Everywhere Weather Browser Extension

The Everywhere Weather is presented as a browser extension offering the convenience of rapid access to personalized weather forecasts, complete with real-time updates for locations spanning the globe, from countries and regions to cities. This seemingly beneficial tool came under scrutiny when cybersecurity researchers delved into potentially suspicious websites.

Upon a closer examination of the Everywhere Weather, it became evident that this extension operates as a browser hijacker. Rather than delivering on its promised weather-related features, it carries out manipulative actions that alter browser settings. One of the notable alterations includes the unwanted promotion of the fake goog.everywhere-weather.com search engine through constant redirects, effectively forcing users into conducting their online searches through a deceptive and potentially unsafe platform.

The Everywhere Weather Browser Hijacker Takes Over Important Browser Settings

Browser hijackers employ a set of tactics that significantly disrupt a user's browsing experience by altering critical browser settings. These changes involve the manipulation of the browser's homepage, default search engine, and URLs for new tabs pages. As a result, any web searches initiated through the URL bar or when opening new browser tabs or windows are automatically redirected to specific websites promoted by the hijacker. In the case of Everywhere Weather, it enforces the use of the goog.everywhere-weather.com page through these changes.

It's worth noting that browser-hijacking software often employs persistence-ensuring mechanisms, complicating its removal and thwarting users' attempts to revert their browsers to their original settings. This persistence can be frustrating for users who want to regain control of their browser preferences.

Illegitimate search engines typically are not capable of providing genuine search results. Instead, they resort to redirects, sending users to well-known, legitimate internet search websites. In the case of goog.everywhere-weather.com, it redirected users to Bing, a reputable search engine. However, it's important to recognize that redirection destinations can vary, influenced by factors such as the user's geolocation.

Moreover, the Everywhere Weather likely engages in the intrusive practice of collecting sensitive browsing-related data. Browser hijackers are known for harvesting a wide range of user information, including the websites visited, pages viewed, search queries, Internet cookies, usernames and passwords, personally identifiable information, and even financial data. This collected data can be monetized through sale to third parties or exploited for profit, causing outstanding concerns about user privacy and data security.

Browser Hijackers are Spread Primarily through Deceptive Distribution Tactics

Browser hijackers are typically spread through deceptive distribution tactics, which are designed to lure users into unintentionally installing them or making them difficult to remove once installed. These tactics often exploit users' trust and lack of awareness. Here's an explanation of how browser hijackers are primarily distributed through deceptive means:

• Bundled Software: One of the most common methods is bundling browser hijackers with seemingly legitimate software. Users download and install a desired application, often from a trusted source, without realizing that the browser hijacker is included in the package. During the installation process, users may overlook or be misled by checkboxes and agreements that authorize the installation of additional, unwanted software.
•  Deceptive Advertising: Browser hijackers are frequently distributed through misleading and enticing advertisements. These ads can appear on websites, in pop-ups, or as banners. They often promise attractive offers or claim that the software is essential for improved performance or security. Users who click on these ads may inadvertently download and install the hijacker.
•  Fake Updates: Some browser hijackers are disguised as software updates or security patches. Users are prompted to install what they believe to be critical updates for their browsers or operating systems. In reality, these updates are malicious software that takes control of their browser settings.
•  Email Attachments and Links: Browser hijackers can be distributed through phishing emails that appear to come from trustworthy sources. These emails may contain attachments or links, and unsuspecting users who open them can inadvertently install the hijacker.
•  Rogue Websites: Some websites are specifically designed to distribute browser hijackers. Users may be directed to these sites through misleading links, advertisements, or pop-ups. Once on the site, users are encouraged to install the hijacking software under pretenses.
•  Pirated Software and Torrents: Browser hijackers can also be found in cracked or pirated software, as well as in files shared through torrent websites. Users who download and open these files may unknowingly install the hijacker alongside the intended content.
•  Social Engineering: Browser hijackers sometimes employ social engineering tactics to manipulate users into voluntarily installing them. This can include convincing users that the software is necessary for improved security or performance, creating a sense of urgency.

The deceptive distribution tactics used by browser hijackers aim to exploit users' trust, lack of awareness, and the desire to access new software or content. These tactics can lead to unwanted changes in browser settings, intrusive ads, compromised user privacy, and potential security vulnerabilities. To protect themselves from browser hijackers, users should exercise caution when downloading and installing software, keep their systems and software up to date, use reputable security software, and be vigilant against deceptive advertisements and emails.