Best Friend Backgrounds Browser Extension

During a routine investigation of unreliable websites, our research team came across the browser extension known as "Best Friend Backgrounds." This extension claims to offer dog-themed browser wallpapers.

Upon examining this software, we determined that it functions as a browser hijacker. Best Friend Backgrounds makes modifications to browser settings with the aim of promoting the fake search engine bestfriendbackgrounds.com through redirects.

Browser hijackers set endorsed websites as the default search engines, homepages, and URLs for new tabs/windows in browsers. Consequently, whenever a user performs a web search using the URL bar or opens a new browser tab/window, they are redirected to the promoted website.

Best Friend Backgrounds alters these settings to point to bestfriendbackgrounds.com. Typically, fake search engines are unable to provide legitimate search results, so they redirect users to genuine internet search websites. However, during our research, bestfriendbackgrounds.com was unsuccessful in redirecting to any destination.

It is important to note that based on the extension's description, the redirects were intended to direct users to the Bing search engine (bing.com). Nevertheless, it is possible that the bestfriendbackgrounds.com redirects may succeed or lead to different destinations, depending on factors like user geolocation.

Software classified as browser hijackers often employ mechanisms to ensure persistence. This includes restricting access to settings related to removal or reversing user-made changes to prevent users from restoring their browsers.

Furthermore, software in this category typically possesses data-tracking capabilities, which may also apply to Best Friend Backgrounds. The collected information can encompass visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, account login credentials, personally identifiable information, financial data, and more. This collected data may be shared with or sold to third parties.

What Are the Security Threats Associated With Fake Search Engines?

Fake search engines pose various security threats to users, as they are often used as part of malicious activities. Here are some of the security threats associated with fake search engines:

• Malware Distribution: Fake search engines may serve as a vehicle for distributing malware. Users who interact with these search engines, click on links, or download files from them may unknowingly download malicious software onto their devices. This can include viruses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and more.
• Phishing Attacks: Some fake search engines are designed to mimic legitimate search engines but are used for phishing purposes. They may display convincing but fake login or registration pages for popular websites and collect users' login credentials and personal information.
• Data Privacy Risks: Fake search engines often track users' search queries, browsing habits, and even personal information. This data can be harvested and sold to third parties or used for targeted advertising. Users' privacy can be compromised as a result.
• Browser Hijacking: Fake search engines may alter browser settings, including the homepage, default search engine, and new tab settings, without the user's consent. This can be frustrating and lead to unwanted redirects to the fake search engine whenever users perform searches or open new tabs.
• Unwanted Advertisements: Fake search engines may flood users with intrusive and misleading advertisements. These ads can be annoying, deceptive, and may lead users to click on potentially harmful links or download suspicious software.