Infinity Search Swaps Out Browser Settings
During an investigation into suspicious websites, our researchers stumbled upon the Infinity Search browser extension, which was found to operate as a browser hijacker. Once installed on our test machine, Infinity Search modified the browsers by setting the search.infinity-searches.com fake search engine as the default search engine, homepage, and browser tabs/windows. This caused any Web searches performed via the URL bar and new browser tabs/windows opened to be redirected to the search.infinity-searches.com website.
Infinity Search also used persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from recovering their browsers. Fake search engines typically cannot provide search results, and search.infinity-searches.com was found to redirect to the Bing search engine during research. However, the redirection can vary depending on various factors like user location.
In addition to hijacking browsers, Infinity Search is also suspected of having data-tracking abilities. Information such as browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable information, financial data, and more may be collected and sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
How Do Browser Hijackers Compromise Your Privacy and Security Online?
Browser hijackers can compromise your privacy and security online in several ways. Firstly, as their name suggests, they hijack your browser and modify its settings to redirect your web searches to fake search engines or other websites that might contain malicious content. These fake search engines may also track your search queries and browsing history, and some of them may even capture sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details, or other personal information.
Furthermore, browser hijackers often use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from recovering their browsers, which means that even if you try to remove the hijacker, it may keep coming back or leave traces that can still affect your browser's performance.
Moreover, some browser hijackers may also install additional software or malware on your computer without your knowledge or consent. This software can further compromise your privacy and security by collecting sensitive information or performing other malicious activities.
Overall, browser hijackers can significantly compromise your online privacy and security, making it essential to remove them as soon as possible and take steps to protect your computer and personal data from further harm.
