Ads by these rogue apps can promote dubious websites or even download and install unwanted apps by executing certain scripts.įurthermore, adware-type apps such as GoSearch22 collect browsing data.

When users have apps such as GoSearch22 installed on browsers and/or operating systems, they are forced to often see coupons, banners, pop-ups, surveys, and other ads. It persists on macOS via a LaunchAgent and installs itself as a Safari extension. GoSearch22 may be the first unwanted application that can run on ARM-based systems. More precisely, it can run on MacBook Air (2020), Mac mini (2020), and the MacBook Pro 13' (2020) computers. Therefore, GoSearch22 can run on M1 systems (is compatible with the latest Apple hardware). Note that, as well as generating ads, GoSearch22 tracks and records information.Īccording to Patrick Wardle, the GoSearch22 application contains native M1 (arm64) code. Apps such as GoSearch22 are often downloaded and installed by users intentionally, and are thus classified as 'potentially unwanted'. It belongs to the family of adware-type apps called Pirrit. GoSearch22 is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that functions as adware and generates advertisements.

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