Ultimate Basketball Fan Extension
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: | 3,217 |
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 238 |
| First Seen: | May 17, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | September 29, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
Cybersecurity researchers are warning users about a browser extension named the Ultimate Basketball Fan. Apparently, the application possesses the typical capabilities of a browser hijacker. This means that the Ultimate Basketball Fan extension is capable of making unauthorized modifications to the user's Web browser settings. The primary objective of this extension revolves around promoting a deceitful search engine named search.basketball-fan.com. Furthermore, the Ultimate Basketball Fan extension may have the potential to gather diverse forms of information from users.
Browser Hijackers Like the Ultimate Basketball Fan Extension may Have Various Intrusive Capabilities
During their examination, the researchers discovered that the Ultimate Basketball Fan extension application is capable of hijacking several relevant browser settings, thereby switching the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page of the users' browser with its own search engine, search.basketball-fan.com. Furthermore, it was identified that the Ultimate Basketball Fan extension likely has the capability to access and manipulate various types of data.
It is essential to emphasize that while search.basketball-fan.com redirects users to bing.com, a legitimate search engine, search.basketball-fan.com itself is not a trustworthy source and should be approached with caution.
Fake search engines often have the ability to display deceptive or dubious content to users while also capturing their search queries and other personal information. The data collected by these search engines could be exploited in multiple ways, posing a significant risk to the privacy and security of users.
Browser Hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) Often Employ Shady Tactics for Their Distribution
Various shady tactics are typically employed in the distribution of PUPs and browser hijackers. One common approach is bundling, where these unwanted programs are bundled together with legitimate software downloads. Users may inadvertently install PUPs or browser hijackers if they do not carefully review the installation process and opt out of additional offers.
Another tactic involves misleading or deceptive advertisements. Cybercriminals create advertisements that mimic legitimate software or content, enticing users to click on them. These deceptive advertisements may lead users to websites where PUPs or browser hijackers are promoted or directly downloaded.
Phishing emails and unsafe attachments also are utilized for the distribution of PUPs and browser hijackers. Cybercriminals send emails posing as legitimate entities, tricking users into opening malicious attachments that contain PUP installers or hijacker scripts.
Social engineering techniques are often employed to manipulate users into downloading PUPs or browser hijackers. The fraudsters create persuasive messages or notifications that deceive users into believing they need to install certain software or updates. By exploiting user trust and curiosity, criminals persuade users to download and install these unwanted programs willingly.
Additionally, illegitimate software download sources and peer-to-peer networks are notorious channels for the distribution of PUPs and browser hijackers. Users who download software or files from untrusted sources significantly increase their risk of unintentionally installing unwanted programs.
