RefreshMate Adware
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Ranking: | 10,494 |
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 44 |
| First Seen: | March 21, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | September 6, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
Upon conducting tests on RefreshMate, researchers found that this program is a browser extension designed to display disruptive and intrusive advertisements. Therefore, based on the conducted analysis, RefreshMate was classified as adware.
Adware is a type of software that is often downloaded unintentionally by users or from unreliable sources. Adware is known to display unwanted advertisements in the form of pop-ups, banners, or in-text ads that can disrupt the user's browsing experience and compromise their privacy and security.
Users Should Be Aware of the Risks Associated with Adware and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs)
RefreshMate is a software application that is advertised as a tool that allows users to refresh all tabs with a single click. However, it has been identified to display unwanted and disruptive advertisements. These ads may promote various scams, questionable applications, and even pages containing malicious content. It is noteworthy that clicking on these ads may download or install unwanted software on the user's device, which can lead to further security and privacy issues.
Furthermore, advertising-supported applications, particularly those downloaded from untrusted sources, could be capable of accessing and collecting personal information from users. This may include browsing history, search queries, email addresses and contact lists, system and device information, and more.
It is crucial to mention that not all adware programs collect this information, but some may do so to display targeted ads or to sell the data to third-party advertisers. As a result, adware may pose significant issues related to online privacy and other security problems. Therefore, it is important for users to be vigilant when downloading and installing software from unknown sources and to have reliable anti-malware tools in place to prevent and remove any potential threats.
Adware And PUPs Are Often Installed by Users Unintentionally
Adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) are often distributed using dubious tactics, which can include the use of deceptive advertisements, fake software updates, and bundled software downloads.
Some adware distributors use misleading or deceptive advertisements to trick users into clicking on download links or installing software. For example, they may create ads that mimic legitimate software download buttons or claim that a system scan has found issues that require immediate attention, leading users to click on links or install software they do not need or want.
Fake software updates are another common tactic used to distribute adware and PUPs. Cybercriminals create fake software updates that appear to be legitimate and claim to fix security vulnerabilities or offer new features. Once users download and install the update, however, they find that the software is actually malware or unwanted software.
Bundled software downloads are also a common method for distributing adware and PUPs. In this method, legitimate software is bundled with adware or PUPs, and users inadvertently install them when they download and install the legitimate software. Often, users are not aware that adware or PUPs are included in the bundle, as the information is hidden or obscured in the terms and conditions.
Overall, adware and PUP distributors use a variety of deceptive tactics to trick users into installing unwanted software, which can lead to a range of issues, including system slowdowns, reduced privacy, and potential security risks.
