Introduction

Adware.Social2Search is a type of adware that poses a significant threat to computer systems. Unlike traditional adware that displays annoying ads, Adware.Social2Search is a rootkit that gains deep system access, making it a persistent threat. This adware can also act as a banking trojan, stealing credentials and personal information. Additionally, it can be used for email phishing attacks and as stealth spyware keylogger, recording keystrokes and other sensitive information.

Those most affected by Adware.Social2Search are individuals who use their computers for online banking, shopping, and other activities that require entering personal information. Since this adware can silently operate in the background without the user’s knowledge, it can lead to serious security breaches and financial losses.

History and Evolution

Adware.Social2Search is a type of adware that was first discovered in the early 2000s. It is designed to display unwanted advertisements on a user’s computer or mobile device, usually in the form of pop-up ads or banners, in order to generate revenue for the creators of the adware.

Discovery

Adware.Social2Search was first identified by cybersecurity researchers who noticed an increase in reports of unwanted ads appearing on users’ devices. Further investigation revealed that the ads were being generated by a piece of software known as Adware.Social2Search, which had been unknowingly installed on the affected devices.

Evolution

Over the years, Adware.Social2Search has evolved to become more sophisticated and difficult to detect. The creators of the adware have developed new techniques to bypass security measures and avoid detection by antivirus programs. This has made it increasingly challenging for users to remove the adware from their devices.

Notable Incidents

  • Data Breaches: In some cases, Adware.Social2Search has been linked to data breaches where sensitive information, such as login credentials or personal data, has been compromised.
  • Browser Hijacking: Adware.Social2Search has been known to hijack web browsers, redirecting users to malicious websites or altering their search results.
  • Legal Actions: There have been legal actions taken against the creators of Adware.Social2Search in an effort to stop the distribution of the adware and protect users from its harmful effects.

In conclusion, Adware.Social2Search is a persistent and potentially harmful form of adware that continues to pose a threat to users’ privacy and security. It is important for users to be vigilant and take steps to protect their devices from being infected with this adware.

Infection Vectors and Spread Mechanisms

Adware.Social2Search is a type of adware that spreads through various infection vectors and delivery methods. Below are some common ways in which this adware spreads:

Infection Vectors:

  • Social Engineering: Adware.Social2Search often spreads through social engineering tactics, such as deceptive advertisements, fake software updates, or misleading email attachments.
  • Software Bundling: Adware.Social2Search may be bundled with legitimate software downloads, especially freeware or shareware applications.
  • Malvertising: Malicious advertisements on websites can redirect users to download and install Adware.Social2Search unknowingly.

Delivery Methods:

  • Drive-by Downloads: Adware.Social2Search can be automatically downloaded and installed on a user’s computer when visiting a compromised website.
  • Phishing Emails: Phishing emails containing malicious links or attachments can trick users into downloading and installing Adware.Social2Search.
  • Infected USB Drives: Adware.Social2Search can spread through infected USB drives when connected to a compromised computer.

It is important for users to be cautious when downloading software or clicking on links, as adware like Adware.Social2Search can compromise the security and privacy of their devices.

Infection Symptoms and Detection

Adware.Social2Search is a type of malicious software that can cause various symptoms on an infected computer. Here are some common signs and system issues associated with an Adware.Social2Search infection:

System Issues:

  • Sluggish performance: The infected computer may experience slow and sluggish performance, taking longer to open programs or load web pages.
  • Unresponsive applications: Users may notice that their applications freeze or become unresponsive frequently.
  • Unexpected crashes: The computer may crash unexpectedly or display error messages while running certain programs.
  • Internet connectivity issues: Adware.Social2Search may interfere with the computer’s internet connection, causing frequent drops or slow speeds.

Visible Signs:

  • Pop-up ads: One of the most common signs of Adware.Social2Search infection is the appearance of numerous pop-up ads while browsing the internet.
  • Browser redirects: Users may be redirected to unfamiliar websites or search engines when trying to access specific web pages.
  • Changes in browser settings: The adware may modify the browser’s homepage, default search engine, or new tab page without the user’s permission.
  • Unwanted toolbars or extensions: Adware.Social2Search may install unwanted toolbars or browser extensions that cannot be easily removed.

If you notice any of these symptoms on your computer, it is important to run a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program to remove and protect your system from further harm.

Impact Analysis

is a type of malicious software that can have a significant impact on a user’s computer and online experience. This is designed to display unwanted advertisements, track user behavior, and collect sensitive information without user consent.

Damage Types:

  • Unwanted Advertisements: bombards users with pop-up ads, banners, and sponsored links while browsing the internet.
  • Browser Hijacking: This can change browser settings, redirect users to malicious websites, and interfere with normal web browsing activities.
  • Data Collection: tracks user activity, including browsing history, search queries, and personal information, which can compromise user privacy.

