Shapes Tab
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: | 7,676 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 59 |
| First Seen: | May 16, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | September 19, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
Table of Contents
The Shapes Tab Browser Hijacker: Unveiling Unwanted Redirects and Search Hijacking
When browsing the Internet, users often come across various types of software that can compromise their browsing experience. Among these threats are browser hijackers, a dubious kind of software that manipulates Internet browser settings to redirect users to unwanted websites and take control of their search engine preferences. One such browser hijacker, known as the Shapes Tab, has recently emerged as a source of frustration for many Internet users. This article aims to uncover the Shapes Tab browser hijacker, its associated website find.cf-csrc.com, and the symptoms experienced by affected users.
Understanding Browser Hijackers
A browser hijacker is unwanted software that modifies browser settings without the user's consent. It is typically designed to generate revenue for its creators through various methods, including promoting specific websites or displaying targeted advertisements. Browser hijackers often alter the homepage, default search engine, and new tab settings, redirecting users to undesired locations and forcing them to use search engines associated with the hijacker.
Shapes Tab: A Browser Hijacker and Search Hijacker
Shapes Tab is a notorious browser hijacker that has garnered attention due to its intrusive nature. Upon infection, Shapes Tab takes control of the affected user's browser settings, making find.cf-csrc.com the new tab page, default homepage and search engine. This action compels users to visit the hijacker's website repeatedly and conduct their online searches through its search engine. By doing so, the Shapes Tab attempts to drive traffic to find.cf-csrc.com, generating ad revenue and potentially exposing users to further online threats.
Promoting find.cf-csrc.com
The primary objective of the Shapes Tab browser hijacker is to promote the website find.cf-csrc.com. The creators of Shapes Tab employ deceptive tactics to entice users into visiting this website repeatedly. They leverage the control they have over browser settings to redirect users to find.cf-csrc.com, increasing its visibility and potentially boosting its search engine ranking. This promotion strategy not only generates revenue for the hijacker's creators but also exposes users to potentially unsafe online content.
Symptoms of Shapes Tab Infection
When a user's browser is infected with the Shapes Tab browser hijacker, several symptoms may become apparent. The most common indicators of infection include:
- Manipulated Browser Settings: The hijacker forcefully changes the user's homepage, default search engine, and new tab page to find.cf-csrc.com.
- Persistent Redirects: Users experience frequent and unwanted redirects to find.cf-csrc.com, even when attempting to access other websites or performing online searches.
- Unwanted New Tab: Whenever users open a new tab, find.cf-csrc.com appears instead of the desired default page or a blank tab.
- Altered Search Results: The hijacker's search engine may provide manipulated search results, prioritizing sponsored content or irrelevant links.
- Increased Advertising: Users may notice an influx of intrusive advertisements, pop-ups, or sponsored links while browsing as the hijacker seeks to generate ad revenue.
Protecting Against Browser Hijackers
Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your browser from hijackers like the Shapes Tab. Here are some essential measures to safeguard your browsing experience:
- Be cautious while installing software: Pay close attention to the installation process of any software and avoid accepting additional offers or bundled applications.
- Download software from trustworthy sources: Only download software from reputable websites to minimize the risk of inadvertently installing browser hijackers.
- Keep your software updated: Regularly update your operating system and Web browsers to benefit from the latest security patches and improvements.
- Utilize reputable security software: Install and maintain up-to-date anti-malware software to detect and remove potential threats.
- Take care of suspicious links and downloads: Avoid clicking on suspicious links, downloading files from untrusted sources, or opening email attachments from unknown senders.
The Shapes Tab browser hijacker and its associated website find.cf-csrc.com exemplify the intrusive and manipulative nature of this type of malware. By forcefully altering browser settings and redirecting users, Shapes Tab attempts to drive traffic to find.cf-csrc.com and generate revenue for its creators. Recognizing the symptoms and taking preventive measures can help users protect themselves from the unwanted consequences of browser hijackers. Stay vigilant, keep your software updated, and maintain a cautious approach to online activities to ensure a safe and uninterrupted browsing experience.
