NetPanelSearch

NetPanelSearch is a deceptive application that tries to install itself on the users' Mac systems stealthily. Applications that display such dubious behavior are designated as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Programs). Typically, they are distributed through underhanded methods that include bundling or being injected into fake installers/updates. 

Once it establishes its presence on the Mac without being noticed by the user, NetPanelSearch will begin to execute several intrusive actions. First, it will start generating monetary gains for its operators by running an ad campaign. Users will be flooded by numerous, unwanted advertisements that could take the form of pop-ups, banners, in-text links and more. 

In addition, NetPanelSearch could exert control over specific browser settings to generate artificial traffic towards a promoted address. Usually, the modified settings include the homepage, new tab page and the default search engine. Users should keep in mind that these browser hijacker applications are mostly used to promote fake search engines. 

All the while NetPanelSearch is present on the system, it also could be spying on the user's browsing activities. This is a common characteristic applicable to most PUPs. The targeted data might include the entire browsing history, search history, clicked URLs, as well as device details such as IP address, geolocation and more.