VirtualGuest
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.
Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
Infected Computers: | 6 |
First Seen: | January 21, 2022 |
Last Seen: | December 16, 2022 |
Infosec researchers classify VirtualGuest as a rogue application that is part of the AdLoad family. The applications of this family are known for possessing the capabilities of adware, browser hijackers or both. The exact behavior that they display on users' systems is based on a combination of various factors that may include the device's geolocation, its IP address, OS type, etc. The AdLoad applications target Mac users predominantly.
When it comes to VirtualGuest in particular, the intrusive application appears to be mostly focused on acting as adware. It is tasked with the delivery of annoying and unwanted advertisements to the affected users and generating proceeds for its operators in the process. The advertisements generated by adware are far too risky to be approached carelessly. They may be promoting shady third-party websites, online tactics and adult-oriented content. The advertisements also could be used to spread suspicious software products that often turn out to be nothing more than PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). Even if users are presented with offers for legitimate applications, it is more than likely that the goal is for the PUP's operators to receive illegitimate commissions fees.
Adware and PUPs in general are known for spying on the user's browsing activities. The intruder applications are interested in collecting the browsing history, search history, clicked links and certain device details. All captured information could be packaged and then exfiltrated to a remote server.