Space backgrounds pictures Browser Extension
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a browser extension called the 'Space backgrounds pictures.' This extension is advertised as a convenient tool for displaying captivating space-themed wallpapers on users' browsers.
However, the experts discovered that the Space backgrounds pictures operate as a browser hijacker. Instead of providing the promised functionality, this extension maliciously modifies browser settings to initiate unwanted redirects, forcing users to visit the spacenewtab.com fake search engine against their will.
Browser Hijackers Like the Space backgrounds pictures Should not be Trusted
Browser-hijacking software has the ability to manipulate various browser settings, such as the new tab page, homepage and the default search engine. The intrusive app will assign the addresses of promoted websites to the impacted settings. The same applies to the Space backgrounds pictures extension, which operates as a browser hijacker. When installed, this extension alters the browser's configuration, resulting in unwanted redirects to the spacenewtab.com website whenever users open new tabs or enter search queries into the URL bar.
It is crucial to highlight that browser hijackers often employ techniques to ensure persistence, making their removal challenging and preventing users from fully recovering control of their browsers.
In the case of fake search engines, they typically fail to provide legitimate search results by themselves and instead redirect users to reputable search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. However, during the research conducted, it was discovered that spacenewtab.com redirects to another illegitimate search engine called nearbyme.io. Although this site may generate search results, it is important to note that these results are often unreliable, misleading, and potentially hazardous, as they may include sponsored content, deceptive information, and malicious links.
Additionally, the Space backgrounds pictures exhibits intrusive behavior that may include monitoring and collecting users' browsing activities. This data may encompass various types of information, including visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, cookies, usernames, passwords, personally identifiable details, financial data, and more. This collected information could be shared with or sold to third parties, compromising users' privacy and potentially leading to targeted advertisements or other malicious activities.
Therefore, it is essential for users to exercise caution when encountering browser hijackers like the Space backgrounds pictures, as they not only disrupt the browsing experience with unwanted redirects but also invade privacy and expose users to potential security risks.
Users Rarely Install Browser Hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) Willingly
Dubious tactics are employed for the distribution of browser hijackers and PUPs, aiming to infiltrate users' systems without their knowledge or consent. These tactics are often designed to exploit users' vulnerabilities, lack of awareness, or deceptive practices to trick them into installing these unwanted software.
One common tactic involves bundling browser hijackers and PUPs with legitimate software downloads. In this scenario, unsuspecting users may download and install a desired program from a reputable source, only to discover later that additional unwanted software has been installed alongside it. The bundled browser hijackers and PUPs are typically hidden within the installation process, with their presence intentionally obscured or presented as optional offers that users might overlook or unintentionally accept.
Another strategy is the use of misleading advertisements or "malvertising." Malicious or misleading ads are strategically placed on websites or injected into legitimate ad networks. These ads can entice users with false claims of system optimization, software updates, or other enticing offers. When users click on these ads, they may be redirected to websites that automatically download and install browser hijackers or PUPs without their knowledge.
Phishing emails and social engineering techniques are also employed to distribute browser hijackers and PUPs. Cybercriminals may send deceptive emails disguised as legitimate messages from trusted sources, such as well-known companies or organizations. These emails often contain unsafe attachments or links that, when clicked, lead users to websites hosting browser hijackers or PUPs. Social engineering techniques are utilized to manipulate users into taking specific actions, such as downloading and installing software that appears legitimate but is, in fact, a browser hijacker or PUP.
Overall, the distribution of browser hijackers and PUPs involves a range of dubious tactics, including bundling with legitimate software, malvertising, phishing emails, social engineering, compromised websites, and exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Users need to exercise caution and employ robust security measures to minimize the risks associated with these deceptive distribution methods.
