Soccer Skills Browser Extension

The Soccer Skills browser extension has been identified as a browser hijacker by cybersecurity researchers. Through their investigation, it was discovered that Soccer Skills manipulates specific browser settings to promote the website here-withus.com. Further analysis of her-withus.com revealed that it is a deceptive search engine designed to only appear as a legitimate destination. However, its true intention is to mislead users and generate unreliable search results.

Browser Hijackers Like the Soccer Skills Often Promote Dubious Sites

The primary objective of the Soccer Skills browser extension is to gain control over specific settings in web browsers, enabling it to manipulate users' online experiences. It achieves this by altering their browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab page to now open the src-withus.com address. This fake search engine has been observed showing search results taken from bing.com. Although Bing.com is a reputable search engine, here-withus.com serves as a deceptive intermediary, potentially compromising the trustworthiness of search results and raising privacy concerns.

Fake search engines, like her-withus.com, are known to engage in deceptive practices, including manipulating search results and potentially collecting user data without proper consent. This can lead to privacy breaches and undermine the reliability of search outcomes. As a result, it is highly advised to refrain from using her-withus.com and to take immediate action to remove the Soccer Skills extension from affected web browsers.

Browser Hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) Mask Their Installation through Shady Tactics

Browser hijackers and PUPs employ various shady tactics to mask their installation on users' devices, making it challenging for users to detect and prevent their infiltration. Some common deceptive techniques used by these dubious applications include:

• Software Bundling: Browser hijackers and PUPs are often bundled with legitimate software that users download from the Internet. During the installation process, users may unknowingly agree to install additional programs, including the hijackers or PUPs, as they tend to be pre-selected by default. This tactic capitalizes on users' haste and lack of attention during installations.
•  Misleading Advertisements: Some browser hijackers and PUPs are promoted through misleading advertisements that mimic legitimate system notifications or prompts. Users may be tricked into clicking on these ads, believing they are necessary updates or security alerts, but end up unwittingly installing the unwanted software.
•  Fake Download Buttons: On unsafe websites, fake download buttons may be strategically placed to resemble genuine download links for desired software or media content. Clicking on these deceptive buttons can lead to the download and installation of browser hijackers or PUPs.
•  Social Engineering: Browser hijackers and PUPs may use social engineering techniques to persuade users into downloading and installing them. For example, they might claim to offer valuable features, discounts, or exclusive content, luring users into downloading the software willingly.
•  Malvertising: Unsafe advertisements (advertisements) can be embedded on legitimate websites. When users access these advertisements, they are redirected to untrustworthy pages that initiate the download and installation of browser hijackers or PUPs.

To protect their devices from browser hijackers and PUPs, users should be cautious when downloading software from unfamiliar sources, carefully read the terms and conditions during installations, and regularly update their software and security tools to prevent the exploitation of vulnerabilities. Additionally, using ad blockers and reliable security software can help detect and block unsafe advertisements and unwanted software installations.