WideCluster

Another intrusive application targeting Mac users, WideClusters has been equipped with the capabilities of both adware and browser hijackers. Apparently, its operators do not want to waste any opportunity to monetize the presence of the application on the user's computer. These dubious PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) are mostly spread via questionable methods. One of the most popular is known as bundling - the intruder application is packaged alongside another far more legitimate product. Users who do not check the options under the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' menus specifically, may not even notice that another application is going to be deployed on their Macs.

The presence of WideCluster will become quite obvious once the application is initiated. Users will notice a significant increase in the advertisements encountered while browsing. The advertisements generated by such suspicious sources should be avoided. Otherwise, users risk being redirected to sites spreading more PUPs, running phishing schemes or other online tactics.

WideCluster also will affect the installed Web browsers and force them to open an unfamiliar address. Typically, when such browser hijackers are involved, the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine settings of the browser are modified to now go to a promoted fake search engine. Fake engines are completely incapable of producing results. They will either redirect the initiated search to a legitimate engine (Yahoo, Bing, or Chrome) or start a redirect chain that may pass through several dubious engines.

Users should not keep any PUP on their computers or devices, even if they do find certain features of the application to be useful. After all, these applications are notorious for also having data-tracking capabilities. The user's browsing history, search history, clicked URLs, IP address, geolocation, and more could be transmitted to a remote server continuously.