Forestab Browser Extension

Cybersecurity experts uncovered the Forestab browser extension. Untrustworthy websites are promoting the application. It presents itself as a utility designed to showcase browser wallpapers with nature themes.

However, upon conducting a thorough analysis of the extension, the researchers arrived at the conclusion that it functions as a browser hijacker. Forestab performs several modifications to browser settings. Browser hijackers perform such unauthorized changes as a way to endorse fake search engines - the search.forestab.com, in this case, through unwanted redirects. Furthermore, these intrusive applications and dubious search engines are notorious for engaging in the intrusive practice of monitoring the online browsing behavior of users.

The Forestab Browser Hijacker could Cause Significant Privacy Concerns

Browser hijacker applications operate by altering key settings within Web browsers, such as the default search engine, homepage and new tab page. In the case of Forestab, this extension follows the same pattern by causing unwanted changes in order to generate artificial traffic toward a promoted Web address.

Once Forestab is installed, users are likely to experience a significant change in the behavior of their browsers. When they perform web searches through the URL bar or open new blank tabs, the extension will forcefully take them to the search.forestab.com website. It is crucial to acknowledge that browser hijackers possess the capability to obstruct users' recovery options, with some establishing persistence mechanisms. In contrast, others prevent users from making any additional changes to the impacted settings.

Commonly, the fake search engines promoted by browser hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) lack the capacity to generate authentic search results. Instead, they resort to redirecting users to legitimate search engines. In the case of search.forestab.com, users are taken to the reputable Google search engine. Nonetheless, it is pertinent to note that redirections may vary based on factors like user location, which can lead to different outcomes.

Forestab also likely possesses the ability to track user data, which is a prevailing trait among browser-hijacking software. Such applications routinely gather a broad spectrum of information, including visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, Internet cookies, usernames, passwords, personally identifiable details and even financial-related data. The purpose behind this data collection is often to capitalize on it through the sale of user information to third parties. This underscores the concerning potential of how user data can be exploited for monetary gain.

Most PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Browser Hijackers are Installed Unintentionally

PUPs and browser hijackers frequently engage in a range of questionable tactics to proliferate and get installed on user devices. These practices exploit users' trust and lack of awareness, often leading to unintended installations. Some of the dubious practices commonly utilized by these entities in their distribution include:

• Bundled Installations: PUPs and browser hijackers often piggyback on legitimate software downloads. Users may unknowingly agree to install additional software during the installation process of a desired program.
•  Deceptive Advertisements: These programs often employ deceptive online advertisements, disguising themselves as legitimate software updates or security alerts. Users may inadvertently click on these ads, triggering unwanted downloads.
•  Misleading Download Buttons: On websites offering free software, PUPs and browser hijackers may intentionally place misleading download buttons. Users who click these buttons may end up downloading and installing the unwanted software instead.
•  Fake System Utilities: Some PUPs pose as system optimization or security tools, claiming to enhance system performance or protect against threats. Users may be lured into downloading these tools, which actually carry unwanted features.
•  Software Cracks and Keygens: PUPs may be bundled with software cracks or keygens, appealing to users seeking to unlock paid software for free. These downloads can lead to inadvertent PUP installations.
•  Email Attachments and Links: These entities can be spread through unsafe email attachments or links, exploiting users' curiosity to open files or click on links that install unwanted software.
•  Fake Software Updates: PUPs and browser hijackers often masquerade as software updates, tricking users into installing them to improve their system's performance or security allegedly.
•  Social Engineering Techniques: PUPs may use enticing offers, like free trials or coupons, to entice users into downloading them, exploiting users' desire for discounts or freebies.

These dubious practices highlight the need for users to exercise caution while downloading and installing software, especially from unfamiliar sources, and to remain vigilant against deceptive tactics employed by PUPs and browser hijackers.