Perfect New Tab Rogue Browser Extension

Our research team came across a suspicious browser extension known as Perfect New Tab while investigating deceptive websites. This software is advertised as a tool for displaying browser wallpapers.

Upon examining Perfect New Tab, we found that it alters browser settings to generate redirects to the fake search engine perfectnewtab.com. As a result, this extension is categorized as a browser hijacker.

During our testing on a machine, Perfect New Tab changed the browser's default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URL to lead to the perfectnewtab.com website. Consequently, every time we opened a new browser tab/window or entered a search query into the URL bar, it redirected us to perfectnewtab.com.

It's worth noting that browser-hijacking software often employs tactics to ensure persistence, making it challenging for users to restore their browsers. It may deny access to removal-related settings or undo user-made changes.

Illegitimate search engines like perfectnewtab.com rarely produce search results; instead, they redirect users to legitimate Internet search websites. In our analysis, perfectnewtab.com redirected to the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, the redirection destination may vary based on factors such as user geolocation.

Moreover, Perfect New Tab likely possesses data-tracking capabilities. Browser hijackers typically collect various types of information, including URLs visited, viewed webpages, typed search queries, internet cookies, account login credentials, personally identifiable details, and even credit card numbers. Cybercriminals can then sell or exploit this gathered data for profit.

How Can Fake Search Engines Impact Your Online Experience?

Fake search engines can have significant negative impacts on your online experience in several ways:

• Misleading Search Results: Fake search engines may display manipulated or irrelevant search results. They could prioritize sponsored or low-quality content, making it challenging to find accurate and relevant information.
• Browser Hijacking: Some fake search engines, like browser hijackers, can modify your browser settings without your consent. They may change your default search engine, homepage, or new tab page, making it difficult to restore your preferred settings.
• Increased Exposure to Ads: Fake search engines often inundate users with excessive and intrusive advertisements. These ads can disrupt your browsing experience, slow down page loading times, and lead to accidental clicks on potentially malicious content.
• Privacy Concerns: Fake search engines may track your search queries, browsing habits, and other sensitive information. They can use this data to create targeted ads or sell it to third parties, compromising your privacy.
• Security Risks: Some fake search engines may link to unsafe websites or display malicious ads that can lead to phishing attempts or malware infections. Clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from these sites can put your online security at risk.
• Loss of Productivity: Dealing with fake search engines' manipulative tactics and intrusive ads can waste your time and reduce your overall productivity while browsing the internet.
• Redirections and Unwanted Pages: Fake search engines may redirect your searches to unrelated or unwanted websites, leading you away from your intended destination and making it difficult to find the information you seek.
• Compromised User Experience: The presence of a fake search engine can negatively affect your overall user experience, causing frustration and dissatisfaction with your online activities.