MomentTech
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: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 16 |
| First Seen: | December 8, 2022 |
| Last Seen: | July 27, 2023 |
MomentTech is an adware program designed to target Mac devices. MomentTech is part of the well-known AdLoad adware family. It is a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that spreads using dubious tactics, such as software bundles, deceptive websites, or fake installers. MomentTech operates as advertising-supported software, commonly known as adware, by displaying intrusive advertisements on infected devices to generate revenue for its creators.
Table of Contents
MomentTech Details
Adware, such as MomentTech, is intrusive software designed to display annoying and unsolicited advertisements. It does this by placing various advertisements on websites and other interfaces that a user visits. These advertisements may be used to promote schemes, untrustworthy or even harmful software, as well as malware threats. In some cases, clicking on the advertisement can lead to a stealthy download or installation of unwanted programs.
It is important to note that any genuine products advertised through these adverts are not likely endorsed by their developers. Instead, they are likely promoted by fraudsters who take advantage of affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions. Furthermore, these invasive programs often spy on users' browsing activity and collect sensitive information, such as visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames, passwords, personally identifiable details and even credit card numbers. The collected data can then be sold to third parties, which could include cyber criminals with not-that-noble intent.
Common Techniques Involved in Adware Distribution
Bundling is an extremely common technique used by software developers and advertisers to spread adware and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) onto users' computers. Bundling involves packaging the PUP with a legitimate program, such as a free game or browser extension, and making it unavoidable for the user to install it alongside the main application. This technique allows the distributor of the PUP to bypass users' consent when installing the software onto their computer, often without them even being aware of it.
Other methods include deceptive advertising techniques like pop-ups that appear while browsing online, which claim that you need additional software to view content or properly use your device. The user then unwittingly installs this unwanted software when they click on these false notifications. Finally, corrupted websites or emails containing links to the PUP also can be used to deceive users into downloading and installing the software onto their computers. All of these methods are designed to allow the PUPs to bypass a user's security settings and spread without permission.
How to Avoid Installing PUPs and Adware
It is important to take great care when researching and downloading software, even from official or verified sources. Pay close attention to the Terms and Conditions, explore all of the available installation options, check the 'Custom/Advanced' settings and opt out of any unwanted supplementary applications or tools. In addition, be wary when browsing online, as unsafe content can be designed to look legitimate. Intrusive advertisements may seem harmless, but they often redirect users to questionable websites, such as adult pages, gambling/gaming platforms or shady dating sites.
If you find yourself being redirected by such advertisements repeatedly, then it is necessary to check your device for any suspicious applications, such as MomentTech, or browser extensions that might have been installed without your knowledge. Use a professional anti-malware solution and remove any detected items that you do not recognize or can't remember installing.
