Classical Music New Tab Browser Extension

While investigating dubious websites, researchers unearthed the Classical Music New Tab browser extension. Upon thorough analysis, experts concluded that this extension exhibits the typical characteristics of a browser hijacker. Indeed, the Classical Music New Tab is designed to manipulate several browser settings. The goal is to direct users towards classical-music-newtab.com, a fraudulent search engine, thereby generating artificial traffic for the page.

The Classical Music New Tab Browser Hijacker Promotes a Dubious Search Engine

Browser-hijacking software operates by forcibly setting promoted websites as the default homepages, search engines and new tab pages within browsers. Consequently, any Web searches conducted through the browser's URL bar or new tabs will lead to redirects to these endorsed Web pages. In the case of the Classical Music New Tab, the designated site is classical-music-newtab.com.

Although fake search engines typically lack the ability to generate authentic search results, they often redirect users to legitimate search engines like Bing. However, redirection destinations may vary based on factors such as user geolocation.

To complicate browser recovery, browser hijackers often employ persistence techniques. Additionally, they commonly include data-tracking functionalities, as observed in the Classical Music New Tab.

Such software typically targets a range of user information, including visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, cookies, login credentials, personal details, financial data and more. This collected data may be shared with or sold to third parties.

Browser Hijackers may Attempt to Get Installed without Attracting Attention

Browser hijackers employ various questionable distribution practices to infiltrate systems without drawing attention. Some of these methods include:

• Bundled Software: Browser hijackers may be bundled with legitimate software downloads. Users often overlook the additional bundled software during installation if they rush through or do not carefully read the terms and conditions.
•  Freeware and Shareware: They may be packaged with free or shareware applications. Without realizing it, users who download such software might inadvertently agree to install additional programs, including browser hijackers.
•  Fake Updates and Downloads: Users might encounter fake update prompts or download links while browsing the Internet. These prompts can appear legitimate but lead to the installation of browser hijackers instead of the promised updates or software.
•  Misleading Ads: Hijackers can be distributed through misleading advertisements that prompt users to click on them, leading to the download and installation of unsafe software.
•  Email Attachments and Links: Some browser hijackers spread through email attachments or links. Users might receive seemingly innocuous emails with attachments or links that, when clicked, trigger the installation of the hijacker.
•  Social Engineering Tactics: Cybercriminals may use social engineering tactics to trick users into installing browser hijackers. This could involve persuasive messages or alerts claiming that the user's system is infected and needs immediate attention, prompting them to download and install the unsafe software.

By employing these deceptive distribution practices, browser hijackers aim to covertly infiltrate systems and manipulate browser settings without attracting the user's attention until it's too late.