Museum Views Tab

Extensive analysis of the Museum Views Tab extension has revealed its nature as a browser hijacker. Indeed, the Museum Views Tab manipulates several significant browser settings to promote the illegitimate search engine called museumviewstab.com forcefully. The researchers came across the Museum Views Tab application during an investigation of suspicious websites.

Browser Hijackers Like Museum Views Tab Should not be Trusted

Browser-hijacking software alters the settings of Web browsers, including assigning promoted websites as the homepage, default search engine and new tab page. The Museum Views Tab extension operates in a similar manner, making modifications to browsers. Once installed, any new browser tab or window opened, as well as Web searches initiated via the URL bar, will be redirected to the museumviewstab.com website.

Browser hijackers often employ techniques to ensure persistence, making it challenging for users to regain control of their browsers or revert the changes made by the intrusive software.

Fake search engines lack the capability to generate search results and instead redirect users to legitimate search engines. The museumviewstab.com website was observed redirecting users to the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, PC users need to understand that the specific destinations of the redirects may vary due to factors like the geolocation of the user.

Moreover, it is highly likely that Museum Views Tab has the ability to gather information about users' browsing activities. Browser-hijacking software commonly collects various data, including visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, usernames, passwords, personally identifiable information and even sensitive details like credit card numbers. This collected data may be sold to third parties or exploited for profit through other means.

PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Browser Hijackers Often Try to Hide Their Installation

PUPs and browser hijackers employ various tactics to infiltrate and get installed on users' devices. These tactics are often designed to deceive users and exploit their browsing habits.

One common method employed by PUPs and browser hijackers is bundling. They are frequently bundled with other software that users intentionally download and install. However, the bundled PUP or browser hijacker is hidden within the installation process, often in the form of pre-selected checkboxes or misleading options that users may overlook. By exploiting users' haste or lack of attention during the installation process, PUPs and browser hijackers can gain access to devices without the users' explicit consent.

Another tactic used is deceptive advertising and social engineering techniques. PUPs and browser hijackers may use misleading or enticing advertisements, often promising useful features or benefits, to persuade users to click on them. These advertisements can appear on various websites, including suspicious or less reputable ones. Once clicked, users may unknowingly initiate the download and installation of the PUP or browser hijacker.

Social engineering strategies, such as phishing emails or unsafe links, also can be utilized by PUPs and browser hijackers. Users may receive emails or messages disguised as legitimate communications, enticing them to click on a link or download a file that actually contains the unwanted program. These deceptive tactics rely on the users' trust or curiosity to trick them into installing the PUP or browser hijacker.

In summary, PUPs and browser hijackers employ tactics like bundling, deceptive advertising, exploiting software vulnerabilities, and social engineering techniques to gain unauthorized access and install themselves on users' devices. By being aware of these tactics and maintaining good security practices, users can better protect themselves from unwanted installations.