WebDiscover Browser
WebDiscover Browser is an adware threat developed by a Canada-based company named WebDiscover Media. Once installed on a PC, the app makes a series of unwanted changes to all browsers installed on the computer, leading to a deteriorating online surfing experience.
WebDiscover replaces the default home pages and search engines of affected Internet browsers with its own WebDiscover Homepage and WebDiscover Search, respectively. Furthermore, the app modifies the "new tab" settings so that the corrupted browsers launch the program's own search portal page when the user opens a new tab. Chrome users may not even recognize WebDiscover as an unwanted program and think they are using the regular Google Chrome browser as the tool barely changes the user interface and the overall appearance of websites. This is not a surprise as WebDiscover is built on the basis of the open-source Google Chromium custom builder, which makes it look by design almost identical to Google Chrome. WebDiscover's search page is also based on a legitimate service - the search engine Bing. However, the scammers have misused Bing by filling the delivered search results with sponsored links to websites who pay for that kind of traffic.
WebDiscover Features or Annoyances?
Some features of WebDiscover may even look convenient at first sight - like the added quick links to social media and the integrated search bar in the top section of the desktop which launches the manipulated Bing search whenever a user enters a search term. Yet, users who have unknowingly or deliberately installed it on their PCs will clearly notice huge amounts of ads being displayed on their screen, while their online searches will include irrelevant highlighted products promoted by WebDiscover Browser.
These inconveniences are not the only issue with that browser hijacker, though. Cybersecurity investigators have identified additional dangerous features of WebDiscover which may put user privacy at risk. WebDiscover records and sends various user data to its owners, like geographic location, browsing history, search terms, computer settings, and software configuration. Malware creators build-in such capabilities for the purpose of tailoring the displayed ads and sponsored links to the interests of the particular user. Another danger arises from the fact that WebDiscover promotes other suspicious applications like KingTranslate and HDTube through pop-up windows and banners. Furthermore, the browser hijacker also displays messages that prompt users to install fake updates which actually contain various other malware threats. Redirecting users to corrupted websites which offer them to install rogueware is another potentially harmful feature of WebDiscover Browser.
Where WebDiscover comes from
As with most adware threats, WebDiscover has several distribution channels. It is typically bundled within other free software that users download from the Internet. Such freeware often does not disclose correctly all the tools and programs that get installed on a computer, and inexperienced users who use the "Custom" installation option would not even notice that they are installing additional software along with the particular program that they wish to install. WebDiscover is also distributed through its official website where it is advertised as an application that combines all useful features of secure VPN services and Google Chrome and provides weather forecasts, music streaming, and other attractive services.
Obviously, this fake Internet browser provides no safe online browsing experience, so the best advice is to remove it immediately from your computer. Experts recommend the use of a trusted anti-virus application for that purpose as it will also scan your system for additional malware and improve the overall protection of your PC.
The WebDiscover Browser may use pop-up windows and banners to promote riskware likeHDTube and King Translate that have a bad reputation. Additionally, the WebDiscover Browser may show messages urging users to install updates that may contain adware such as 5starCoupon and AdvanceElite. The WebDiscover Browser may redirect you to suspicious websites and offer you to download rogueware like Advanced Security Tool 2010 and Windows Stability Alarm. Needless to say, the WebDiscover Browser may not provide you with secure Internet browsing environment, and you might want to use a trusted anti-malware program boost your cyber defenses and remove the WebDiscover Browser.