Buzz Adware
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered an intrusive and untrustworthy app named 'Buzz.' The app was found being bundled in an installer offered for download by a dubious website claiming to provide visitors with 'cracked' versions of popular software products. However, the supposed apps were confirmed to be fake. After analyzing the Buzz application, the security researchers confirmed that it is intrusive adware, meaning that its main purpose and functionality is to deliver unwanted ads to the user's device.
Keeping Adware Like Buzz on Your Devices could be Risky
Adware is software that is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces. Unfortunately, these ads can often endorse online scams, unreliable apps, or even harmful software. Some of these intrusive adverts may execute scripts that perform downloads or installations without the user's permission.
It is important to note that while legitimate products and services can sometimes be advertised through adware, they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their actual developers or creators. Instead, it is more likely that scammers abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions for promoting fraudulent products or services.
One of the key issues with advertising-supported software is that it often has the ability to track user data. This may also be true for adware like Buzz. The data that is collected can include information such as visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, browser cookies, bookmarks, usernames and passwords, personally identifiable information, and financial details. This data could then be sold to third parties or otherwise used for profit without the user's consent.
Adware and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) Often Hide Their Installation
PUPs are often installed on a user's device without their knowledge or consent. The tactics used to hide these installations can vary, but they typically involve some form of deception or obfuscation.
For example, PUPs may be bundled with legitimate software that the user intends to install, and the installation of the PUP may be buried in the terms and conditions or other fine print. Alternatively, the PUP may be disguised as a necessary update or security patch, or it may be presented as a free trial of a desirable product or service.
PUPs may also be distributed through deceptive pop-ups or ads that appear to be legitimate. These ads may claim that the user's device was impacted by a virus or malware and urge the user to download a tool or program to clean the device. In reality, the tool or program may be a PUP that is designed to compromise the device further or collecting user data.
Overall, the tactics used to hide the installation of PUPs are designed to deceive users and prevent them from realizing that they are installing unwanted or potentially harmful software. As such, users must be vigilant and carefully review all software installations and updates before proceeding.
