Max AdBlock
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Threat Level: | 80 % (High) |
| Infected Computers: | 1,083 |
| First Seen: | June 25, 2015 |
| Last Seen: | January 26, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
A recent addition to the arsenal of developers of PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) is the use of PUPs that are disguised as advertisement removers or blockers. In fact, these supposed advertisement blockers or removers are designed to fill the affected Web browser with unwanted advertisements. This tactic is similar to the tactics used by other PUPs, advertising that they can help computer users fix certain problems on their PC while, at the same time, causing these very same problems themselves. PC security analysts have received reports that Max AdBlock, a fake advertisement blocker may deliver advertisements to affected Web browsers. Max AdBlock may be used to deliver targeted advertisements to affected Web browsers, profiting from advertising and carrying out advertisement campaigns that make take advantage of affiliate marketing tactics to make money. If your Web browser is displaying numerous pop-up windows and advertisements associated with Max AdBlock, it is clear that this PUP is present on your computer. Its immediate removal with the help of a reliable, fully updated anti-malware application is recommended.
Max AdBlock is considered as a PUP specifically designed to deliver advertisements. This may be especially surprising when one observes that Max AdBlock itself is advertised as a Web browser toolbar or extension that can help computer users remove advertisements from their computer. One additional problem associated with Max AdBlock advertisements is that this PUP may track the computer users' online activities and browsing habits in order to deliver targeted content. Max AdBlock may insert banner advertisements and in-text advertisements into Web pages viewed on affected Web browsers. Max AdBlock also may be associated with Web browser pop-up windows and messages advertising suspicious online services, products, and known misleading tactics such as bogus technical support services and rogue security software.
How Max AdBlock may be Installed
In most cases, computer users install Max AdBlock by agreeing to its installation while they install another program. This technique, known as bundling, involves including the installation of Max AdBlock and similar PUPs during the installation of free software. In many cases, the PUP is not packaged with the free program by the program's developers but by a third-party, who may have used a custom made installer to bundle Max AdBlock with a particularly popular application. Computer users may opt out of installing Max AdBlock. However, this option is rarely freely available, and may require computer users to take steps to explicitly opt out (since they will be opted in by default) and choose special installation options such as 'Custom' or 'Advanced' installation.
Why Max AdBlock may be Installed on a Computer
The main purpose of Max AdBlock may be to profit at the expense of computer users. Online advertising and marketing are an enormous industry, and there are always people that may want to game the system, take advantage of computer users and legitimate advertisers. Programs like Max AdBlock may use shady practices such as causing Web browser redirects and pop-ups to increase the traffic to certain websites or the number of clicks on specific advertisements. Max AdBlock and similar PUPs also may gather information about the affected computer user's browsing habits and Web browser settings in order to deliver advertisements and market directly to the affected Web browser. Unfortunately, the problems associated with Max AdBlock may not stop with irritating advertisements. Malware analysts have received reports that Max AdBlock may cause system performance problems, causing software to become unstable and crash frequently. Max AdBlock also may cause the affected Web browser to run slowly and take much longer than normal when connecting to the Internet. PUPs like Max AdBlock also may lower a computer's security settings, making it more vulnerable to PUPs or even threats.
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