Twitch Explorer Adware

The Twitch Explorer, despite its name, is not an application designed to help users explore the numerous streams available on the Twitch platform in a more convenient or effective way. No, it is an intrusive adware application/browser extension that burrows into the user's Web browser and then begins to generate various annoying advertisements as part of a disruptive advertising campaign.

Furthermore, the application also is classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) due to the questionable methods involved in its distribution. For example, infosec researchers have observed Twitch Explorer being installed by a deceptive website that claims to help users update their Chrome extensions but instead deploys this application.

Adware is typically responsible for the delivery of dubious advertisements that could cause redirects to other shady websites, contain offers for additional PUPs or take users to unsafe pages spreading serious malware threats. In addition, while present on the system, adware, browser hijackers, and other PUPs also could be collecting various user information. The intrusive applications are typically interested in the browsing activities performed on the machine and harvest the browsing history, search history and all clicked links.

However, some also may obtain numerous device details and upload them to a server controlled by their operators. In the most severe cases, the PUP may be equipped with the ability to extract sensitive payment/banking information from the affected browsers.