SeekFast
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.
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 12 |
| First Seen: | June 4, 2024 |
| Last Seen: | June 7, 2024 |
An in-depth testing conducted by cybersecurity researchers has revealed that the SeekFast browser extension is capable of hijacking Web browsers by modifying their settings. As soon as SeekFast is added, it promptly adjusts specific settings that redirect users to findflarex.com. Moreover, this extension has the ability to collect various types of user data. Considering these alarming findings, it is strongly recommended that users avoid installing the SeekFast extension on their browsers.
SeekFast Promotes Dubious Sites by Overwriting Users' Settings
SeekFast actively promotes findflarex.com by setting it as the default search engine, homepage and new tab page. This extension ensures that when users open their browser or a new tab and perform a search, they are directed to findflarex.com. However, it has been discovered that findflarex.com is not a legitimate search engine but rather a deceptive one that redirects users to a questionable search engine called boyu.com.tr. It is irecommended to exercise caution when dealing with search engines like boyu.com.tr, as they cannot be trusted. These unreliable search engines often prioritize displaying untrustworthy advertisements and links instead of providing legitimate search results. The use of such search engines exposes users to various risks, such as phishing attempts, websites hosting malware, different tactics and other security threats. Moreover, these search engines may also collect and misuse personal data, thus compromising user privacy and overall security.
Furthermore, SeekFast has the ability to activate the 'Managed by your organization' feature within Chrome browsers. Originally intended for centralized organizational management, this feature can unfortunately be misused by cybercriminals to restrict user activity by blocking specific websites, modifying browser settings, managing extensions and interfering in other ways. Therefore, it is evident that SeekFast is an unreliable extension and should be promptly removed from any hijacked browsers. It should be noted that manually removing browser hijackers can be a challenging task. In such cases, it is highly recommended to utilize specialized tools to eliminate these malicious extensions effectively.
Browser Hijackers Often Try to Get Installed Unnoticed by Users
Deceptive distribution tactics are commonly used by browser hijackers and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) to install themselves on users' devices silently. Here's how they do it:
- Bundling with Freeware: Browser hijackers and PUPs are often bundled with legitimate freeware or shareware programs. Users unknowingly install them alongside desired software because the installation process doesn't clearly disclose the presence of additional programs.
- Misleading Advertisements: Users may come across misleading advertisements that offer seemingly legitimate software downloads or updates. Clicking on these ads can result in the unintentional installation of browser hijackers or PUPs.
- Fake Software Updates: Cybercriminals create fake update notifications for popular software like Web browsers or media players. Users who fall for these tactics unknowingly install browser hijackers or PUPs instead of legitimate updates.
- Disguised as Useful Extensions: Browser hijackers can masquerade as helpful browser extensions or toolbars. Users may install these extensions, believing they will improve their browsing experience, but later discover that they alter browser settings and behavior.
- Complex Installation Processes: Some software installation processes, particularly for free software, are deliberately complex or misleading. Users who rush through these installations without reviewing each step carefully may inadvertently agree to install additional software, including browser hijackers or PUPs.
- Pre-Checked Boxes: During software installation, users may come across pre-checked boxes that indicate consent for installing additional software. If users don't notice or uncheck these boxes, they may unknowingly install browser hijackers or PUPs.
- Fake Download Buttons: Certain websites, especially those hosting pirated content or illegal downloads, use fake download buttons to deceive users into downloading unwanted software, including browser hijackers and PUPs.
- Social Engineering Tactics: Some browser hijackers and PUPs employ social engineering tactics, like fake error messages or warnings, to trick users into voluntarily downloading and installing them.
By exploiting these questionable distribution tactics, browser hijackers and PUPs infiltrate users' devices without their knowledge or consent. This often leads to undesirable changes in browser settings, compromised privacy, and a decline in system performance.
