iStart New Tab Browser Extension
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Ranking: | 6,989 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 81 |
| First Seen: | May 9, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | September 27, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
Upon analyzing the iStart New Tab browser extension, it was discovered by infosec researchers that it possesses the functionality of a browser hijacker. Indeed, the application modifies essential browser settings and promotes a fake search engine at letsearches.com. It should be noted that users are often unaware that they have added browser hijackers like iStart New Tab to their browsers.
Browser Hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) Often Lead to Privacy Concerns
Once the iStart New Tab is added to a browser, it modifies several settings, such as the new tab page, the default search engine and the homepage to promote letsearches.com. While this fake search engine displays search results from the legitimate search engine Bing, it still cannot be considered trustworthy.
Users should avoid trusting fake or unreliable search engines because they may present them with deceptive or harmful content and collect personal information and search queries. Cybercriminals may misuse the data gathered by these search engines, putting users' privacy and security at risk.
Moreover, browser hijackers like the iStart New Tab often prevent users from modifying their browser settings, making it difficult or impossible to revert to the affected settings back to their previous states. Hence, users should take the necessary steps to remove browser hijackers as soon as they detect their presence to ensure their online safety and privacy.
How Do PUPs and Browser Hijackers Get Installed on Users' Devices?
PUPs and browser hijackers can be installed on users' devices through various methods. One common method is through software bundling, where PUPs and browser hijackers are packaged with other software that the user intentionally installs. Sometimes, the user may not even realize that additional software is being installed.
PUPs and browser hijackers also can be installed through deceptive or misleading advertisements, such as fake system alerts or software update prompts that trick the user into installing unwanted software.
Finally, PUPs and browser hijackers also can be installed through social engineering tactics such as phishing tactics, where the attacker poses as a legitimate entity and convinces the user to install the unsafe software.
