Nature Extension Browser Hijacker
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: | 8,974 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 256 |
| First Seen: | October 3, 2022 |
| Last Seen: | September 30, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The Nature Extension application was found by researchers while examining dubious websites. This particular browser extension offers to add nature-inspired wallpapers to the user's browser. However, when examined more thoroughly, it was discovered that Nature Extension operates as a browser hijacker. Indeed, once installed, it makes changes to several indispensable browser settings as a way to endorse the fake search engine find.bsearchup.com.
This behavior is a common tactic used by browser hijackers to redirect users to a fake search engine and generate traffic to the promoted site. The search results from these illegitimate search engines are often misleading or contain sponsored links and potentially harmful content. Therefore, it is essential for users to remove the Nature Extension and any similar browser hijackers as soon as they are detected to avoid any potential harm to their devices and data.
Browser Hijackers Like Nature Extension May Lead to Privacy Issues
Browser-hijacking software is typically capable of changing browser settings, such as the homepage, default search engine, and new tab page, to promote specific sites. The Nature Extension sets these settings to redirect users to the find.bsearchup.com fake search engine. As a result, when Nature Extension is installed, any new browser tabs opened or search queries typed into the URL bar will redirect users to find.bsearchup.com.
Illegitimate search engines, like find.bsearchup.com, rarely generate accurate search results and instead, cause further redirects to other destinations. In some cases, these may include legitimate search engines like Yahoo, Bing, etc., but this is not guaranteed and may depend on specific factors.
Browser hijackers also are likely to use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from restoring the affected browser settings to their previous states. The Nature Extension is no exception and may prevent users from undoing its changes.
Furthermore, the Nature Extension is highly likely to possess data-tracking capabilities, which can include collecting sensitive information such as visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, and geolocation. Some browser hijackers may also collect personally identifiable information, usernames and passwords, and finance-related data. The collected data can be acquired by third parties or exploited for profit by the developers of the particular PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) themselves.
Browser Hijackers are Rarely Installed Intentionally
PUPs and browser hijackers use a variety of shady methods for distribution. Some of the common tactics include bundling with legitimate software, deceptive advertising, and social engineering. Bundling involves packaging PUPs or browser hijackers with trustworthy software that users download from the internet. In many cases, the bundled software will not disclose the presence of the PUP or browser hijacker, making it difficult for users to avoid them.
Deceptive advertising is another tactic used by PUPs and browser hijackers. They may use pop-ups or banners to trick users into clicking on them, leading them to download the unwanted software. Social engineering tactics can also be employed to trick users into installing PUPs or browser hijackers. For example, an attacker may disguise the PUP as a legitimate security update or system optimization tool.
Once installed, PUPs and browser hijackers can modify browser settings, such as the default homepage or search engine, without the user's knowledge or consent. They also may install additional software or redirect users to unsafe websites. These actions can lead to a compromised system, privacy breaches, and financial losses.
