Volume Extra Browser Extension
Cybersecurity experts conducted a comprehensive investigation into various untrustworthy websites, where they stumbled upon a rogue installer that included Volume Extra. Marketed as an advanced audio volume adjustment tool, this browser extension instead performs several shady actions.
Upon careful examination and analysis, the researchers identified Volume Extra as a browser hijacker. It operates by modifying crucial browser settings, enabling it to carry out unauthorized redirects that ultimately lead users to the masterofvolume.com fake search engine. These redirects are intended to deceive users and manipulate their browsing experience for the benefit of the hijacker.
The Volume Extra Browser Hijacker Causes Unwanted Redirects and Increased Privacy Risks
The Volume Extra changes the browser's homepage, new tab/window URLs, and default search engine to the masterofvolume.com website. As a result, whenever users open a new browser tab or enter a search query into the URL bar, it will redirect them to masterofvolume.com.
Illegitimate search engines typically redirect users to genuine Internet search websites, as they cannot provide search results themselves. Currently, masterofvolume.com triggers a redirection chain involving gruppad.com, tsearchbox.com, and ultimately leading to the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, the specific destinations of the redirects may vary based on factors such as user geolocation.
Certain browser hijackers have the capability to block access to removal-related settings and undo the browser changes made by users. This ensures their persistence and makes the removal process more challenging.
The Volume Extra also may engage in spying on users' browsing activity. It could collect various data of interest, including visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial information and more. This collected data may be shared with or sold to third parties.
Users Rarely Install PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Browser Hijackers Intentionally
Browser hijackers and PUPs employ a range of dubious tactics as part of their distribution strategy. These tactics are designed to deceive and trick users into unintentionally installing unwanted software. One common method is through software bundling, where the hijacker or PUP is bundled with legitimate software downloads. Users may unknowingly install the additional software by quickly going through the installation process or by not paying attention to the bundled offers.
Another tactic involves misleading advertisements and fake download buttons. Hijackers and PUPs often create deceptive advertisements that mimic legitimate download buttons or misleadingly claim to offer desirable software or content. When users click on these buttons, they end up downloading and installing the hijacker or PUP instead.
Furthermore, browser hijackers and PUPs may utilize social engineering techniques to manipulate users into taking certain actions. They may present fake error messages, warnings, or alerts that claim the user's system is infected or at risk, urging them to download a specific software or take immediate action. These tactics aim to create a sense of urgency and coerce users into installing unwanted software.
Overall, browser hijackers and PUPs employ various deceitful tactics to exploit users' trust, trick them into installing the software, and ultimately gain control over their browsers or access to their sensitive information.
