FlightRemote

During their examination of potentially intrusive software, information security researchers came across FlightRemote. Upon analyzing the application, experts identified it as a type of adware, software intended to execute aggressive advertising campaigns by inundating users with unwanted and misleading advertisements. Notably, FlightRemote is tailored to target Mac devices specifically. Additionally, experts caution that this application belongs to the AdLoad malware family, indicating its association with known unsafe software variants.

FlightRemote May Lead to Increased Privacy and Security Issues

Adware is a type of dubious software that displays advertisements across various interfaces, including desktops and visited websites. These advertisements can take the form of pop-ups, overlays, banners, surveys and more. The primary purpose of these advertisements is to promote various online tactics, unreliable or harmful software and sometimes even malware.

Legitimate content is unlikely to be promoted through these advertisements by official parties. Instead, fraudsters often exploit product affiliate programs to earn illegitimate commissions by promoting deceptive or harmful content.

Additionally, this rogue software likely includes data-tracking capabilities. It could try to gather a range of information, such as users' browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames and passwords, personally recognizable data and credit card numbers. This harvested data may be sold to third parties or exploited for profit through various means. Users should be cautious of adware and take action to protect their privacy and security when encountering such software.

PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Adware Are Often Installed Unnoticed by Users

PUPs and adware often utilize questionable distribution techniques to install themselves on users' devices without being noticed. Here are some common methods used:

• Bundled Software: PUPs and adware are frequently bundled with legitimate software that users intentionally download and install. During the installation process, users may overlook additional bundled programs because they are presented as optional or pre-selected for installation by default. This practice is often mentioned as 'software bundling.'
• Misleading Ads and Fake Updates: Users may encounter misleading advertisements or pop-ups claiming that software updates are needed for their system or specific applications. Clicking on these advertisements or prompts can lead to the unintentional download and installation of PUPs or adware instead of legitimate updates.
• Freeware and File-Sharing Sites: PUPs and adware can be distributed through freeware and file-sharing platforms. Users who download software from these sources may unknowingly install additional unwanted programs alongside the intended software.
• Phony Installers and Download Managers: Some websites host deceptive installers or download managers that trick users into installing PUPs or adware. These installers may use confusing or misleading interface elements to disguise the presence of unwanted programs.
• Browser Extensions and Add-ons: PUPs and adware can be disguised as seemingly useful browser extensions or add-ons. Users may install these extensions voluntarily without realizing their true nature or the extent of their intrusive behavior.
• Social Engineering Tactics: Fraudsters may employ social engineering tactics, such as fake security alerts or warnings, to manipulate users into downloading and installing PUPs or adware. These tactics prey on users' fears and trust to deceive them into taking undesirable actions.

To minimize the risk of installing PUPs and adware unknowingly, users should adopt the following best practices:

• Download software only from dependable sources, such as official websites or trusted app stores. Pay close attention during software installations and opt out of any additional programs or toolbars that are not necessary.
• Keep operating systems and software updated. They should have the latest security patches to block vulnerabilities that could be exploited by unwanted programs.
• Use worthy-of-trust anti-malware software to detect and block PUPs and adware before installation.
• Be cautious of unexpected pop-ups, advertisements, or prompts that urge immediate action or claim system issues.

By staying vigilant and exercising caution when downloading and installing software, users can reduce the likelihood of inadvertently installing PUPs and adware on their devices.