Dragon Angel Browser Extension

An in-depth analysis conducted by information security researchers has uncovered that the Dragon Angel functions as a browser hijacker. The leading objective of this application is to promote a deceptive search engine by modifying the settings of the user's browser. Additionally, the Dragon Angel may be able to gather browsing-related data and other personal information. Users are strongly advised to promptly remove this application from any affected browsers to mitigate potential risks.

Installing the Dragon Angel Browser Hijacker may Have Detrimental Consequences

The Dragon Angel takes control of users' Web browsers by redirecting them to dragonboss.solutions whenever they attempt to perform search queries or open a hijacked browser or new tab. This is accomplished by setting dragonboss.solutions as the default search engine, homepage and new tab page. Dragonboss.solutions is a fraudulent search engine.

When users input a search query using a browser that has been hijacked by the Dragon Angel, they are directed to search.yahoo.com instead of receiving results from dragonboss.solutions. Essentially, dragonboss.solutions does not generate any search results itself.

Given that dragonboss.solutions is promoted through browser hijacking, it's advisable to avoid using it. Such fraudulent search engines are notorious for displaying misleading or irrelevant search results, potentially leading users to harmful websites or exposing them to unsafe content.

Furthermore, fake search engines like dragonboss.solutions may gather and misuse users' data, posing serious threats to their privacy and security. In addition to promoting dragonboss.solutions, the Dragon Angel may also harvest browsing-related data. This means that while users interact with the hijacked browser, the Dragon Angel can access and collect information about their browsing activities.

This collected data may include visited websites, search queries, clicked links and other browsing behaviors. Such data collection raises significant concerns regarding user privacy and security, as it could be utilized for various purposes, including targeted advertising, user profiling or even more nefarious activities.

Browser Hijackers Often Exploit Various Questionable Distribution Techniques

Browser hijackers and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) often employ shady distribution techniques, making it rare for users to install them knowingly. These techniques exploit users' trust or lack of awareness to infiltrate their systems. Here's how:

• Bundling with Legitimate Software: Browser hijackers and PUPs are frequently bundled with seemingly legitimate software that users intentionally download from the Internet. During installation, users may overlook or hastily click through the prompts, inadvertently agreeing to install additional programs.
•  Deceptive Installation Prompts: Some software installers use misleading tactics to trick users into installing browser hijackers or PUPs. For example, they may present confusing dialog boxes or checkboxes pre-selected to install the unwanted software. Users who don't carefully read each installation step may inadvertently agree to install these programs.
•  Fake Software Updates: Users may encounter fake software update notifications while browsing the Web. These notifications often mimic legitimate update prompts for popular software. However, clicking on them may lead to the installation of browser hijackers or PUPs instead of genuine updates.
•  Rogue Websites and Advertisements: Rogue websites or online advertisements may prompt users to download software or plugins that claim to enhance their browsing experience or provide useful features. In reality, these downloads may install browser hijackers or PUPs without the user's consent.
•  Freeware and Shareware Downloads: Users may download freeware or shareware from unreliable sources, hoping to obtain free software. However, some of these downloads may come bundled with unwanted programs, including browser hijackers and PUPs.
•  Social Engineering Tactics: Some browser hijackers and PUPs use social engineering tricks to persuade users to install them. For example, they may display fake security alerts warning users of nonexistent threats on their systems. Users may be prompted to download a supposed security tool that is actually a browser hijacker or PUP.

Due to these shady distribution techniques, users often unwittingly install browser hijackers and PUPs, leading to unwanted changes in their browser settings, intrusive advertising and compromised browsing experiences. Users need to exercise caution when downloading software and to regularly review their installed programs to remove any unwanted or suspicious applications.