World Clock Browser 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: | 8,237 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 41 |
| First Seen: | December 15, 2022 |
| Last Seen: | September 28, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
Inspection of the World Clock Browser Extension has revealed that the app's primary purpose is to hijack web browsers by altering their settings. As a result, World Clock has been classified as a browser hijacker. It takes over users' web browsers in order to promote a fake search engine known as search.world-clock-tab.com.
Browser Hijackers Like World Clock Often Redirect Users to Dubious Destinations
World Clock, which claims to be a helpful app for monitoring time zones and global clock information, has been found to be a browser hijacker that modifies a user's web browser settings to promote a fake search engine. By setting search.world-clock-tab.com as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page, World Clock attempts to drive user traffic to its promoted page.
When users conduct a search using search.world-clock-tab.com, the search query is further redirected to the Bing search engine, as search.world-clock-tab.com is incapable of delivering any search results on its own. Keep in mind that fake search engines could be modified to show sponsored search results and redirect users to other websites for advertising purposes.
One of the critical characteristics of browser hijackers and fake search engines is their ability to gather various types of user data, including browsing history, search queries, personal information, and system information. This information collected by the hijacker and fake search engine can be utilized for various malicious activities.
Users are Unlikely to Install Browser Hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) Intentionally
PUPs and browser hijackers are often distributed through deceptive tactics that aim to trick users into installing them without their knowledge or consent. These tactics can include bundling the PUP or browser hijacker with legitimate software, hiding the installation options, or disguising the PUP as a useful or necessary tool.
Another tactic commonly used by PUP distributors is the use of misleading or false advertising. PUPs can be advertised through pop-up ads or banners that mimic legitimate software update notifications, claiming that users need to install the program to fix system errors or update important software.
PUP distributors also frequently employ social engineering techniques to manipulate users into downloading and installing their software. They might use persuasive language, appealing visuals, or false claims to convince users that their software is trustworthy or necessary.
Overall, PUP distributors rely on users' lack of awareness and their tendency to rush through installation processes without reading the fine print or investigating the software's authenticity.
