BufferView
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 14 |
| First Seen: | November 17, 2021 |
| Last Seen: | January 19, 2025 |
Protecting your Mac from Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) is essential to maintaining its security, privacy, and performance. PUPs often masquerade as valuable tools but introduce intrusive behavior, such as excessive advertisements, browser tracking and system slowdowns. One such example is BufferView, an application identified as adware that disrupts the user experience by injecting misleading advertisements and exposing users to security risks.
Table of Contents
BufferView: A Risky Adware Program
BufferView is categorized as adware, meaning its primary function is to generate intrusive advertisements on infected devices. Security researchers have flagged this application as malicious due to its aggressive advertising tactics and its potential to expose users to unreliable and harmful content.
Once installed, BufferView may display various types of advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, in-text advertisements and promotional overlays. These advertisements often feature misleading content—such as fake warnings, deceptive software offers, and exaggerated claims designed to lure users into clicking. Interacting with these advertisements could result in:
- Exposure to Tactics – Redirects to phishing websites attempting to harvest sensitive information.
- Unwanted Software Installations – Downloads of additional adware, browser hijackers or other intrusive programs.
- Malware Infections – Potential exposure to Trojans, spyware or other harmful software distributed through deceptive landing pages.
Beyond its advertising capabilities, BufferView may negatively impact system performance by consuming processing power and memory, leading to slowdowns, crashes and overall instability.
Privacy Risks: How BufferView Tracks Users
Like many adware applications, BufferView could engage in user tracking to gather browsing-related data. The information it collects may include:
- Browsing history and frequently visited websites.
- Search queries entered into search engines.
- IP addresses and geolocation details.
- Clicked advertisements and purchase history.
This data is often exploited for targeted advertising or sold to third parties, raising serious privacy concerns. In some cases, collected information may be used to create detailed user profiles, increasing the risk of unwanted tracking and potential identity theft.
Questionable Distribution Tactics Used by PUPs Like BufferView
BufferView does not rely on transparent installation methods. Instead, it is often distributed through deceptive techniques that trick users into installing it unknowingly. Some of the most common tactics used include:
- Software Bundling: PUPs like BufferView are frequently bundled with free software downloaded from unofficial sources. Users who rush through installation processes without reviewing the details may unknowingly approve the installation of unwanted programs. Bundled software often hides additional components under the 'Recommended' or 'Express' installation settings, which users should avoid.
- Fake Software Updates and Fraudulent Advertisements: Cybercriminals distribute adware using deceptive pop-ups and fake update prompts. Users who encounter messages such as 'Your software is outdated—download the latest update now!' may unknowingly install intrusive applications like BufferView. Similarly, rogue advertising networks on untrustworthy websites push misleading download links that introduce unwanted software onto the system.
Other deceptive methods include:
- Unofficial app stores that distribute repackaged versions of legitimate software with additional unwanted components.
- Unsafe email attachments and deceptive links leading to infected downloads.
- Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks and free file-sharing websites that bundle adware with pirated or modified software.
By recognizing these tactics and exercising caution when downloading software, users can minimize the risk of inadvertently installing intrusive applications like BufferView.
How to Stay Protected against Adware and PUPs
To prevent infections from adware and other unwanted software, follow these security best practices:
- Download Software from Official Sources – Avoid downloading applications from third-party websites, torrents, or unverified platforms.
- Use Custom Installation Settings – Always opt for 'Custom' or 'Advanced' installation options to review and decline additional bundled software.
- Ignore Suspicious Ads and Pop-ups – Do not interact with alerts claiming that your system is at risk or that software updates are required from unknown sources.
- Keep Security Software Updated – Use reliable antivirus or anti-malware tools to detect and remove intrusive programs.
- Regularly Review Installed Applications – Check your system for unfamiliar applications and remove any that exhibit unwanted behavior.
Given its intrusive nature, BufferView should be removed immediately if detected on a Mac. Users experiencing unexpected advertisements, browser slowdowns, or privacy concerns should investigate their system for PUPs and take appropriate action to eliminate them.
