Cloud Weather Browser Extension Will Swap Your Search Engine
During our investigation of suspicious websites, the Cloud Weather browser extension was discovered. The extension claims to provide quick access to cloudy/sunny weather forecasts, but our analysis showed that it operates as a browser hijacker. This means that it modifies browser settings and causes redirects to a fake search engine called search.cloudweatherext.com. By altering the default search engines, homepages, and new browser tab/window URLs, Cloud Weather promotes this fake search engine. As a result, users with this extension installed will experience redirects to search.cloudweatherext.com when opening new browser tabs/windows or performing web searches via the URL bar.
In addition, Cloud Weather uses techniques to ensure persistence, making it difficult for users to recover their browsers. Fake search engines like search.cloudweatherext.com are unable to generate search results, so they redirect to legitimate search engines like Bing. However, the specific redirect destination can vary depending on factors such as user location.
Furthermore, Cloud Weather collects information about users' browsing activity, including URLs visited, viewed pages, searched queries, IP addresses, cookies, login credentials, personal information, financial data, and more. This information can be sold to third-parties, including cybercriminals.
Why Should You Do Your Best to Avoid Fake Search Engines?
You should do your best to avoid fake search engines because they can lead to various security risks and privacy concerns. Fake search engines are often associated with browser hijacking, which can modify your browser's settings and redirect your searches to potentially dangerous websites. These sites may contain malware or phishing scams that can steal your personal and financial information.
Additionally, fake search engines can track your browsing activity, collect sensitive data, and sell it to third parties for malicious purposes. Therefore, it is important to use reputable and trustworthy search engines to avoid these risks and protect your online security and privacy.
