Basketball Apps Srch Tab Browser Extension

Basketball Apps Srch Tab is a deceptive browser extension, promising easy access to basketball news. However, upon thorough examination, it has been identified as a browser hijacker. This software manipulates browser settings to promote the nsrc2u.com fake search engine through redirects.

Browser hijackers typically alter default search engines, homepages, and new tab/window settings. Consequently, opening new browser tabs and windows or entering search strings into the URL bar leads to redirects to the promoted website, in this case, nsrc2u.com.

While fake search engines like nsrc2u.com are unable to generate search results, they redirect users to legitimate Internet search engines. In the instance of Basketball Apps Srch Tab, it redirects to Bing (bing.com), although user geolocation may influence redirection outcomes.

Browser-hijacking software often utilizes persistence mechanisms, complicating its removal and impeding browser recovery.

Furthermore, Basketball Apps Srch Tab likely possesses data-tracking capabilities, a common feature of browser hijackers. The information gathered may encompass visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, Internet cookies, login credentials, personally identifiable details, financial data, and more. This collected data could potentially be shared with or sold to third parties, including cybercriminals.

What Are Browser Hijackers?

Browser hijackers are a type of unwanted software or malicious browser extension that alters the settings of a web browser without the user's consent. These modifications typically include changes to the default homepage, search engine, and new tab settings. The primary goal of browser hijackers is to redirect web traffic to specific websites, often for the benefit of the hijacker's creators.

Here are some key characteristics and behaviors associated with browser hijackers:

Homepage and Search Engine Changes:
Browser hijackers forcefully change the homepage and default search engine settings of the affected browser. Users may find themselves directed to unfamiliar or unwanted websites when they open their browsers or perform searches.

Redirects:
One of the main functions of browser hijackers is to redirect users to specific websites. These websites may include fake search engines, promotional pages, or even malicious sites. The redirection occurs when users open new tabs, perform searches, or enter URLs.

Unwanted Advertisements:
Browser hijackers often display intrusive and unwanted advertisements. These can take the form of pop-ups, banners, or other types of ads. The purpose is to generate revenue for the hijacker's creators through pay-per-click advertising.

Installation with Freeware or Bundled Software:
Browser hijackers are frequently bundled with free software or applications that users download from the internet. Users may unintentionally install the hijacker when installing a seemingly legitimate program.