Effects:

  • Slowed Performance: The constant display of ads and tracking activities can slow down the computer’s performance and internet speed.
  • Security Risks: can expose users to security risks, including malware infections, identity theft, and financial fraud.
  • Privacy Concerns: The collection of sensitive information by can lead to privacy breaches and unauthorized use of personal data.

In conclusion, can have damaging effects on both the functionality and security of a user’s computer. It is important to take preventive measures to avoid installing and to regularly scan and remove any malicious software from your system.

Removal Instructions

To remove from your computer, you can follow these automatic and manual removal steps:

Automatic Removal:

  • Use a reputable antivirus or antimalware software to scan and remove from your system.
  • Make sure your antivirus software is up to date to ensure it can detect and remove the latest threats.
  • Run a full system scan and follow the prompts to remove the from your computer.

Manual Removal:

  • Open the Control Panel on your computer.
  • Go to the Programs and Features section.
  • Look for any suspicious or unfamiliar programs that may be related to
  • Uninstall these programs by right-clicking on them and selecting Uninstall.
  • Check your browser extensions and add-ons for any unwanted or suspicious extensions related to the
  • Remove these extensions by clicking on the trash bin icon next to them.
  • Reset your browser settings to default to remove any changes made by the
  • Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to ensure all traces of the have been removed.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully remove from your computer and prevent it from causing any further harm.

Prevention Guidelines

To prevent infection, it is important to follow security measures and best practices:

Security Measures:

  • Install an Antivirus Program: Make sure to have a reliable antivirus program installed on your computer to detect and remove any potential threats.
  • Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system and software to patch any security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may exploit.
  • Use a Firewall: Enable a firewall to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent unauthorized access to your system.

Best Practices:

  • Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Be cautious when clicking on links in emails, messages, or websites, especially if they seem suspicious or are from unknown sources.
  • Download Software from Trusted Sources: Only download software from reputable sources to minimize the risk of downloading malware or
  • Regularly Backup Your Data: Create backups of your important files and data to prevent data loss in case of a malware infection.

By following these security measures and best practices, you can reduce the risk of infection and protect your computer from potential threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is is a type of that infects computers and displays unwanted advertisements to users while browsing the internet. It is known for redirecting search queries to sponsored websites and collecting user data for targeted advertising purposes.

How does infect computers?

typically infects computers through software bundling, where it is included in the installation package of free software programs. Users unknowingly agree to install the when they accept the terms and conditions during the installation process.

What are the risks of having on my computer?

Having on your computer can lead to a number of risks, including a slower system performance, exposure to potentially malicious advertisements, and the collection of sensitive information without your consent. It is important to remove the as soon as possible to mitigate these risks.

How can I remove from my computer?

To remove from your computer, you can use reputable antivirus software that is capable of detecting and removing It is also recommended to reset your browser settings to default and scan your computer for any other potentially unwanted programs that may have been installed alongside the

Technical Summary

typically spreads through software bundling or deceptive advertising.

may collect browsing habits and personal information for targeted advertising purposes.

has been detected on numerous systems worldwide since its discovery in 2017.

may be related to other programs such as

may evolve to incorporate more sophisticated obfuscation techniques to avoid detection.

communicates with remote servers to receive instructions and updates.

may have different variants with varying degrees of functionality and persistence.

may use deceptive ads and fake software updates to trick users into installing it.

may pose a risk to industries that handle sensitive customer data, such as finance or healthcare.

Field Details
Malware Name
Type of Malware
Aliases Social2Search, PUP.Social2Search
Threat Level Low to Medium
Date of Discovery May 2017
Affected Systems Windows OS
File Names social2search.exe, social2search.dll
File Paths C:Program FilesSocial2Search
Registry Changes Creates keys in HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSocial2Search
Processes Created social2search.exe
File Size Varies
Encryption Method None
Exploit Techniques
Symptoms Increased number of ads displayed, browser redirects, slow system performance
Spread Method Software bundling, deceptive advertising
Impact Decreased system performance, privacy risks, potential data loss
Geographic Spread Global
Financial Damage Limited to potential loss of personal information
Data Breach Details
Prevention Steps Avoid downloading software from untrustworthy sources, regularly update antivirus software
Recommended Tools Malwarebytes, AdwCleaner
Removal Steps Use antivirus software to scan and remove all related files and registry entries
Historical Incidents
Related Malware
Future Threats
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) File names, registry keys, network traffic to known command and control servers
Command and Control Details
Variants and Evolution
Stages of Infection Installation, execution, communication with remote servers, displaying ads
Social Engineering Tactics
Industry-Specific Risks
Post-Infection Actions Change passwords, monitor accounts for unusual activity, update security software
Incident Response Plan Isolate infected systems, investigate the source of infection, remove malware, and implement security measures to prevent future infections
External References https://www.symantec.com/security-center/writeup/2017-051715-0811-99

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