PremierLeague Stats Browser Extension

A thorough analysis conducted by cybersecurity experts has determined that the PremierLeague Stats application functions as a browser hijacker. Its main objective is to force users to utilize a promoted fake search engine. The application entices users by offering them a convenient means to stay updated with the latest scores from the Premier League football championship. However, upon installation, the PremierLeague Stats seizes control of various critical browser settings, causing inconvenience to users. It is strongly advised to promptly remove applications like the PremierLeague Stats from browsers to mitigate potential risks.

The PremierLeague Stats Browser Hijacker may Lead to Increased Privacy Risks

When the PremierLeague Stats is installed in a browser, it takes over various default settings such as the search engine, homepage, and new tab pages, replacing them with the address premierleaguestats-ext.com. Consequently, whenever users open the affected browser, conduct search queries using its URL bar, or open a new tab, they are directed to premierleaguestats-ext.com. However, despite this appearance, premierleaguestats-ext.com simply redirects users to bing.com.

Because premierleaguestats-ext.com lacks the capability to generate search results independently, it falls into the category of fake search engines. Instead of providing its own search outcomes, it redirects users to Bing, a legitimate search engine.

Fake search engines raise concerns regarding transparency, user privacy and security. They typically redirect users to genuine search providers such as Bing or Google but gather user search queries and browsing data without consent. This collected data can then be utilized for identity theft, targeted advertising or other unsafe activities.

Furthermore, fake search engines may display deceptive advertisements or sponsored links that lead users to potentially harmful websites, increasing the risk of malware infections or falling victim to tactics. Therefore, users should exercise caution and refrain from using fake search engines to safeguard their online safety and privacy.

Always Pay Attention When Installing Applications from New or Unfamiliar Sources

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) and browser hijackers often utilize deceptive distribution practices to get installed unnoticed on users' systems. Here's how they typically do it:

• Bundling with Freeware: PUPs and browser hijackers are frequently bundled with free software that users download online. These additional programs are often included in the installation package of legitimate software, and users may unknowingly agree to install them by simply clicking through the installation process without carefully reading the terms and conditions.
•  Misleading Advertisements and Pop-ups: Users may encounter deceptive advertisements or pop-ups that claim to offer useful software or services. These advertisements may prompt users to click on them, leading to the inadvertent download and installation of PUPs or browser hijackers.
•  Fake Software Updates: PUPs and browser hijackers may disguise themselves as legitimate software updates. Users may receive notifications or pop-ups urging them to have their software updated to the latest version. However, clicking on these prompts may result in the installation of unwanted programs instead of legitimate updates.
•  Social Engineering Tactics: Some PUPs and browser hijackers utilize social engineering methods to induce users into installing them. They may present themselves as security software or system optimization tools, claiming to enhance the performance or security of the user's device. Users may be persuaded to download and install these programs based on false promises or fear tactics.
•  Malvertising: Fraudulent advertisements, or malvertising, can redirect users to websites hosting PUPs or browser hijackers. These advertisements may appear on legitimate websites and convince users to click on them, leading to the inadvertent installation of unwanted programs.
•  Phishing Emails and Websites: PUPs and browser hijackers may be distributed through phishing emails or fake websites. These emails or websites may impersonate legitimate entities and persuade users to download and install unsafe software under the guise of important updates or offers.

Overall, PUPs and browser hijackers exploit users' trust and lack of vigilance to sneak into their systems through deceptive distribution practices. Users must exercise caution when downloading software, clicking on advertisements or responding to emails to avoid inadvertently installing unwanted programs.