FocusGuide

FocusGuide is classified as being a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) due to the questionable methods it uses for its distribution. Indeed, in the vast majority of cases, users will not have even realized that the application is being installed on their Mac systems. Some of the dubious tactics often employed by PUPs include bundling and fake software installers/updates. In a bundling scheme, the intruder application is packaged alongside a far more desirable program. The PUP will be hidden inside the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' menu and will already be selected for installation. Other PUPs to be on the lookout for include LatestStructured, WindowsMegabyte and LinkInfo.

However, once inside the Mac, FocusGuide will reveal its true nature - that of adware and a browser hijacker. The application will subject users to a constant flood of shady and intrusive advertisements. The incoming advertisement could be injected into unrelated websites and impact the browsing experience on the Mac significantly. Keep in mind that advertisements generated by such untrustworthy sources are likely to lead to suspicious websites, online tactics, fake free giveaways, etc.

FocusGuide also is capable of taking control over the Web browsers present on the system. The goal is to force them to open a promoted address, usually one belonging to a fake search engine. Affected users will notice that their browser's homepage, new tab page, and default search engine settings have all been modified. Fake engines lack the functionality to produce results and will instead redirect the user's search queries through Yahoo, Bing or Google.

PUPs present other risks as well. These intrusive applications are commonly known for being equipped with data-harvesting capabilities. The user's browsing activities, as well as numerous device details, may be collected and then uploaded to a remote server. The PUP's operators can then decide how to exploit the received data exactly.