InitialWebTool

InitialWebTool is a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) targeted at Mac users. To avoid being noticed, the application relies on deceptive tactics in its distribution. Typically, these include bundling or being injected into fake installers/updates for more desirable software products. 

As for its functionality, InitialWebTool combines the capabilities of adware and a browser hijacker. First, the PUP will initiate an intrusive ad campaign that will deliver numerous unwanted advertisements to the affected device. Users should be careful as the advertisements could redirect to suspicious or unsafe websites. 

InitialWebTool also will modify certain browser settings (the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine) to promote the search.initialunit.com fake search engine. Fake engines cannot deliver any results on their own as they lack such capabilities. Users will instead be shown results taken from the legitimate search.yahoo.com engine.

While PUPs are not considered direct threats, they should still be removed as soon as possible. After all, another typical action carried out by these applications is to spy on the user's browsing activities. Various browsing information and device details could be transmitted to the PUP's operators. In some cases, the intruder applications may even try to access information saved into the browser that may include sensitive payment details or credit/debit card numbers.