Quick Newtab Browser Extension

In our evaluation of the Quick Newtab application, we discovered that this extension functions as a browser hijacker. Quick Newtab is designed to modify specific browser configurations with the intent of promoting a fraudulent search engine. Furthermore, this application may have additional features.

Quick Newtab carries out browser hijacking by changing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page settings to quicknewtab.com, a deceptive search engine. Notably, quicknewtab.com does not provide authentic search results. Instead, it redirects users to google.com and displays results from a legitimate search engine.

There are compelling reasons for users to exercise caution and avoid placing trust in counterfeit search engines. These deceptive search engines often serve deceptive or malicious purposes, posing significant risks to user privacy and security. They may potentially track and harvest sensitive data without consent, increasing the likelihood of identity theft and privacy violations.

Furthermore, these fraudulent search engines have the ability to present manipulated or distorted search results, which can potentially lead users to unsafe websites, some of which may contain malware or promote fraudulent schemes. Therefore, quicknewtab.com should not be considered reliable and should be removed from the settings of a compromised browser.

What Are Potentially Unwanted Browser Extensions?

Potentially Unwanted Browser Extensions (PUBEs), also known as Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs), are browser extensions or add-ons that, while not inherently malicious, can exhibit undesirable or intrusive behavior, potentially impacting the user's browsing experience and online security. These extensions often come bundled with legitimate software or may be installed inadvertently by users. Here are some characteristics of potentially unwanted browser extensions:

• Questionable Behavior: PUBEs may display intrusive advertisements, collect browsing data without explicit consent, change browser settings, or redirect users to unwanted websites. While not always harmful, these actions can be disruptive and unwanted.
• Bundling: PUBEs are often bundled with other software, especially free or freeware applications. Users may unwittingly install these extensions when downloading and installing unrelated software, as they are included in the installation package.
• Unauthorized Changes: Some PUBEs may modify browser settings, such as the default search engine, homepage, or new tab page, without the user's permission. These changes can lead to an altered browsing experience.
• Excessive Advertisements: Many PUBEs display an excessive number of advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, and in-text ads, which can disrupt the user's browsing experience.
• Data Collection: Certain PUBEs collect user data, such as browsing history, search queries, or even personal information, without clear user consent. This data may be used for various purposes, including targeted advertising.
• Resource Intensiveness: Some PUBEs can consume significant system resources, leading to slower browser performance and, in some cases, system instability.