Patext

Patext is an application that promotes itself as a useful tool for Mac users. In reality, however, it is nothing more than a browser hijacker designed to generate monetary gains for its creators through Pay-Per-Click or Pay-Per-View remuneration methods. It also is regarded as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) due to the deceptive marketing methods used for distribution.

No matter how Patext managed to install itself on the user's Mac computer, it would proceed to inject itself into the Web browser and take control over specific settings immediately. The goal is to then start generating unwanted and intrusive advertisements. The PUP also can cause redirects to dubious third-party websites. Users should abstain from engaging with any of the pop-ups or other advertisements displayed by Patext because they too can lead to unsafe places such as domains spreading additional PUPs, conducting various phishing or technical support tactics, or even deploying malware threats.  

Users also should keep in mind that most browser hijackers possess at least a certain degree of data-harvesting capabilities. In most cases, these PUPs track the browsing activity, search history, IP address, geolocation and ISP (Internet Service Provider). However, some attempt to access banking or credit card details if such information has been saved to the affected browser.