Sport Engine Browser Hijacker Switches Browser Settings Without Permission
During an investigation into scam sites, our team came across the Sport Engine browser extension. The extension claims to offer users sports-themed backgrounds for their new tabs. However, upon further analysis, it was discovered that Sport Engine is actually a browser hijacker.
Once installed on our test machine, Sport Engine altered various browser settings, including the homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs, redirecting users to the sportengine.info fake search engine. While at the time of research the site redirected to Bing, it's important to note that this could change based on factors such as user location.
In addition to being a browser hijacker, Sport Engine also engages in user tracking, collecting information on browsing activity such as visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, login credentials, and personal and financial data. This information may be sold to third parties for profit.
Like other browser hijackers, Sport Engine employs persistence techniques to make it difficult for users to remove the extension and recover their browsers. It is crucial for users to remove such extensions immediately to prevent any further damage or loss of personal information.
How Can You Avoid Getting Potentially Unwanted Apps Like the Sport Engine Extension on Your System?
To avoid getting potentially unwanted apps like the Sport Engine extension on your system, you should take the following precautions:
Download software only from trusted sources: Avoid downloading software from unverified or suspicious websites, as these may bundle potentially unwanted programs with the intended software.
Be wary of pop-ups and ads: Avoid clicking on pop-up ads or ads that seem too good to be true, as these may redirect you to malicious websites or download unwanted software.
Read installation prompts carefully: Always read through installation prompts carefully before clicking "Agree" or "Accept". Often, potentially unwanted programs are disguised as legitimate software in these prompts, so it's important to read them carefully.
Use a reputable antivirus software: Use a reputable antivirus software that can detect and block potentially unwanted programs.
Keep your software up to date: Regularly update your software and operating system to patch any security vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malicious software.
By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances of getting potentially unwanted programs like the Sport Engine extension on your system.
