What is SurveyMeta Ads?

After performing a thorough investigation and running multiple tests, our security analysts came to the conclusion that SurveyMeta should be classified as a dangerous adware and/or a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP). Our security research team warned us that the SurveyMeta Ads are caused by a malicious browser extension and even though SurveyMeta claims to give money for taking surveys on your computer,  our security experts are sure that SurveyMeta is just another ad-supported software application, which will try & use all kinds of malicious tactics to make a bit more cash for its developers by showing/streaming sponsor ads and/or affiliate links/cookies. These types of malicious applications are usually distributed using questionable software bundles, which are configured to install it in silent or stealth mode and stay hidden from the victims. The infected users usually don’t even understand – how did they’ve got the SurveyMeta adware!? Once installed the SurveyMeta will start showing you lots of intrusive ads on almost every website you visit. The adware will collect various private browsing data, including browsing history, web searches, account credentials, tracking cookies as well as other sensitive private information and then it will share/sale with/to another 3rd party companies, which will later use the data for marketing or other purposes. If you have SurveyMeta installed on your computer, your desktop will be filled-up with many unwanted & annoying web ads, banners, pop-up windows or other 3rd party advertisements. The SurveyMeta has been classified as a PUP by the majority of the reputable security experts on the Net, mainly because of its distribution method – software bundling and because of its suspicious behavior on the users’ computers. Our security experts concluded that the SurveyMeta uses a malicious browser extension, capable of injecting ads into almost every webpage you visit, which could lead to modification of the website design and content – especially, regarding the search results by the major web search engines! Once installed, the SurveyMeta could modify windows registry database and browsers’ settings, making the recovery much harder. If you start getting various web ads, claiming that they are – “By SurveyMeta”, “Ads by SurveyMeta”, “SurveyMeta Ads”, “Powered by SurveyMeta”, “Brought by SurveyMeta” or “Brought to you by SurveyMeta” – you should consider your computer infected. Our security analysts concluded that you should perform a malware scan on your computer using some reputable & reliable anti-malware software product, just like SpyHunter 4. SurveyMeta appears to work with all the well-known browsers like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

Generally, users that have it installed on their systems might experience various pop-up or pop-under ads, coupon boxes, banners, search suggestion windows, link advertisements or other commercials, displayed on popular web pages. The victim should consider, that the search results are compromised as well, most likely overloaded with spam and other third-party advertising.

SurveyMeta is usually bundled with some other free ad-supported software products and is being installed by default, when the user accepts the EULA, while performing an express/recommended installation of that software bundle. The possible distribution of SurveyMeta varies, but is not limited to – installing third-party toolbars, free software products, video editing software, codecs, downloading e-mail attachments, clicking on ads or banners etc..

The main purpose of SurveyMeta is to generate as much traffic as possible to certain domains, which could easily be monetized via one of the many online marketing platforms. Please note, that the creators of such or similar adware or malware would collect information that might be used to track your browsing habits, however often they collect much more then your web search history. SurveyMeta may use cookies and other relevant techniques, that might be used to collect private data like account information, username, passwords, financial information including credit card and bank account numbers etc. That’s why this malware infection should not be left unattended, and needs to be terminated immediately, as it is a serious threat to your private data and online security.