Beach Wallpaper Browser Extension

The Beach Wallpaper extension initially appears harmless, offering users an enticing feature of showcasing picturesque beach-themed browser wallpapers. However, after a comprehensive analysis conducted by cybersecurity experts, it has come to light that this seemingly innocent application is, in fact, a browser hijacker.

Indeed, the primary function of this rogue extension appears to be to take control of several essential browser settings and make unauthorized changes to them. The goal is then to promote the find.nmywebsrc.com fake search engine via forced redirects.

Browser Hijackers Like the Beach Wallpaper may Cause Serious Privacy Issues

Browser hijacker applications function by stealthily altering several crucial Web browser settings, including homepages, default search engines, and new tab pages. The goal is to redirect users to designated promoted websites.

The Beach Wallpaper extension follows suit in carrying out these modifications to browser settings. Consequently, once this browser extension is installed, the consequences become evident. When users open new tab pages or input search queries into the URL bar, they are subjected to redirects leading to the find.nmywebsrc.com website.

Fake search engines generally lack the capability to generate authentic search results. Instead, they tend to reroute users to legitimate internet search platforms. In the case of find.nmywebsrc.com, it aggregates search results from the reputable Bing search engine. However, it's important to acknowledge that redirection destinations may vary, as factors such as user location can influence the behavior of these deceptive search engines.

Browser hijackers often employ strategies to ensure their persistence on the device, making it challenging for users to restore their browsers to their original state. Additionally, it is likely that Beach Wallpaper possesses the ability to track user data.

The information susceptible to tracking encompasses a wide range of details: visited URLs, accessed webpages, input search queries, stored internet cookies, login credentials, personally identifiable information, financial data, and more. This amassed data can subsequently be shared with or sold to third parties, including potential cybercriminals.

Browser Hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) Rely Heavily on Shady Distribution Tactics

Browser hijackers and PUPs often employ a variety of shady distribution tactics to infiltrate users' systems. These tactics are designed to trick users into unintentionally installing these unwanted and potentially harmful software. Some commonly used tactics include:

• Bundling with Freeware: This is one of the most prevalent tactics. Browser hijackers and PUPs are bundled with legitimate and often free software that users intentionally download from the Internet. During the installation process of the desired software, users might overlook pre-selected checkboxes that also install the bundled hijackers or PUPs.
•  Deceptive Installers: Some installers use misleading techniques to trick users into installing additional software. They might present the installation steps in a confusing manner, making it easy for users to accept the installation of browser hijackers or PUPs inadvertently.
•  Fake Updates: Users are prompted to update a popular application, like a browser or a media player, but the "update" actually installs a browser hijacker or PUP. These fake update alerts often appear on malicious websites.
•  Malvertising: Fraud-related advertisements, or malvertisements, are placed on legitimate websites. Clicking on these ads might trigger the download and installation of browser hijackers or PUPs.
•  Phony Browser Extensions: Users might be prompted to install browser extensions that promise useful features but are actually browser hijackers. These extensions can modify browser settings and track user activities.
•  Email Attachments: Some misleading email attachments might contain executable files that, when opened, install unwanted software.
•  Social Engineering: Users might encounter fake messages or alerts that convince them to download certain software for alleged benefits, but these downloads are actually browser hijackers or PUPs.

To protect against these shady distribution tactics, users should be very cautious when downloading software from the Internet, especially if they are from unknown or untrusted sources. They should carefully read installation prompts and decline any additional software offers unless they are certain of their legitimacy. Utilizing reputable anti-malware software also helps detect and prevent the installation of browser hijackers and PUPs.