TaskBoard

TaskBoard is an application classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). It relies on questionable distribution methods to install itself onto users' Mac systems stealthily. One of the more common techniques used by these applications is known as bundling. It involves wrapping the intruder application alongside a legitimate software product. Many users will download and install the other application without realizing that another program was also dropped onto their computers. Typically, the intruder application can be found under the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' installation settings as a preselected choice.

Once inside the Mac, TaskBoard will activate its adware and browser hijacker functionalities. The application will begin generating revenue for its operators by running an intrusive ad campaign on the system. As a result of the application's actions, the user experience on the Web may deteriorate significantly. After all, the application will continuously generate annoying advertisements that may appear as pop-ups, banners, surveys, in-text links and more.

TaskBoard's actions do not stop there, though. The application also will take over the installed Web browsers and force them to open a promoted Web address. Usually, browser hijackers are programmed to modify the browser's homepage, new tab page and default search engine. In the vast majority of cases, the promoted page belongs to a fake search engine. Users should keep in mind that fake engines lack the ability to deliver any results on their own. They can either redirect to a legitimate engine (Yahoo, Bing, or Chrome) or display inaccurate, low-quality results taken from a dubious engine.

Users are strongly encouraged to never keep any PUPs on their computers or devices or risk having their browsing activities tracked. Indeed, PUPs are notorious for being equipped with data-harvesting routines. Depending on the goal of the application's operators, the specific PUP may collect the browsing history, search history and clicked URLs. Others may include numerous device details (IP address, geolocation, browser type, ISP, etc.) in the exfiltrated information. The most threatening PUPs can obtain information saved into the affected browser, such as autofill details, payment data, credit/debit card numbers and more.