What Does SearchIT New Tab Browser Hijacker Do?
Our team recently discovered a browser extension called SearchIT New Tab, which is actually a browser hijacker. It changes the default search engine, homepage and new tab/window URL to searchresults.store, a fake search engine that redirects users to legitimate ones such as Google.
SearchIT New Tab also uses the "Managed by your organization" feature of Google Chrome to ensure its persistence on user systems. Additionally, it is likely collecting browsing-related data such as visited URLs, viewed webpages and searched queries for monetization purposes.
The SearchIT New Tab browser hijacker alters the settings of browsers in order to promote the searchresults.store fake search engine. This site typically redirects users to legitimate ones like Google based on various factors like geolocation. Moreover, it may be gathering personal information including usernames/passwords and finance-related data for sale to third-parties (potentially cyber criminals).
Our examination found that SearchIT New Tab is an intrusive piece of software that should be avoided at all costs. It changes browser settings without permission and collects sensitive data for monetization. It is important to be aware of this browser hijacker and take steps to remove it if found on your system.
How can browser hijackers alter your browser's settings?
Browser hijackers are malicious software that can alter your browser's settings without your permission. They can change the default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URL to a fake search engine or other malicious website. They may also install additional toolbars and add-ons to your browser, as well as redirect you to unwanted websites. Additionally, they can modify your browser's security settings and disable certain features such as pop-up blockers.
Browser hijackers can also collect browsing-related data such as visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details and finance-related data for monetization purposes. This information is then sold to third parties (potentially cyber criminals).
It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with browser hijackers and take steps to remove them from your system if found. This includes running regular scans with anti-malware software and keeping all software up-to-date with the latest security patches.
How can you stay safe from browser hijackers and similar potentially unwanted programs?
In order to stay safe from browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted programs, it is important to take the following steps:
- Install a reliable anti-malware program and keep it up-to-date. This will help detect and remove any malicious software that may be present on your system.
- Regularly scan your computer for malware using the anti-malware program.
- Be cautious when downloading software from unknown sources or clicking on suspicious links in emails or online ads.
- Keep all of your software up-to-date with the latest security patches, as this can help prevent malicious programs from exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated versions of applications and operating systems.
- Use a secure web browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, which have built-in features to protect against malicious websites and downloads.
- Avoid clicking on pop-ups or banners that appear while browsing the web, as these could be malicious advertisements designed to install malware on your system without your knowledge.
- Be aware of phishing scams, which are attempts by cyber criminals to obtain personal information such as usernames/passwords by pretending to be a legitimate website or
