LatestStructured

Infosec researchers have identified a new dubious PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) targeting Mac users. The application is named LatestStructured and it is equipped with both adware and browser hijacker capabilities. Keep in mind that PUPs do not rely on the normal distribution channels used by legitimate applications. Instead, they are spread via questionable tactics, such as bundling or fake installers.

However, once inside the Mac, the presence of LatestStructured will become obvious almost immediately. The application will be responsible for generating numerous intrusive advertisements that could start to overlay the viewed content. In addition, the advertisements could redirect to untrustworthy places such as online tactics, phishing schemes, fake giveaways and more.

At the same time, users will notice that their Web browser has started opening an unfamiliar address. Due to the browser hijacker functionality of LatestStructured, the application can take control and modify the settings of various Web browsers. More specifically, the PUP will change the homepage, new tab page and the default search engine. All three will be set to open a promoted page, typically a fake search engine.

Finally, users should know that keeping a PUP present on their Mac could lead to their browsing activities being tracked. PUPs are known for harvesting various data including the entire browsing history, search history, clicked URLs, geolocation, ISP, IP address and more. In the most threatening cases, the PUP may even try to harvest payment and debit/credit card details that have been saved to the affected browser.