FlexibleSector

FlexibleSector is a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) targeting users in the Apple ecosystem, those with Mac devices more specifically. The program exhibits all of the characteristics associated with PUPs. It functions both as an adware and a browser hijacker, while also possessing data-harvesting capabilities. 

While present on the system, FlexibleSector will run an intrusive advertising campaign that could diminish the user's experience severely. The generated advertisements could lead to browser slow-downs or start to cover the legitimate content viewed by the user. They also could take all forms, including pop-ups, banners, in-text hyperlinks, etc. The advertising materials also could cause forced redirects that will take the user to questionable third-party websites promoting additional PUPs, running various tactics, or even trying to drop serious malware threats. 

The browser hijacker part of FlexibleSector is tasked with promoting the address of a fake search engine. It does so by taking over the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine settings. The PUP will then prevent the user from making any further adjustments to the settings in question.

Keeping FlixubleSector installed also means that the PUP also will be able to activate its spying routines. It will track the browsing history, conducted searches, clicked URLs, etc., and transmit the collected data to its servers. Among the harvested information also could be system details such as the device's IP address, the ISP (Internet Service Provider) and geolocation.