ExpandedEnvironment

ExpandedEnvironment targets Mac systems and aims to deliver unwanted advertisements, as well as promote a dubious search engine. As such, it combines the capabilities of both adware and browser hijackers. In addition, it also is classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) due to the deceptive methods used for its distribution.

Users should approach the various pop-ups, banners, in-text links, surveys, etc. delivered by applications such as ExpandedEnvironment with caution. The advertisements may show various clickbait messages to lure users into clicking on them. Doing so may trigger redirects to suspicious websites running online tactics, phishing schemes or other dubious activities.

The PUP also will affect the user's Web browser. It will change the homepage address, new tab page, and the default search engine. All three will be forced to now open an unfamiliar promoted address, in most cases that of a fake search engine.

With PUPs present on their devices, Mac users also should worry about having their browsing activities monitored. Applications of this type are known for collecting data such as the entire browsing history, search history, IP address, geolocation and more. It is recommended to never keep PUPs around and remove them as soon as possible.