Qwik Biz Tools Browser Extension
Qwik Biz Tools is a deceptive browser extension that falsely promises quick access to common business tools. During an investigation of suspicious websites, our research team came across the extension's "official" promotional webpage.
Upon a thorough examination, we confirmed that Qwik Biz Tools is, in fact, a browser hijacker. It manipulates browser settings to promote the fake search engine search.qwikbiztools.com through redirections.
Like many browser hijackers, Qwik Biz Tools alters default search engines, homepages, and the behavior of new tabs/windows in browsers. Consequently, with this extension installed, opening new browser tabs/windows and conducting searches via the URL bar will result in redirections to the search.qwikbiztools.com page.
This site is categorized as a fake search engine, which typically lacks the capability to deliver actual search results and instead redirects users to legitimate internet search engines like Google, Yahoo, or Bing.
During our research, we observed that search.qwikbiztools.com led to an inactive webpage. It remains unclear whether this landing page was intended to be the final destination of the redirection or part of a more extensive chain. It's important to note that the destination of search.qwikbiztools.com may vary, influenced by factors like the user's geolocation.
It's worth mentioning that browser-hijacking software often employs techniques to ensure its persistence, making it challenging to reverse the changes or remove the extension.
Furthermore, browser hijackers typically possess data-tracking capabilities, which may also be the case with Qwik Biz Tools. The data collected can include browsing and search histories, internet cookies, login credentials, personally identifiable information, financial data, and more. This gathered data may be shared with or sold to third parties.
What Are Browser Hijackers?
Browser hijackers are a type of malicious software or unwanted software that interfere with the settings of a web browser without the user's consent. Their primary purpose is to manipulate the browser's configuration, often redirecting web traffic and changing settings to promote specific websites or search engines. Browser hijackers can negatively impact a user's online experience and pose security risks. Here are the key characteristics and effects of browser hijackers:
- Unauthorized Changes: Browser hijackers alter browser settings, such as the default homepage, search engine, and new tab page, without the user's knowledge or approval.
- Redirection: They redirect web traffic, forcing users to visit specific websites or search engines, even if users try to access other sites.
- Promotion of Fake Search Engines: Many browser hijackers promote fake search engines, which may deliver irrelevant or manipulated search results, advertisements, and sponsored links.
- Ads and Pop-Ups: Browser hijackers often inject unwanted advertisements and pop-up windows into webpages, causing a disruptive and annoying browsing experience.
- Slower Browsing: These hijackers can slow down your internet connection and browser performance due to the increased network traffic and data loading from malicious or advertising sites.
