Tally Tab Browser Extension

The Tally Tab browser extension is marketed to users as a helpful calculator widget for browsers. However, upon thorough analysis, researchers have been able to establish that the Tally Tab operates primarily as a browser hijacker. Its main functionality involves making unauthorized modifications to users' browsers, resulting in frequent and unwanted redirects.

Browser Hijackers Like the Tally Tab May Introduce Significant Security Issues

Browser-hijacking software is designed to manipulate users' browsers by changing default search engines, homepages, and new tab addresses. As a result, whenever users open new tabs or perform web searches via the URL bar of the impacted browser, they are redirected to the promoted websites. In the case of Tally Tab, during the research, it was observed that the redirects led to the legitimate Bing search engine. However, this behavior may vary based on factors such as the user's geographical location.

Browser hijackers often employ techniques to ensure their persistence on users' systems, making their removal challenging and preventing users from restoring their browsers to their original state.

Furthermore, browser hijackers typically possess data-tracking capabilities, and it is possible that Tally Tab shares this characteristic. This means that these hijackers can collect various types of information, including visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, login credentials, personally identifiable information, financial data, and more. The collected data may be sold to third parties or exploited for profit in various ways.

Browser Hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) are Often Installed Silently via Dubious Distribution Tactics

PUPs and browser hijackers employ various dubious distribution tactics to infiltrate users' systems without their knowledge or consent. These tactics are designed to deceive users and exploit vulnerabilities in their browsing habits or software.

One common method used is software bundling, where PUPs and browser hijackers are bundled with legitimate software installations. Often, users download and install desired programs from unreliable sources or third-party websites that include additional unwanted software in the installation package. The bundled PUPs and browser hijackers are pre-selected for installation, and users may overlook or fail to notice these additional components during the installation process.

Another tactic is deceptive advertising, where malicious ads are displayed on websites or through pop-up windows. These ads may mimic system alerts, software updates, or enticing offers, tricking users into clicking on them. By clicking on these ads, users unknowingly initiate the download and installation of PUPs or browser hijackers.

In addition, rogue pages or compromised legitimate websites can employ drive-by downloads. When users visit such websites, their systems are targeted with automatic downloads and installations of PUPs or browser hijackers without any interaction or consent required. This method takes advantage of security vulnerabilities in web browsers or outdated software versions.

Moreover, spam emails or phishing campaigns can be used to distribute PUPs and browser hijackers. These emails may appear legitimate and contain enticing subject lines or urgent requests, leading users to click on malicious links or download attachments that contain unwanted software.

Lastly, social engineering techniques are often employed to manipulate users into installing PUPs or browser hijackers. This can include fake software updates, misleading pop-ups, or false claims of system infections or security vulnerabilities, all designed to create a sense of urgency and prompt users to take actions that lead to the installation of unwanted software.

When downloading software, visiting websites, or interacting with emails, PC users should be extremally cautious. The download of software should be made from trusted sources, software and browsers should be kept updated, use reputable anti-malware software, and be vigilant in identifying and avoiding suspicious or misleading content online.