Simple Tabs Manager
The browser extension Simple tabs manager, was discovered during an investigation of untrustworthy sites. This extension is marketed as a tool to manage browser tabs. However, after conducting an analysis of the extension, it was revealed that Simple tabs manager operates as adware, which means it displays unwanted and intrusive advertisements.
Adware Applications Like the Simple Tabs Manager are Often Disruptive
Users who have installed Simple tabs manager may notice an increase in the number of pop-up advertisements, banners, and other types of advertisements displayed on their browsers. These advertisements may appear on any website, regardless of whether the user is interested in them or not.
Adware programs such as the Simple tabs manager also may collect user data, such as browsing history and search queries, and use it to display targeted advertisements. This can be a significant privacy concern for users, as their personal information may be shared with third-party advertisers without their consent.
Adware applications are designed to display advertisements on visited websites and other interfaces. These advertisements can take various forms, including pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, surveys, and more. While some of these ads may promote genuine products or services, they are far more often used to endorse online scams or intrusive PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). Some of the more the ads may even perform stealthy downloads or installations when clicked.It is important to note that genuine product developers are unlikely to promote their products or services through adware. Instead, scammers may abuse content affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
The Simple tabs manager may also collect private information, including visited URLs, pages viewed, searched queries, internet cookies, usernames and passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and more. This information can be sold to third parties or otherwise abused for profit.
PUPs Try to Hide Their Installations from Users
PUPs often use various distribution methods to hide their installation from users. One common method is through software bundling, where PUPs are bundled together with legitimate software and installed without the user's knowledge or consent.
PUPs also may be disguised as a helpful or necessary tool, such as a browser extension or system optimization tool. In some cases, PUPs may be distributed through malicious or compromised websites, where users are tricked into clicking on download links or buttons that initiate the installation process. PUPs often employ social engineering techniques to convince users to install them, such as displaying fake pop-ups or alerts that claim the user's system got an infection with a virus or malware and prompt the user to download and install the program.