My Weather Browser Extension
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: | 5,563 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 95 |
| First Seen: | March 24, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | October 10, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
After examining the My Weather browser extension, it was found to be a browser hijacker that alters the browser's settings without the user's consent. My Weather claims to provide quick access to weather forecasts. However, it operates by redirecting the user's search queries to the fake search engine search.bestweatherextension.com, which displays manipulated search results.
Moreover, My Weather extension has been found to spy on users' online browsing behavior. It may collect sensitive user data such as the user's search queries, browsing history, IP address, and geolocation. This data could be used for targeted advertising or even identity theft. Therefore, it is recommended that users avoid installing My Weather extension and remove it immediately if it is already installed on their browser.
Browser Hijackers Modify Important Browser Settings
After the installation of My Weather, it changes the browser's settings, including the homepage, default search engine, and new tab, to now open the search.bestweatherextension.com website. As a result, any new tabs that the user will open or search queries they start via the URL bar would lead to redirects to search.bestweatherextension.com.
Typically, fake search engines do not generate search results and instead redirect to genuine ones. At the time of research, search.bestweatherextension.com redirected to the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, it's worth noting that the redirection might vary depending on factors such as user geolocation. Like many browser hijackers, My Weather may also use various techniques to ensure its persistence on the system and prevent users from regaining control of their browsers.
Moreover, My Weather may be able to track various user data, including visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, internet cookies, and usernames/passwords. Some browser hijackers are even capable of harvesting personally identifiable details and financial information, among others. This collected data may even be shared or sold to third parties.
Users Often Install Browser Hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) Unintentionally
PUPs use a variety of tactics to get installed on users' systems without their knowledge or consent. One common tactic is called software bundling, where the PUP is included as an optional component in a legitimate software package. During the installation process, users may be presented with a list of additional software that they can choose to install or decline. However, PUPs are often pre-selected for installation, and users may overlook or miss the option to decline them.
Another tactic used by PUPs is misleading advertising or social engineering techniques that trick users into downloading and installing the software. For example, PUPs may be promoted as useful or legitimate tools, such as system optimizers or antivirus software, through fake pop-up ads or spam emails. Once installed, however, the PUP may not perform as advertised and may even compromise user privacy by tracking their online activity or displaying intrusive ads. PUPs may also disguise themselves as legitimate software updates or security patches, prompting users to install them to ensure the safety of their system.
