Essentialpanel

EssentialPanel is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) due to the deceptive distribution techniques it employs to spread itself. After all, it is extremely unlikely for users to download and install an application that is essentially adware coupled with browser hijacker capabilities on their Mac system intentionally.

If EssentialPanel manages to sneak itself unnoticed onto the computer, it will begin to monetize its presence by running an intrusive advertising campaign. As a result, users could see a drastic increase in advertising materials that might include pop-up, banners, coupons, in-text links and more. Although PUPs are generally considered to be incapable of causing any real damage to the system they are installed on, engaging with the advertisements they generate should be seen as a potential security risk. Indeed, the advertisements could employ forced redirects to take the user to unreliable websites. Phishing pages siphoning all entered data, fake giveaways, tech support scams, domains promoting other dubious PUPs, etc. could all be among the destinations of the redirects.

Simultaneously with the ad campaign, EssentialPanel also will activate its browser hijacker functionality. The homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine will all be modified to open a promoted address. Browser hijackers are most often used as tools generating artificial traffic towards a fake search engine, and EssentialPanel is not an exception. Any search query initiated in the URL bar or the main page will first go to akamaihd.net and then to the Safe Finder hoax engine. Ultimately, users will be presented with search results from search.yahoo.com, a legitimate search engine.

Another red flag often associated with PUPs is that they are capable of tracking the user's browsing activities. In the most benign cases, the applications will collect the search and browsing histories. Others, however, also might go after certain device details such as geolocation, ISP and IP address. Most threatening PUPs also may attempt to access any banking and payment information, as well as credit/debit card details if such data has been saved into the affected browser.

Users are strongly advised to remove all PUPs from their Mac, as soon as they notice the first signs of their presence.