Up - Ad Blocker
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: | 2,089 |
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 306 |
| First Seen: | September 8, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | March 30, 2024 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
During their investigation into untrustworthy websites, researchers stumbled upon the Up - Ad Blocker browser extension. Marketed to users as a robust and user-friendly ad-blocking tool tailored for YouTube and Google, this software promises to enhance browsing experiences by eliminating advertisements. However, upon closer examination, experts uncovered that Up - Ad Blocker is, in fact, adware. Contrary to its advertised functionality of removing advertisements, this extension actually generates and displays advertisements to users.
Up - Ad Blocker Delivers Dubious Advertisements Instead of Stopping Them
Adware operates with the primary intention of bombarding users with unwanted and potentially hazardous advertisements. Falling under this category, software of this nature inserts third-party graphical content like pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, overlays and more onto visited websites or various interfaces.
These advertisements often promote online tactics, unreliable or intrusive software, and, in severe cases, even malware. Clicking on these adverts can lead to stealthy downloads or installations of unsafe programs without the user's knowledge or consent.
Therefore, any seemingly legitimate content encountered through these advertisements is likely promoted by fraudsters aiming to exploit affiliate programs for illegitimate commissions.
Moreover, this rogue browser extension likely incorporates data-tracking functionalities. Adware, in general, tends to gather extensive user data, including browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable information and financial details. This sensitive data can then be sold to third parties or exploited for profit through various means. Therefore, users must remain vigilant and cautious when encountering such advertisements to protect their privacy and security online.
Adware Applications Often Take Advantage of Questionable Distribution Practices
Adware applications frequently leverage dubious distribution practices to infiltrate users' devices clandestinely without their explicit consent. These questionable tactics exploit vulnerabilities in users' browsing habits and software systems, allowing adware to gain unauthorized access. Here's how these practices typically unfold:
- Bundling with Freeware: Adware often piggybacks on legitimate software downloads or free applications. Users may unknowingly install adware when downloading software from untrusted sources or neglecting to review the installation process thoroughly. Adware is commonly bundled with free programs, and its installation may not be clearly disclosed, buried within lengthy terms of service agreements or presented in a way that users overlook.
- Deceptive Advertising: Adware developers frequently use misleading advertisements to entice users to download their software. These advertisements may promise attractive features or benefits, such as enhanced browsing experiences or exclusive offers, to lure users into installing the adware. Users may inadvertently click on these deceptive ads, leading to the installation of adware without their knowledge.
- Fake Updates and Alerts: Adware applications may masquerade as legitimate software updates or security alerts to trick users into installing them. Users may encounter pop-up messages or notifications urging them to update their software or address security issues, which, when clicked, actually initiate the download and installation of adware instead of genuine updates or fixes.
- Social Engineering Tactics: Some adware applications employ social engineering tactics to manipulate users into installing them voluntarily. This may involve deceptive messages or notifications that coerce users into taking actions such as clicking on links, downloading files or providing personal information under pretenses.
- Exploiting Browser Vulnerabilities: Adware often exploits vulnerabilities in Web browsers to modify browser settings and inject unwanted advertisements. These vulnerabilities may arise due to outdated browser versions, insecure browser extensions, or weaknesses in browser security protocols, allowing adware to infiltrate users' devices and display intrusive advertisements without their consent.
Overall, adware applications capitalize on these questionable distribution practices to surreptitiously install themselves on users' devices, thereby generating revenue for their developers through deceptive means. To mitigate the risk of adware infections, users should exercise caution when downloading software, interacting with online advertisements, and browsing the Web, and regularly update their software and security settings to safeguard against potential threats.
