Everywhere Weather Browser Extension

Everywhere Weather is a browser extension that offers quick access to personalized weather forecasts with real-time updates for various countries, regions, and cities across the globe. Our research team came across this rogue software during an investigation of suspicious websites.

Upon closer inspection of Everywhere Weather, we concluded that it functions as a browser hijacker. This extension alters browser settings to promote the fake search engine goog.everywhere-weather.com through redirection.

Browser hijackers change the homepage, default search engine, and URLs for new tabs or windows to point to specific websites they want to promote. Consequently, when users conduct web searches through the URL bar or open new browser tabs or windows, they are redirected to these endorsed sites. Everywhere Weather employs this technique to promote the goog.everywhere-weather.com page.

It's important to note that browser-hijacking software often employs tactics to persist on a user's system, making its removal challenging and preventing users from restoring their browsers to their original settings.

In most cases, illegitimate search engines are incapable of generating search results on their own, so they redirect users to legitimate internet search engines. During our research, goog.everywhere-weather.com redirected users to the Bing search engine (bing.com). It's worth noting that the destination of these redirects may vary based on factors such as the user's geolocation.

Additionally, Everywhere Weather engages in the collection of sensitive browsing-related data. Browser hijackers typically gather information such as visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, usernames and passwords, personally identifiable information, financial data, and more. This vulnerable data can then be sold to third parties or exploited for financial gain.

Why Do Fake Search Engines Pose a Privacy and Security Risk?

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

• Data Collection: Fake search engines often collect user data, including search queries, browsing history, IP addresses, and more. This data can be exploited for various purposes, including targeted advertising, identity theft, or sold to third parties.
• Misleading Search Results: Fake search engines may provide altered or misleading search results. They can promote malicious websites or unsafe content, leading users to click on links that could infect their devices with malware or lead to phishing sites.
• Browser Hijacking: Some fake search engines can change browser settings, such as the homepage and default search engine, without the user's consent. This is known as browser hijacking and can be challenging to reverse, as it interferes with the user's control over their browsing experience.
• Adware and Malware Distribution: Fake search engines often serve as platforms for distributing adware and malware. They may display intrusive ads or pop-ups, which, when clicked, can trigger the download and installation of malicious software on the user's device.
• Deceptive Practices: Fake search engines may employ deceptive practices, such as mimicking the appearance of well-known search engines like Google, to trick users into thinking they are using a legitimate service. This can lead to a false sense of security.
• Loss of Privacy: Users may unknowingly divulge personal information, such as login credentials or credit card details, when interacting with fake search engines. This information can be intercepted and misused by cybercriminals.
• Financial Scams: Some fake search engines promote financial scams and fraudulent offers, enticing users to provide their financial information. This can result in monetary losses and compromised financial security.
• Phishing Attacks: Fake search engines can redirect users to phishing sites that impersonate legitimate websites, aiming to steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and credit card details.