eBook Search Browser Extension
The eBook Search browser extension claims to provide easy access to ebooks to users, undoubtedly a useful feature that quite a lot of people would enjoy. Unfortunately, upon analysis, it was found that the app operates as an intrusive browser hijacker that promotes the sear.ebooksearchnow.com fake search engine.
Browser Hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) may Perform Various Unwanted Actions
When installed, eBook Search can modify the user's browser settings without their consent, causing their homepage, new tab page and default search engine,to redirect to the sear.ebooksearchnow.com address. This fake search engine presents users with search results that may include sponsored links and advertisements rather than the relevant and trustworthy results that they were expecting. To be more specific, sear.ebooksearchnow.com initiates a redirect chain that goes through the genieosearch.com address before taking the results from the legitimate Yahoo search engine. Note that users may be taken to different destinations since the redirects can be determined by factors like user geolocation.
Furthermore, the eBook Search likely collects and transmits user data to its developers. The tracked information may include browsing history, search queries, and other personally identifiable details. The user data could then be offered for sale to third-party entities and abused for potentially fraudulent purposes such as targeted advertising, identity theft, or other forms of cybercrime.
It is essential to note that the eBook Search extension is considered a PUP. Users should avoid downloading and installing such programs from unverified sources and be cautious when browsing the internet.
Users Rarely Download PUPs Intentionally
One of the common shady tactics used in the distribution of PUPs is the use of deceptive advertising. This can include pop-up ads that appear to be legitimate download links for software or ads that claim to offer free trials or discounts for popular software products. These ads may be designed to trick users into downloading and installing PUPs or other unwanted software.
Another tactic is the bundling of PUPs with legitimate software downloads. Some software installers may include additional programs or tools that are not necessary for the core software to function. These programs may be PUPs that can cause issues on the user's computer.
Some PUPs may also be distributed through spam email campaigns or social engineering tactics. For example, an email may claim to offer a free tool or software update, but the attachment or download link actually contains a PUP or other harmful software.
Overall, the common thread in these shady tactics is deception. PUPs are often distributed in a way that is programmed to trick users into downloading and installing them, either by making false claims about the software or by hiding the PUP within the installation process of other software.
