MotivePrime

MotivePrime is an intrusive adware application that is targeting Mac users. Analysis by infosec researchers also revealed that the application belongs to the AdLoad adware family, a prolific family of invasive programs aimed at Mac devices. Typically, adware, browser hijackers, and other applications that fall into the PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) category are not distributed via the normal channels. Instead, their creators resort to questionable tactics, such as software bundles or fake installers/updates. As such, users should always be careful when installing programs from unproven sources.

Once it has been fully activated on the user's Mac, MotivePrime is likely to start delivering numerous, unwanted advertisements. The user's experience on the device could suffer significantly, but this may not be the biggest issue. In the vast majority of cases, the advertisements generated by adware promote unsafe or even threatening destinations. Indeed, users could be presented with advertisements for fake giveaways, phishing portals or other PUPs disguised as useful applications.

In addition, while present in the system, PUPs could perform other unwanted actions. For example, it is highly likely for these invasive applications to have data-tracking capabilities. They could be spying on users' browsing activities, collecting numerous device details and more. Some PUPs have even been observed attempting to extract banking details, payment information or debit/credit card numbers from browsers' autofill data.