Art New Tabs Browser Extension

While conducting an investigation into suspicious websites, our researchers came across the Art New tabs browser extension. This extension is designed to modify browser settings, primarily by promoting the fictitious goog.artnewtabs.com search engine through redirects. Additionally, Art New tabs engages in monitoring users' online activities, which categorizes it as a browser hijacker.

Art New tabs makes changes to various aspects of the browser, including homepages, new tabs/windows, and default search engines. These alterations enable the extension to create redirects leading to the goog.artnewtabs.com website.

Fake search engines typically lack the ability to provide genuine search results, so they often redirect users to established Internet search engines. During our research, goog.artnewtabs.com redirected to the Bing search engine (bing.com). It's worth noting that this redirection might vary depending on factors like the user's location.

Browser hijacking software commonly employs methods to ensure its persistence, such as blocking access to removal-related settings and reversing user-initiated changes, making it challenging for users to regain control of their browsers.

Art New tabs also possesses data-tracking capabilities, a common feature of browser hijackers. The data it collects may encompass visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, login credentials, personally identifiable information, financial data, and more. This collected data can be sold to third parties or exploited for financial gain.

Why Are Fake Search Engines a Potential Privacy and Security Issue?

Fake search engines can pose significant privacy and security issues for several reasons:

• Data Collection: Fake search engines often collect user data, including search queries, browsing history, and sometimes personally identifiable information. This data can be exploited for various purposes, such as targeted advertising, identity theft, or selling it to third parties.
• Phishing: Some fake search engines are designed to trick users into providing personal information, login credentials, or financial details. They may mimic legitimate search engines or websites, leading users to divulge sensitive information unwittingly.
• Malware Distribution: Fake search engines can serve as a vector for distributing malware. Users may unknowingly download malicious software or be redirected to infected websites, increasing the risk of malware infections.
• Unreliable Search Results: Fake search engines often do not provide genuine search results. Instead, they may display biased or irrelevant information, which can be deceptive or misleading. Users looking for reliable information may be led astray.
• Browser Hijacking: Fake search engines can modify browser settings, such as the homepage and default search engine, without the user's consent. This constitutes browser hijacking, disrupting the user's online experience and making it challenging to revert to preferred settings.
• Redirects: Users are frequently redirected to other websites or advertisements when using fake search engines. These redirects can lead to potentially harmful or deceptive sites, further compromising security and privacy.
• Adware and Intrusive Ads: Some fake search engines serve as vehicles for adware, inundating users with intrusive advertisements, pop-ups, and clickbait links. These ads can be not only annoying but also potentially harmful if they lead to malicious sites.