Sharks Tab Browser Extension

While investigating suspicious websites, our researchers came across the Sharks Tab extension, which claims to offer browser wallpapers featuring shark images.

Upon examining this software, we discovered that it alters browser settings to promote the fake search engine r.bsc.sien.com through redirects. This behavior categorizes Sharks Tab as a browser hijacker.

On our test computer, Sharks Tab made changes to the default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window settings of the browser. With this extension installed, any attempt to use a new browser tab or the search and address bar of the browser led to redirects to the r.bsc.sien.com website.

It's important to note that browser-hijacking software often employs mechanisms to ensure its persistence, making its removal complicated and preventing users from restoring their browser settings.

Fake search engines typically do not provide actual search results, so they redirect users to legitimate internet search engines. In the case of r.bsc.sien.com, it redirects to the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, the specific destination of this webpage may vary, influenced by factors like the user's geographical location.

Furthermore, browser hijackers often possess data-tracking capabilities, and this may also apply to Sharks Tab. The collected information may include visited URLs, viewed web pages, search queries, internet cookies, usernames and passwords, personally identifiable information, financial data, and more.

What Are Browser Hijackers?

Browser hijackers are a type of unwanted software or malware that interfere with the normal operation of web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. These malicious programs or browser extensions alter the browser's settings without the user's consent, redirecting the user to websites they did not intend to visit and often causing other disruptions. Here are some key characteristics and effects of browser hijackers:

• Homepage and Search Engine Changes: Browser hijackers typically change the browser's default homepage and search engine settings to point to a different website, often a fake search engine or a site that promotes certain products or services.
• Redirects: They force the browser to redirect the user to specific websites, even when the user attempts to visit a different URL. These unwanted redirects can be highly disruptive.
• Unwanted Extensions: Browser hijackers often install unwanted browser extensions or add-ons without the user's permission. These extensions may further modify browser behavior.
• Pop-Up Ads: Users may experience an increase in pop-up ads, banners, in-text advertisements, and other types of online advertising. These ads can be intrusive and make browsing difficult.
• Sluggish Performance: Browser hijackers can slow down the performance of the browser and, in some cases, the entire computer.
• Privacy and Security Risks: Some browser hijackers have data-tracking capabilities. They may monitor your browsing activities, collect personal information, or even record your keystrokes, posing privacy and security risks.