Colour Picker Browser Extension

After analyzing the Colour Picker application, cybersecurity specialists have determined that it displays characteristics commonly associated with browser hijackers. Essentially, the Colour Picker alters fundamental browser configurations to direct users toward a particular website. Moreover, aside from hijacking browsers, the Colour Picker may possess the capability to gather diverse types of user data. Consequently, it is advisable to refrain from installing the Colour Picker onto browsers to mitigate potential risks.

The Colour Picker Browser Hijacker Takes Users to a Promoted Site

The Colour Picker operates by hijacking users' browsers, configuring honline-src.com as both the homepage, default search engine and new tab page. Consequently, whenever users launch their browser or open a new tab, they are directed to honline-src.com. Additionally, any searches conducted using the affected browser lead to results being sourced from this hijacked homepage. However, honline-src.com is flagged as a counterfeit search engine by researchers.

A noteworthy aspect of this hijacking is that when users input a search query, they are immediately redirected from honline-src.com to bing.com. While Bing is a real search engine, the redirections are not guaranteed to lead to Bing consistently; fake search engines like honline-src.com can adapt their behavior based on factors like users' IP addresses.

The utilization of fake search engines poses significant risks to users. Search results obtained through such engines may expose users to various online threats, including malware infections, phishing tactics, and technical support schemes. Consequently, users are strongly advised to exercise caution and avoid engaging with fake search engines to mitigate these risks effectively.

Moreover, browser hijackers like Colour Picker often engage in the unauthorized collection of browsing-related data. This can encompass search queries, browsing history, clicked links, IP addresses, and even geolocation data. In more severe cases, hijackers may access more sensitive personal information, which could be exploited for unsafe purposes. Therefore, it is imperative for users to remain vigilant and exercise caution when encountering browser hijacking applications.

Browser Hijackers Are Rarely Installed by Users Knowingly

Browser hijackers are rarely installed by users knowingly primarily because of the questionable distribution techniques employed by the creators of such software. These techniques often involve deceptive or misleading practices that trick users into unintentionally installing the hijacker.

• Bundling with other software: Browser hijackers are frequently bundled with legitimate software that users intentionally download and install. However, during the installation process, users may overlook or fail to notice additional checkboxes or prompts that consent to the installation of the hijacker. This bundling tactic is often employed by developers to distribute their software without the user's explicit consent.
•  Misleading advertisements: Users may encounter misleading advertisements that claim to offer useful software or services, but in reality, they lead to the installation of browser hijackers. These advertisements may appear as pop-ups or banners on websites and often use enticing language or promises to lure users into clicking on them.
•  Social engineering tactics: Some browser hijackers use social engineering tactics to manipulate users into installing them. This could involve displaying fake error messages or alerts that claim the user's system is infected with viruses or malware and prompting them to download and install a supposed 'anti-malware' or 'system optimization' tool, which is, in fact, the hijacker itself.
•  Rogue software updates: Users may be tricked into installing browser hijackers by fake software update prompts that mimic legitimate update notifications from trusted sources. These fake updates often appear while users are browsing the Web and prompt them to download and install the supposed update, which turns out to be the hijacker.

Overall, the deceptive tactics employed by browser hijackers make it difficult for users to recognize and avoid installing them knowingly. As a result, users often find themselves with hijacked browsers and altered settings without realizing how or why it happened.