Loungoo
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: | 2,557 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 125 |
| First Seen: | August 30, 2024 |
| Last Seen: | September 8, 2024 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
Protecting your devices from Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) is critical. These intrusive programs often mask themselves as legitimate software or browser extensions, only to wreak havoc once installed. Among these dubious applications is the Loungoo browser extension—a browser hijacker designed to alter users' browser settings and direct them to questionable search engines. Understanding how Loungoo operates and the risks it presents is essential to maintaining your cybersecurity.
Table of Contents
The Intrusive Nature of the Loungoo Browser Extension
Loungoo's primary function is to hijack a user's Web browser by altering critical settings without consent. Once installed, this extension overrides the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page settings, forcing users to interact with a predetermined and dubious search engine, finditfasts.com. However, finditfasts.com serves merely as a gateway, redirecting users to an even more questionable search engine—boyu.com.tr.
Exposing Users to Risks Through Deceptive Search Results
The search engine boyu.com.tr, which users are unwillingly redirected to, is fraught with risks. Search results generated by this engine often include deceptive advertisements and links to unreliable or unsafe websites. Users may be unknowingly exposed to phishing schemes, fraudulent lotteries, fake giveaways, and untrustworthy software downloads. These sites are meticulously crafted to harvest private personal information, which may include credit card details, social security numbers and login credentials. In some cases, users could be manipulated into paying for nonexistent services or products, providing cybercriminals with access to their devices or downloading malware.
Shady Distribution Tactics: How Loungoo Finds Its Way to Your Browser
Loungoo and similar PUPs typically employ deceptive distribution methods to infiltrate users' devices. One of the most common tactics is software bundling, where the unwanted program is packaged alongside legitimate software. Users often inadvertently install PUPs like Loungoo when they rush through the installation process without carefully reviewing each step. These installers may not explicitly disclose the inclusion of PUPs, leading users to consent to their installation unknowingly.
Additionally, Loungoo's installer is notorious for including another unwanted extension, Funny Tool Redirect, further complicating the issue. This practice of bundling multiple PUPs in a single installation increases the likelihood of users' browsers becoming severely compromised.
Leveraging the 'Managed by Your Organization' Feature
Loungoo takes advantage of the legitimate 'Managed by your organization' feature in Chrome browsers to solidify its control over the user's browser. This feature, intended for legitimate enterprise use, is repurposed by Loungoo to limit users' control over their browser settings. As a result, the extension may restrict access to certain websites, redirect users to harmful sites, and interfere with other browser extensions. By doing so, Loungoo compromises user privacy and can introduce additional security vulnerabilities.
Conclusion: Avoiding the Risks of Loungoo and Similar PUPs
Loungoo is a prime example of the dangers posed by potentially unwanted programs. By hijacking browser settings, redirecting users to unreliable search engines, and exploiting legitimate browser features, Loungoo may result in a significant threat to users' privacy and security. To protect yourself from such intrusive PUPs, it's crucial to remain vigilant during software installations, regularly review and manage browser extensions, and rely on reputable search engines like Google. Taking these precautions will help ensure your digital environment remains safe and secure.
