Motivational Quotes Browser Extension

Cybersecurity researchers inspected the Motivational Quotes app and discovered that its purpose is to hijack users' web browsers. Browser hijackers often promote fake or unreliable search engines, and Motivational Quotes are no exception. The app promotes motivational-quotes.com, which exhibits the typical characteristics of a fake search engine. This is achieved by making unauthorized modifications to the settings of the compromised web browser.

Browser Hijackers Like Motivations Quotes May Cause Higher Security and Privacy Risks

Motivational Quotes operates as a browser hijacker, primarily functioning to promote a deceptive search engine called motivational-quotes.com. As a typical browser hijacker, it seizes control of web browsers and manipulates their settings to its advantage. Once installed, Motivational Quotes makes modifications to various browser configurations, including the default search engine, new tab page, and homepage.

Specifically, Motivational Quotes sets these configurations to point towards motivational-quotes.com. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that motivational-quotes.com redirects users to bing.com. This redirection tactic is commonly employed by browser hijackers to create an illusion of legitimacy and steer users towards a well-known and trusted search engine such as Bing.

However, it is important to exercise caution and refrain from trusting browser hijackers and fake search engines. They can introduce several issues for users. Firstly, they significantly impact the overall browsing experience by redirecting search queries, manipulating search results, and injecting unwanted advertisements or sponsored content.

Moreover, these intrusive programs compromise user privacy and security by potentially tracking browsing habits, collecting personal information, and exposing users to phishing attacks or malware risks. Additionally, browser hijackers can lead to system slowdowns, increased resource usage, and overall instability, thereby negatively affecting the performance of the affected device.

Pay Attention to the Devious Tactics Used for the Distribution of Browser Hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs)

PUPs and browser hijackers employ various devious tactics for their distribution. These tactics aim to deceive or manipulate users into unintentionally installing or interacting with these unwanted programs. Some common tactics used by PUPs and browser hijackers for distribution include:

• Software Bundling: PUPs and browser hijackers are often bundled with legitimate software downloads. They are presented as optional or additional components during the installation process of the desired software. Users may overlook or not pay close attention to these bundled offers, inadvertently installing the unwanted programs along with the desired software.
•  Deceptive Advertising: PUPs and browser hijackers may employ misleading or enticing advertisements to attract users. These ads often make exaggerated claims or offer free software, system optimizations, or other appealing benefits. Clicking on such ads may lead to the download or installation of unwanted programs.
•  Fake Updates and Installers: PUPs and browser hijackers may mimic legitimate software updates or installers. They display pop-up messages or notifications that inform users of supposedly important updates or security patches. Clicking on these fake update prompts or installers can result in the installation of unwanted programs instead of genuine updates.
•  Dubious Websites and Redirects: PUPs and browser hijackers may be distributed through malicious websites or through unauthorized redirections. Users may unknowingly visit compromised websites or click on malicious links, triggering the automatic download or installation of unwanted programs.
•  Spam Emails and Phishing: PUPs and browser hijackers can be distributed through spam emails. These emails often contain misleading links or attachments that, when clicked or opened, initiate the installation of unwanted programs. Phishing techniques may also be used, where the emails impersonate legitimate sources to trick users into interacting with the malicious content.
•  Untrustworthy Download Sources: Downloading software from untrustworthy or unofficial sources increases the risk of encountering PUPs and browser hijackers. These sources may host modified or repackaged versions of legitimate software that include unwanted programs.

To protect against the distribution of PUPs and browser hijackers, it is crucial to exercise caution when downloading software, avoid clicking on suspicious ads or links, use official software sources, keep software and operating systems up to date, and employ reliable security software to detect and block potential threats.