GeneralLaunch

Mac users have encountered a new dubious application that aims to infiltrate their computers and devices stealthily. Named GeneralLaunch, this PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) is capable of acting both as adware and a browser hijacker. Due to the deceptive distribution methods it employs to spread itself, most users may not even realize that an intruder application was delivered to their Macs.

Once GeneralLaunch is installed on the system, it will begin to generate intrusive and unwanted advertising materials. The advertisements could take various forms - pop-ups, banners, surveys, in-text links, and more, and impact the browsing experience on the affected Mac significantly. In addition, users who engage with the presented ad materials risk being redirected to unsafe third-party pages where they could be subjected to online tactics, phishing schemes, offers to download more PUPs, etc.

At the same time, GeneralLaunch will establish control over the user's Web browser. By modifying the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine settings, the PUP will start driving artificial traffic towards a promoted address. Such browser hijacker applications are usually involved in the promotion of fake search engines, and GeneralLaunch is not an exception. It will set the browser's setting to open the Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net. In turn, the fake engine will redirect the user's search query to the legitimate search.yahoo.com engine.

PUPs are also known for spying on the user's browsing activities. They may track a large array of data, package it into an archive file, and then transmit it to a remote server. Users risk having their browsing history, search history, and device details accessed by the operators of the applications.