HelperProtocol

HelperProtocol is classified as an adware application designed to deliver questionable and intrusive advertisements to the systems it is installed on. Analysis of the application also revealed that is part of the AdLoad adware family and that it targets Mac users. The generated ads will likely promote untrustworthy destinations, such as online schemes, fake giveaways, suspicious adult-oriented platforms, dubious online betting/gaming sites and more.

Adware, browser hijackers, and other PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) are rarely downloaded by the users intentionally. Instead, in the vast majority of cases, these invasive applications are spread via underhanded distribution methods. Typically, these include software bundles where the PUP is added under the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings menus as a preselected item. The use of fake installers/updates also is a common tactic.

Users should keep in mind that most PUPs are equipped with additional invasive functionalities. As such, these applications could be capable of harvesting various information from the Mac, including device details and browsing data. In some cases, the PUP also could attempt to extract information from the browser's autofill data, which is used to save account credentials, banking and payment details and other confidential and sensitive data.