Volume Extra Rogue Browser Extension

While investigating untrustworthy websites, our team discovered a rogue installer that contained Volume Extra, an allegedly advanced audio volume adjustment tool. However, upon further investigation, we determined that Volume Extra is actually a browser hijacker that modifies browser settings to promote the fake search engine, masterofvolume.com.

During our testing, Volume Extra made several changes to the browser, including altering the homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs to redirect to masterofvolume.com. As a result, every time we opened a new tab or entered a search query in the URL bar, we were redirected to the masterofvolume.com website.

Typically, illegitimate search engines cannot provide reliable search results, so they redirect users to genuine search websites. At the time of our research, masterofvolume.com triggered a series of redirects through gruppad.com and tsearchbox.com before finally landing on the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, it's worth noting that the final redirection destination may vary based on factors such as user geolocation.

It is important to be aware that some browser hijackers can prevent users from accessing removal-related settings or undo changes made by the user, making their persistence and removal more challenging.

In addition to its browser hijacking activities, Volume Extra also engages in spying on users' browsing behavior. It collects various data of interest, including visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, usernames, passwords, personally identifiable information, financial details, and more. This collected data can be shared with or sold to third parties.

In conclusion, Volume Extra, disguised as an audio volume adjustment tool, is actually a browser hijacker that alters browser settings to promote the fake search engine, masterofvolume.com. It is crucial to be cautious of such threats as they can persistently affect your browsing experience and compromise your privacy by collecting and potentially sharing sensitive information.

How Can Browser Hijackers Compromise Your Online Privacy and Security?

Browser hijackers can pose significant risks to your online privacy and security. Here are some ways in which they can compromise your privacy and security:

• Unauthorized Browser Modifications: Browser hijackers alter your browser settings without your consent, changing your default search engine, homepage, and new tab URLs. This can lead to constant redirects to malicious or untrustworthy websites, exposing you to potential scams, malware, or phishing attempts.
• Information Tracking: Browser hijackers often employ tracking technologies to monitor your online activities. They can collect data such as your browsing history, search queries, clicked links, and even personally identifiable information. This information can be used for targeted advertising, identity theft, or sold to third parties, jeopardizing your privacy.
• Exposure to Malicious Content: Browser hijackers may redirect you to websites hosting malicious content, including malware, adware, or spyware. Visiting such sites puts your computer at risk of infection and compromises your data and system security.
• Intrusive Advertising: Browser hijackers generate and display intrusive advertisements, such as pop-ups, banners, or interstitial ads. These ads can disrupt your browsing experience, slow down your system, and lead to unintended clicks that may trigger additional malware downloads or expose you to scams.
• Browser Performance Issues: Browser hijackers can consume system resources and negatively impact the performance of your browser, causing it to slow down, freeze, or crash. This can hinder your productivity and overall online experience.
• Difficulty in Removal: Some browser hijackers are designed to resist removal attempts, making it challenging for users to eliminate them from their systems. They may disable or block access to browser settings, reinstall themselves after removal, or hide their presence in system files, making it frustrating for users to regain control over their browsers.