical traits associated with adware. Essentially, AgentLocator is crafted to generate profit for its developers by displaying disruptive advertisements. It commonly functions by bombarding users with unwanted and potentially hazardous ads. Moreover, experts caution that this application is affiliated with the AdLoad malware family.

Adware Like AgentLocator May Lead to Increased Privacy Risks

Adware applications have the capability to display third-party graphical content, such as overlays, coupons, pop-ups, banners, and more, on various interfaces, including visited websites and desktops. These advertisements often promote tactics, unreliable or harmful software, and sometimes even malware.

Clicking on certain advertisements may trigger scripts that initiate sneaky downloads or installations without the user's consent. It's important to note that any seemingly genuine content promoted through these ads is likely being exploited by fraudsters who aim to earn illegitimate commissions through affiliate programs.

Additionally, most applications or extensions classified as adware are known to gather sensitive user information, and it's possible that AgentLocator possesses similar data-tracking capabilities. This collected information may include visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, Internet cookies, login credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers and more. This data can be sold to third parties or exploited for profit through various means.

PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Adware Are Rarely Installed Intentionally

PUPs and adware are typically not installed intentionally by users due to the questionable distribution techniques they employ. These programs often rely on deceptive or misleading tactics to infiltrate users' systems without their explicit consent. Here are some common reasons why users inadvertently end up with PUPs and adware on their devices:

• Bundled Software: PUPs and adware are frequently bundled with legitimate software downloads. Users may unknowingly install them alongside the desired program without realizing it. These bundles often conceal the presence of additional software through misleading installation prompts or pre-selected checkboxes.
•  Misleading Advertisements: Users may encounter misleading advertisements that prompt them to download or install software under pretenses. These advertisements often promise enticing features or benefits to lure users into clicking, only to deliver unwanted programs instead.
•  Fake Updates and Alerts: PUPs and adware may masquerade as legitimate software updates or security alerts. Users may be tricked into believing that their system requires an urgent update or fix, leading them to install malicious software unwittingly.
•  Social Engineering Tactics: PUPs and adware may use social engineering tactics to manipulate users into installing them. For example, they may display fake error messages or warnings claiming that the user's system is infected with malware, urging them to download a specific program to resolve the issue.

Overall, PUPs and adware rely on these deceptive distribution techniques to infiltrate users' systems without explicit consent. As a result, users may find themselves with unwanted software on their devices despite not intentionally installing it.