Tennis Start
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: | 10,017 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 35 |
| First Seen: | March 10, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | September 21, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
During an investigation into the Tennis Start browser extension, it was discovered that the extension hijacks users' web browsers by altering several important settings. The primary objective of Tennis Start is to promote search.nstart.online, which is a fake search engine. It is important to note that users usually do not download and install browser hijackers intentionally.
Browser Hijackers Often Cause Unwanted Redirects to Dubious Websites
Tennis Start is a browser extension that changes the settings of a user's web browser to promote search.nstart.online, a fake search engine. Once installed, the extension sets the promoted address as the new tab, default search engine and homepage. As a result, users are forced to use this fake search engine when browsing the Internet.
Although infosec researchers observed search.nstart.online showing search results generated by Bing (a legitimate search engine), this may not always be the case. Fake search engines are often capable of modifying their behavior based on certain factors. As a result, users may be provided with misleading results and dubious advertisements injected into the shown results. Additionally, they may redirect users to questionable websites or display results from untrustworthy search engines. Therefore, it is not recommended to trust such search engines, particularly when they are promoted through browser hijackers like Tennis Start.
Browser Hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) Typically Mask Their Installation
Browser hijackers and PUPs can be installed on a user's computer in various ways without their knowledge. One common method is software bundling. This involves including the PUP or browser hijacker as an additional program in the installation package of legitimate software. Users may inadvertently install these programs by not paying attention to the installation process and accepting all default options.
Another way PUPs and browser hijackers get installed is through malicious websites or links. Clicking on these links can automatically download and install unwanted software on a user's computer without their consent. Some PUPs can also install themselves through deceptive tactics, such as disguising themselves as legitimate software updates or tricking users into thinking their computer is infected with a threat.
