Lax-search.com Browser Hijacker
During an investigation of browser hijackers, our researchers discovered a fake search engine called lax-search.com. These hijackers usually endorse fake search engines, such as lax-search.com, by redirecting users to them. Fake search engines generally cannot produce search results, but lax-search.com can generate inaccurate and potentially harmful results. Browser hijackers usually collect user data, which is another issue when using these illegitimate search engines.
Browser hijackers promote fake search engines by setting them as default search engines, homepages, and new tab/window URLs in the browser. Whenever a user opens a new tab or enters a search query into the URL bar, the browser hijacker redirects them to the fake search engine, in this case, lax-search.com. Although most fake search engines cannot generate search results and redirect to legitimate search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing, lax-search.com is capable of generating inaccurate search results filled with sponsored, untrustworthy, and malicious content.
Moreover, browser hijacking software is designed to ensure persistence by blocking users' access to removal-related settings and undoing user-made changes. This behavior makes it difficult for users to remove the browser hijacker and the associated fake search engine from their system.
Illegitimate search engines and browser hijackers often collect sensitive information, such as searched queries, visited URLs, viewed webpages, account log-in credentials, personal details, financial information, etc. This information can be sold to third-parties or abused for profit.
What Are Browser Hijackers and How are They Usually Distributed?
Browser hijackers are a type of malicious software that alters a web browser's settings without the user's knowledge or consent. Once installed, they can modify the default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URLs, as well as redirect users to predetermined websites.
Browser hijackers are usually distributed via software bundling, which is a technique used to distribute multiple applications together in a single installer. The hijacker may be bundled with legitimate software or appear as a fake update or download. Additionally, browser hijackers can be distributed via malicious websites or links, spam emails, and social engineering tactics. Once the hijacker is installed, it can be difficult to remove, as it often attempts to prevent users from accessing removal-related settings or undoing changes.
In addition to altering browser settings, browser hijackers may collect sensitive information such as search queries, visited URLs, login credentials, and personal information. This data can be sold to third parties or used for malicious purposes such as identity theft or financial fraud. Therefore, it's important to be cautious when downloading and installing software and to use reputable antivirus software to protect against browser hijackers and other types of malware.
