Mountain Wallpaper Browser Extension

Infosec researchers thoroughly analyzed the Mountain Wallpaper browser extension and made a concerning discovery. The supposedly useful extension was found to function as a browser hijacker, a type of intrusive and unwanted software. The main purpose of Mountain Wallpaper is to promote a fraudulent search engine known as find.pmywebsrc.com. It accomplishes this by tampering with several important settings of users' Web browsers. Typically, users introduce browser hijackers to their systems unwittingly and often unintentionally.

The Mountain Wallpaper Browser Hijacker Changes Multiple Essential Browser Settings

The Mountain Wallpaper browser hijacker performs unauthorized modifications to the settings of users' browsers. The intrusive application makes changes to the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page settings, all aimed at ensuring that users are consistently redirected to the find.pmywebsrc.com Web address.

It's important to exercise caution when encountering such counterfeit search engines, as they employ deceptive strategies to give the appearance of legitimacy. Fake search engines like find.pmywebsrc.com lack the functionality to produce search results on their own. Users will instead be shown results taken from other search engines, in Bing in this particular case.

However, the use of fake search engines like find.pmywebsrc.com may pose several risks to users. Firstly, it often tricks users into thinking they are utilizing a legitimate search tool, even though, behind the scenes, it may be collecting and monitoring their online activities and personal information. Additionally, these counterfeit search engines are known for displaying targeted advertisements without obtaining user consent, potentially compromising user privacy.

Furthermore, fake search engines could include dubious advertisements and links to potentially unsafe websites within their search results, posing further security risks. Consequently, it is strongly recommended that users refrain from using or interacting with dubious search engines and promptly remove any applications or extensions that have hijacked their Web browsers. This proactive approach helps maintain online security and privacy while safeguarding against deceptive and potentially harmful online practices.

PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Browser Hijackers are Rarely Installed by Users Knowingly

PUPs and browser hijackers often employ various stealthy tactics to infiltrate users' devices without their knowledge or consent. Here are some of the questionable tactics frequently used:

Bundling: One of the most common tactics is bundling PUPs or browser hijackers with legitimate software downloads. Users who hastily install software without closely reviewing the installation process may inadvertently agree to install additional software they did not intend to.

Deceptive Installers: Some PUPs use misleading installers that disguise their true nature. These installers may use vague or confusing language to trick users into accepting the installation of unwanted software.

Fake Updates: PUPs and browser hijackers may masquerade as legitimate software updates or security patches. Users who believe they are installing important updates may unwittingly install unwanted programs.

Social Engineering: PUPs often employ social engineering tactics to persuade users to download or install them. This may include fake alerts or warnings that suggest the user's device is infected and that they need to take immediate action.

Email Attachments and Links: PUPs and browser hijackers can spread through links in phishing emails or email attachments. Users who open these attachments or click on these links may unknowingly download and install unwanted software.

Freeware and Shareware: Some PUPs are bundled with free or shareware software. Users who download these programs may unintentionally install PUPs if they do not carefully review installation options.

To protect against PUPs and browser hijackers, users should exercise caution when downloading software, avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads, review installation prompts carefully, keep software and browsers up to date, use anti-malware software, and employ ad-blockers and browser security extensions. Additionally, staying informed about common tactics used by PUPs and browser hijackers can help users recognize and avoid these threats.