Best Wallpapers Browser Extension
Cybersecurity researchers have come across the suspicious Best Wallpapers browser extension being promoted by shady websites. This particular extension is advertised as a tool designed to enhance the browsing experience of users by providing attractive wallpapers for the browser tabs.
However, upon installing the extension, users will find that the Best Wallpapers operates as a browser hijacker. Indeed, the application forcefully alters the browser's settings without the user's consent. As a result, users will start experiencing frequent redirects to the search.wallpaperhomepage.com search engine, which is considered fake and unreliable.
Using Browser Hijackers Like the Best Wallpapers Browser Extension may Lead to Privacy Issues
The Best Wallpapers browser extension takes control of users' browsers by setting search.wallpaperhomepage.com as the default search engine, homepage and new tab page. As a result, whenever users enter search queries into the URL bar of the impacted browser or open a new tab, they will be immediately redirected to the search.wallpaperhomepage.com website.
Fake search engines rarely provide genuine search results on their own. Instead, they typically redirect users to legitimate search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. In the rare cases where fraudulent search engines generate search results, the results are often inaccurate and filled with irrelevant, sponsored, deceptive, and potentially harmful content.
Furthermore, it should be emphasized that browser hijacking software can employ tactics to prevent users from reversing any of the changes made by the PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). In addition, persistence mechanisms may make it challenging for users to remove the hijacker from their browsers or systems.
Dubious applications like the Best Wallpapers extension are commonly known to invade users' privacy by monitoring their browsing activities. The collected data may include visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, login credentials such as usernames and passwords, personally identifiable information, financial details and more. This gathered data can be sold to third parties or exploited for profit.
Browser Hijackers and PUPs Rely Heavily on Dubious Tactics for Their Distribution
PUPs and browser hijackers are commonly distributed through various tactics that rely on the user's lack of awareness. These tactics often involve deceptive and misleading techniques to trick users into unwittingly installing these unwanted programs.
One common tactic is bundling, where PUPs or browser hijackers are bundled with legitimate software downloads. Users may be presented with an option to install additional software during the installation process of a desired program. If they do not carefully review the installation steps, they may inadvertently agree to install the bundled PUP or browser hijacker.
Another tactic involves misleading advertisements and pop-ups. Users may encounter deceptive ads or pop-ups that claim their system is infected or outdated and prompt them to click on a link or download a program to address the issue. However, these downloads often turn out to be PUPs or browser hijackers disguised as legitimate security or optimization tools.
Social engineering techniques also are commonly used to distribute PUPs and browser hijackers. Fraudsters may employ tactics such as fake software updates, fake anti-malware scans, or fake technical support messages to deceive users into downloading and installing unwanted programs.
Overall, the distribution of PUPs and browser hijackers relies on exploiting users' trust, lack of caution, and vulnerabilities in their software or browsing habits. By being cautious while downloading software, avoiding suspicious websites and advertisements, and practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, users can reduce their risk of encountering these unwanted programs.
