AnalogSet

Mac users have a new PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) to be on the lookout for. PUPs are intrusive applications that try to sneak their way on the user's Mac computers. Typically, this is achieved by employing various underhanded distribution tactics. The most widely exploited one is known as bundling. It involves packaging the intruder application alongside a more legitimate and desirable software product.

As for the capabilities of AnalogSet, this particular PUP can monetize its presence on the Mac by acting as both adware and a browser hijacker. Users will find themselves subjected to an influx of shady and dubious advertisements. The advertising materials may appear as pop-ups, banners, in-text links and more. The advertisements delivered by PUPs should not be trusted, as they may take users to suspicious sites, phishing pages or other unsafe places.

At the same time, AnalogSet will take control over the installed Web browsers and force them to open a promoted address. Users will find that the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine settings of the affected browsers have all been modified. Typically, while the PUP is present on the system, it will prevent users from reverting the settings to their previous state.

It also should be noted that in the vast majority of cases, PUPs and browser hijackers are tasked with promoting a fake search engine that would otherwise be completely ignored. And with a good reason - fake engines cannot deliver any results on their own. They take the initiated search queries and redirect them through a legitimate engine (Yahoo, Bing, Google) or a dubious one (nearbyme.io and others).

PUPs also are notorious for having data-tracking functionalities. Users risk having their browsing activities packaged alongside various device details and uploaded to a remote server controlled by the PUP's operators.