Tab Manager
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: | 15,627 |
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 2 |
| First Seen: | April 20, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | July 23, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
During an investigation of deceptive websites, researchers discovered the Tab Manager browser extension. The extension claims to provide users with the ability to close all tabs in their browser simultaneously, regardless of the type of tab (such as incognito or pinned tabs). However, after analyzing the extension, it was found to be a form of adware. This means that the Tab Manager extension runs intrusive advertising campaigns and collects private user data.
Adware Like Tab Manager could Lead to Various Privacy Issues
In terms of advertising, Tab Manager is designed to display various types of ads to users, including pop-ups, surveys, coupons, and overlays. These ads may endorse online scams, phishing schemes, and fake giveaways as well as unsafe and intrusive PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). Some of the more intrusive advertisements may run scripts that perform stealthy downloads and installations upon being clicked.
In addition to the advertising campaigns, Tab Manager collects private user data. This may include the URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries entered, downloaded files, internet cookies, usernames and passwords, personally identifiable information, financial data, and more. This collected data can be sold to third parties or otherwise abused for profit.
Users should know about the potential risks associated with Tab Manager and other similar browser extensions that claim to offer useful functions but may actually be adware. It is important to thoroughly research any software before installing it and to use reputable sources for downloads.
Users Should be Aware of the Shady Tactics Involved in the Distribution of PUPs
PUPs often use a variety of shady tactics to distribute themselves to unsuspecting users. Some of these tactics include bundling with legitimate software downloads, disguising themselves as useful tools or updates, and using social engineering tactics to trick users into downloading them.
One of the most common distribution tactics for PUPs is bundling with legitimate software downloads. This involves packaging PUPs with popular software, so when users download the software, the PUPs are installed along with it. PUPs may also disguise themselves as useful tools or updates, using deceptive wording and visual design to convince users to download them.
Social engineering tactics are another common method used by PUPs. This involves convincing users to download the software by making false claims or using scare tactics. For example, PUPs may display pop-ups or warnings that falsely claim the user's system is infected with viruses or malware and that the PUP is necessary for protection or removal.
PUPs may also use misleading or confusing interfaces that trick users into clicking on buttons or links that download the software. For example, the download button may be designed to look like an update or install button for a legitimate program but actually downloads the promoted PUP.
Overall, PUPs rely on a range of shady tactics to distribute themselves to users, often using deceptive wording, design, and social engineering tactics to convince users to download them. Users need to be vigilant and cautious when downloading software and to thoroughly research any program before installing it.
