Abstract Art Tab Browser Extension Will Switch Your Search Engine Without Permission
While investigating malicious websites, our team discovered the Abstract Art Tab browser extension, which claims to provide abstract art style wallpapers for browsers. However, our analysis revealed that this extension is actually a browser hijacker that modifies browser settings to redirect users to a fake search engine, find.asrcnav.com.
Once the Abstract Art Tab extension is installed, it changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URLs to find.asrcnav.com. As a result, any new tabs/windows opened and search queries entered into the URL bar will redirect users to the find.asrcnav.com site. However, this fake search engine does not provide genuine search results, but instead redirects users to the Bing search engine.
Browser hijackers often use techniques to prevent their removal, and Abstract Art Tab is no exception. Moreover, this browser extension may collect private information, including visited URLs, webpages, search queries, IP addresses, internet cookies, login credentials, credit card details, and other personally identifiable information, which can be sold or shared with third parties.
It is recommended to avoid installing browser extensions like Abstract Art Tab and to remove them immediately if they are found on the system. Users should also be cautious while browsing the internet and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading software from untrusted sources to prevent such threats.
Why Should You Always Avoid Using Fake Search Engines?
Fake search engines can pose a serious threat to users' online security and privacy. They are often created by cybercriminals to generate revenue through advertising or to collect sensitive information from users. Fake search engines can display fraudulent or misleading search results that may lead to malicious websites or download links, which can compromise the security of the user's device.
In addition, they can also track the user's browsing behavior and collect sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and other personal data, which can then be used for malicious purposes such as identity theft or financial fraud. Therefore, it is advisable to always avoid using fake search engines and to use only trusted and legitimate search engines for your online searches.
