Oceans - New Tab 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: | 11,801 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 24 |
| First Seen: | April 19, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | August 15, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
Upon analysis of the Oceans - New Tab browser extension, it was discovered that it has the capability to take control of a user's Web browser by making unauthorized changes to its settings. The primary purpose of these changes is to promote a fake search engine called oceansnewtab.com. As a result, the Oceans - New Tab browser extension has been classified as a browser hijacker by researchers.
Oceans - New Tab Hijacks Users Web Browsers and Causes Forced Redirects
The Oceans - New Tab browser extension manipulates the settings of a user's web browser, making oceansnewtab.com the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page address. This results in users being forced to use a fake search engine that displays search results sourced from Bing, as oceansnewtab.com lacks the functionality to produce any results on its own.
While Bing's search results are legitimate, the use of shady and fake search engines can result in users visiting dubious sites, opening online tactics, seeing dubious ads for PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and more.
Furthermore, browser hijackers such as Oceans - New Tab often collect various information from the affected browser, including the users' browsing history, search queries, geolocation, and other data. In some cases, even sensitive information such as login credentials and credit card details could also be compromised. It is therefore strongly recommended to remove browser hijackers like Oceans - New Tab as soon as possible to prevent the theft of data and other security issues.
PUPs and Browser Hijackers Rely on Questionable Distribution Tactics
PUPs and browser hijackers are commonly distributed using various tactics that aim to deceive users and make them inadvertently install the unwanted software.
Some of the common tactics include bundling the PUPs or browser hijackers with legitimate software downloads, such as freeware or shareware. This can lead users to install the unwanted software alongside the intended program unknowingly.
Another tactic is the use of misleading ads, pop-ups, or fake system alerts that urge users to download and install software to fix a non-existent issue or threat. These ads can be found on malicious websites or delivered through malvertising campaigns.
PUPs and browser hijackers also may be distributed through email phishing tactics that trick users into downloading and installing malicious attachments or clicking on links that lead to unsafe websites.
In addition, cybercriminals can use social engineering techniques to deceive users into downloading and installing PUPs or browser hijackers by making them appear as legitimate software updates or security software.
Overall, browser hijackers and PUPs are often spread through deceptive methods that aim to trick users into installing the unwanted software without their knowledge or consent.
