Hotcleaner

Hotcleaner is an application that infosec researchers have classified as part of the PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) category. Applications of this type are very rarely distributed through normal methods, as users are highly unlikely to download and install them willingly. Instead, their operators rely heavily on questionable tactics, such as fake installers, shady software bundles, or deceptive websites. Hotcleaner appears to be targeting Mac users primarily, but it is possible for Chrome users with other devices also to be affected.

Once Hotcleaner is active on the user's system, it is likely to cause multiple, unwanted changes to the Web browser. The application could modify important settings (homepage, new tab page, default search engine) or cause frequent redirects and show unwanted advertisements. In short, PUPs are typically equipped with adware and/or browser hijacker capabilities.

Affected users may be frequently interrupted by intrusive pop-ups, notifications, banners and other forms of advertisement. More importantly, the advertisements could promote dubious or even unsafe websites, with users risking being taken to phishing tactics, technical support schemes, fake giveaways, etc. On the other hand, browser hijackers are primarily tasked with the promotion of a sponsored Web address.

PUPs also are infamous for spying on users' browsing activities. Information, such as browsing history, search history, and clicked URLs, may be captured, packaged and transmitted to the PUP's operators. Some applications have even been observed extracting sensitive details from browsers' autofill data. In these cases, users may have their account credentials, banking details and payment information compromised.