NetMacro

Cybersecurity experts have classified NetMacro as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that is being spread through questionable distribution tactics, such as software bundles and fake installers. Furthermore, the application displays the typical characteristics associated with the AdLoad adware family. As such, the main goal of NetMacro is to get installed on users' Mac devices and then run an intrusive ad campaign.

The advertisements delivered via such dubious applications typically promote shady third-party websites. Users could be taken to fake giveaways, adult-oriented platforms, phishing schemes or platforms spreading threatening malware. The advertisements also could show appealing offers for software products that when installed turn out to be more adware, browser hijackers or other PUPs.

Apart from the sheer annoyance of having to deal with the unwanted advertisements and the diminished user experience on the affected device, users also should worry about the possibility of the PUP spying on their browsing activities. It is quite common for this program type to be equipped with data-tracking capabilities.

While being silently active in the background, the PUP could try to access the entire browsing and search histories. It also could try to obtain numerous device details, including the IP address, geolocation, browser type and more. Some PUPs could even try to compromise the banking or payment information that users have saved into their Web browsers.