Dark Home Rogue Browser Extension

Dark Home is a browser extension that claims to offer "dark aesthetic" browser wallpapers and motivational or inspirational quotes. Our team discovered this software during an investigation into suspicious websites.

Upon closer examination, we determined that Dark Home is, in fact, a browser hijacker. This extension alters browser settings with the intention of promoting the fake search engine, search.dark-home-page.com, through redirects. Browser hijackers typically change homepages, default search engines, and URLs for new tabs/windows to endorse specific websites, and Dark Home does this by modifying these settings to point to search.dark-home-page.com.

Consequently, when this extension is installed, any web searches conducted via the URL bar and any new browser tabs/windows opened will lead to redirects to the search.dark-home-page.com page.

It's essential to note that browser-hijacking software often employs mechanisms to ensure persistence, making its removal challenging and preventing the recovery of the original browser settings.

Fake search engines, like search.dark-home-page.com, generally do not provide genuine search results; instead, they redirect users to legitimate internet search engines. In this case, search.dark-home-page.com redirects to the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, it's important to be aware that user location and other factors can influence where these redirects lead.

Additionally, Dark Home may possess data-tracking capabilities, which is typical for browser hijackers. The information collected may encompass visited URLs, viewed web pages, search queries, internet cookies, usernames, passwords, personally identifiable details, financial data, and more. This sensitive data can potentially be monetized through its sale to third parties.

What Are Rogue Browser Extensions and How Can They Alter Browser Settings?

Rogue browser extensions are malicious or deceptive browser add-ons that are designed to exploit vulnerabilities or manipulate browser settings for malicious purposes. These extensions can negatively impact the user experience, compromise privacy, and introduce security risks. Here's how they can alter browser settings and what to watch out for:

• Changing Homepage: Rogue browser extensions can alter the homepage setting of your browser, redirecting it to a different, often malicious, website. This can result in unwanted and potentially harmful changes to your browsing experience.
• Modifying Search Engine: These extensions may change your default search engine to a fake or unreliable one. This can lead to altered search results and potentially expose you to deceptive or unsafe websites.
• Redirecting New Tabs and Windows: Rogue extensions can change the URL that appears when you open a new tab or window, directing you to sites you didn't intend to visit.
• Injecting Advertisements: Some rogue extensions inject unwanted advertisements into websites you visit. These ads can be intrusive, distracting, and often lead to unreliable or malicious content.
• Tracking User Activity: Rogue extensions may track your online activities, including the websites you visit and the searches you perform. They can then use this data for various purposes, including targeted advertising and data monetization.
• Phishing and Social Engineering: Some rogue extensions may present fake login forms or misleading messages to trick users into revealing their login credentials, personal information, or payment details.
• Browser Sluggishness: Malicious extensions can consume significant system resources, causing your browser to become slow and unresponsive.
• Unauthorized Access: In some cases, rogue browser extensions may gain unauthorized access to your sensitive data or online accounts.
• Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Rogue extensions can exploit browser vulnerabilities to gain elevated permissions, enabling them to make changes to browser settings and access system resources.