{
  "family": "getnow",
  "sample_count": 1,
  "category": "ransomware",
  "description": "<h3>Executive Summary</h3>\nGetnow is a prevalent family of Adware and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs), frequently operating as a deceptive downloader or \"download manager.\" It is engineered to aggressively monetize an infected user's web browsing activity by injecting intrusive advertisements, altering browser configurations, and tricking users into installing additional, unwanted software payloads.\n\n<h3>Distribution and Technical Behavior</h3>\nGetnow is almost exclusively distributed via deceptive software bundling on freeware download sites. It often masquerades as a necessary \"Download Manager\" or \"Setup Assistant\" required to obtain a desired, legitimate piece of software.\n\nOnce executed, Getnow integrates deeply with the operating system and web browsers. Its core behaviors include:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Deceptive Installation (Dropping):</strong> During its execution, Getnow presents confusing EULAs and pre-checked boxes to silently install secondary adware, browser hijackers, and potentially severe malware alongside the originally requested application.</li>\n<li><strong>Browser Hijacking:</strong> It forcibly alters the default search engine, homepage, and new tab settings to redirect all traffic through an affiliate-linked search portal controlled by the adware operators.</li>\n<li><strong>Traffic Interception:</strong> Getnow frequently installs malicious browser extensions to intercept unencrypted web traffic, overlaying legitimate websites with pop-ups, pop-unders, banner ads, and sponsored in-text hyperlinks.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Risk Assessment</h3>\nWhile Getnow is primarily categorized as adware, its function as a deceptive downloader makes it a significant operational risk. The secondary software it installs is frequently served by low-reputation affiliate networks, dramatically increasing the likelihood of subsequent \"malvertising\" attacks that can lead to devastating ransomware or info-stealer infections.\n\n<h3>Mitigation and Removal Strategies</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Endpoint Scanning:</strong> Utilize a reputable enterprise-grade anti-malware solution to perform a deep system scan, targeting the Getnow executables, any dropped secondary payloads, and persistent registry keys.</li>\n<li><strong>Browser Remediation:</strong> Manually inspect and remove any unknown or unauthorized extensions from all installed web browsers. Perform a complete factory reset of the browsers to clear hijacked proxy and search settings.</li>\n<li><strong>Application Control:</strong> Enforce strict application whitelisting policies to prevent standard users from executing unapproved \"download managers\" or untrusted software installers.</li>\n</ul>",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [
    "Adware.Getnow",
    "PUP.Getnow",
    "Downloader.Getnow"
  ],
  "enrichment_level": "insufficient_information",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1566.002",
    "T1176",
    "T1112",
    "T1105"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-07-01T16:37:00Z",
  "type": "Adware",
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}