TrustedSafeFinder Adware

TrustedSafeFinder is an adware application that falls under the AdLoad malware family. Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is primarily designed to generate revenue for its developers by displaying unwanted advertisements to the user. These ads can take the form of pop-ups, banners, coupons, or overlays that appear on websites, desktops, and other digital interfaces. While the primary aim of TrustedSafeFinder is to display these ads, it remains a significant threat to both user privacy and device security.

How TrustedSafeFinder Works

When installed on a system, TrustedSafeFinder typically operates by embedding itself into a user’s web browser or system settings. While ads are the primary mode of operation, the adware can display these ads on websites and even via stealthy downloads that may occur when users click on the displayed ads. These deceptive ads often promote malicious software, scams, or unreliable software that can further compromise the system.

Additionally, TrustedSafeFinder adware is known to track personal information, including browsing history, search engine usage, and even potentially sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, and credit card information. This data is often sold to third-party advertisers or used maliciously for profit.

Despite its presence within the AdLoad malware family, TrustedSafeFinder is not associated with any explicit browser-hijacking capabilities in the analysis we conducted, though its potential for exploitation still remains a major concern. As it is part of a dangerous group of adware, the TrustedSafeFinder adware puts users at risk of system infections, severe privacy violations, financial losses, and even identity theft.

TrustedSafeFinder Threat Summary

Detail	Information
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.14), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adloa), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Agent.ad)
Symptoms	Slow Mac performance, unwanted pop-up ads, redirects to suspicious websites
Distribution Methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, bundled with free software, torrent downloads
Damage	Browser tracking, privacy issues, unwanted ads, website redirects, loss of private information
Danger Level	High

Symptoms of Infection

When TrustedSafeFinder is installed on a device, users may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Slower System Performance: The presence of adware can significantly slow down your Mac as it constantly runs processes to display ads and track your behavior.
• Pop-up Ads: The most prominent symptom is the display of unsolicited advertisements in your browser. These may appear while you're browsing websites, making the user experience frustrating.
• Redirects to Suspicious Websites: Clicking on the ads may redirect you to dubious websites that may contain malware or scams.
• Increased Data Usage: As the adware tracks your behavior and sends it to third parties, you might notice higher data usage.

Distribution Methods

The TrustedSafeFinder adware can be distributed through several means, making it easy to fall victim to the infection. Common distribution methods include:

1. Deceptive Pop-up Ads: These are typically disguised as legitimate software updates, security warnings, or system optimizations. Clicking on these pop-ups can lead to the installation of TrustedSafeFinder.
2. Bundling with Free Software: TrustedSafeFinder may be bundled with legitimate software downloads. If users aren’t careful to opt-out, the adware may be installed alongside other programs.
3. Torrent Downloads: Torrents, often used to download pirated content, can be a source of adware infections. As these files are not from official sources, they may contain bundled malicious software like TrustedSafeFinder.

Damage and Risk

While the adware itself is not as immediately damaging as more severe malware, it still poses significant risks to both the user’s privacy and device:

• Privacy Violations: As mentioned, TrustedSafeFinder collects a wide range of user data, including browsing histories, search engine data, and personal information like usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers.
• Loss of Sensitive Information: If this data falls into the wrong hands, it could lead to identity theft, fraud, or significant financial loss.
• Unwanted Ads: Constant interruptions from ads are not only annoying but also a potential gateway for more dangerous threats. Clicking on a seemingly harmless ad may download additional malware onto your device.

Removing TrustedSafeFinder with SpyHunter

If you've fallen victim to TrustedSafeFinder, it's important to remove it as soon as possible. Here's a comprehensive guide to removing TrustedSafeFinder using SpyHunter, a powerful anti-malware tool.

1. Install SpyHunter: Download and install SpyHunter from a trusted source. Make sure to download it directly from the official website to avoid any further infection.
2. Run a Full System Scan: Open SpyHunter and perform a full system scan. The software will scan your system for any malicious programs, including TrustedSafeFinder.
3. Review the Scan Results: Once the scan is complete, review the results. SpyHunter will display a list of all detected threats, including TrustedSafeFinder.
4. Remove the Threats: Select TrustedSafeFinder from the list of threats and click "Remove" to delete it from your system. SpyHunter will automatically remove any other related adware or malware.
5. Restart Your Device: After the removal process is complete, restart your device to ensure that all changes take effect.
6. Run a Follow-up Scan: After restarting, run a follow-up scan with SpyHunter to ensure that no traces of the adware remain on your system.

Preventive Measures

To prevent future infections, consider the following preventive measures:

• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Ads: Never click on pop-ups or ads that seem too good to be true. These are often the primary method of distributing adware.
• Download Software from Trusted Sources: Always download software from official websites. Avoid downloading programs from third-party or torrent sites.
• Use an Ad Blocker: Installing an ad blocker can prevent unwanted ads from showing up in your browser, making it harder for adware to get installed.
• Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system and browsers to ensure they have the latest security patches.
• Use Reliable Antivirus Software: Invest in good antivirus software, like SpyHunter, to detect and remove malware before it can cause any damage.

Conclusion

TrustedSafeFinder is a form of adware that can lead to privacy violations, slow down your device, and expose you to online scams or further malware infections. The best way to deal with this threat is to remove it immediately using a reputable malware removal tool like SpyHunter. Additionally, by following the preventive measures outlined above, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to this and other forms of malware in the future.