Brandnewsearch.com Misleading Page
Brandnewsearch.com is a fraudulent search engine linked to the Brand New Search rogue browser extension through redirects. This extension modifies browser settings to trigger these redirects, leading to its classification as a browser hijacker.
Brand New Search alters default search engines, homepages, and new browser tabs/windows, redirecting users to brandnewsearch.com instead of their preferred search engine.
Such websites typically do not provide search results directly and instead redirect users to legitimate search engines like Yahoo (search.yahoo.com). Note that the redirect destination may vary based on factors like user geolocation.
Browser hijackers often employ persistence techniques to make removal difficult and prevent browsers from reverting to their original settings.
Additionally, Brand New Search likely includes data-tracking capabilities common to browser hijackers. This may involve collecting information such as visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, cookies, usernames/passwords, and other personal or financial data.
What Are Rogue Browser Extensions and Browser Hijackers?
Rogue browser extensions and browser hijackers are types of malicious software that manipulate web browsers and compromise user security and privacy. Here are their definitions and characteristics:
Rogue Browser Extensions:
Rogue browser extensions are unauthorized or malicious add-ons or plugins installed in web browsers without the user's consent or knowledge. These extensions often claim to offer useful functionalities but may engage in unwanted behaviors, such as:
Browser Modification: Rogue extensions can modify browser settings, including changing the default search engine, homepage, or new tab page, to redirect users to malicious websites or fake search engines.
Unwanted Advertisements: Rogue extensions may inject unwanted advertisements (ads) into webpages visited by the user, leading to a poor browsing experience and potential exposure to scams or malicious content.
Data Collection: Some rogue extensions collect browsing history, search queries, and other sensitive data from users without their permission. This data may be used for targeted advertising, sold to third parties, or exploited for malicious purposes.
Browser Slowing or Crashing: Poorly designed or malicious rogue extensions can cause browsers to slow down, freeze, or crash due to excessive resource consumption or conflicts with other software.
Security Risks: Rogue extensions can introduce security vulnerabilities into web browsers, allowing cybercriminals to exploit these vulnerabilities for unauthorized access or malware installation.
Browser Hijackers:
Browser hijackers are a specific type of rogue software that takes control of a web browser by modifying its settings without the user's consent. Browser hijackers often exhibit the following characteristics:
Homepage and Search Engine Modification: Browser hijackers change the default homepage, search engine, or new tab page of the web browser to redirect users to a specific website, often a fake search engine or a malicious website.
Unwanted Redirects: Users may experience frequent and unwanted redirects to unfamiliar websites when browsing the internet, disrupting their online experience and exposing them to potentially harmful content.
Persistence: Browser hijackers use persistence techniques to resist removal attempts, making it difficult for users to restore their preferred browser settings or uninstall the hijacker from their system.
Data Collection and Privacy Risks: Similar to rogue browser extensions, browser hijackers may collect user data such as browsing history, cookies, login credentials, and personal information. This data can be exploited for advertising purposes or sold to third parties.
Installation with Freeware or Shareware: Browser hijackers are often bundled with free software or shareware downloads. Users may inadvertently install a browser hijacker alongside legitimate software without realizing it.
