ProductArchive
ProductArchive is a questionable application that is being spread through dubious methods, such as bundling or fake software installers. The reliance on such underhanded tactics classifies ProductArchive as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Programs). Other applications that fall under the PUP classification include SelectorComponent, TypicalUnit, Search Daemon and more.
Typically, users do not realize that such a PUP has managed to be installed on their computers until the application has already started executing its intrusive programming. It should be noted that ProductArchive appears to be mainly targeting Mac users.
If deployed successfully on the Mac, ProductArchive will begin acting as both adware and a browser hijacker. In practice, this means that users will be subjected to an influx of annoying and unwanted advertisements while also having their Web browser forced to open an unfamiliar address. The advertisements generated by PUPs should not be trusted. By engaging with them, users risk being taken to shady third-party websites running various tactics, phishing schemes or spreading more PUPs.
The site promoted by ProductArchive is a fake search engine and its address may be set as the browser's homepage, new tab page, and default search engine. Fake engines are completely incapable of producing results. Instead, they operate in one of two ways:
- Redirecting and showing results from a legitimate search engine such as Yahoo, Bing, Chrome, etc.
- Starting a redirect chain. The initiated search query could pass through several fake or dubious search engines. Users may be shown low-quality or inaccurate results. Most likely numerous ad links will be injected into the results.
Keeping PUPs on your Mac or other devices is strongly discouraged. These intrusive applications are notorious for carrying data-tracking routines. The PUP may collect the device's IP address, geolocation, browser type, ISP as well as the entire browsing and search history. The acquired data will then be transmitted to a remote server control by the PUP's operators.
