Website Errors Checker Rogue Extension

Our researchers came across the Website Errors Checker while examining suspicious websites. This browser extension is advertised as a tool that offers access to a database containing information on more than 500 website errors, along with guidance on how to resolve these issues.

Upon closer inspection of the Website Errors Checker, we determined that it falls into the category of adware. This browser extension conducts aggressive advertising campaigns and gathers sensitive browsing data.

Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is responsible for displaying advertisements on websites and various interfaces. This third-party visual content, such as pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, and more, primarily promotes online scams, untrustworthy or harmful software, and potential malware.

In some cases, clicking on these intrusive ads can trigger scripts to initiate stealthy downloads or installations. It's important to note that any legitimate products or services advertised through these means are likely to be endorsed by scammers exploiting affiliate programs to gain unlawful commissions.

Specific conditions may be required for adware to deliver these intrusive advertising campaigns, such as compatibility with a particular browser or system, or visits to specific websites. Regardless of whether Website Errors Checker displays advertisements, its presence on a device remains a security concern.

Moreover, this adware-type browser extension invades users' privacy by monitoring their online activities. The information it targets can include visited URLs, viewed web pages, search queries, internet cookies, usernames, passwords, personally identifiable information, financial data, and more. This collected data may be shared with or sold to third parties.

What Are Potentially Unwanted or Rogue Extensions?

Potentially Unwanted or Rogue Extensions are browser add-ons, plugins, or extensions that often display unwanted behavior and can negatively impact the user's web browsing experience and computer security. These extensions typically fall into one of the following categories:

• Adware Extensions: Adware extensions inject intrusive advertisements into web pages, such as pop-ups, banners, and sponsored links. They can be quite aggressive, causing a disruptive and annoying online experience.
• Browser Hijackers: Browser hijackers modify the user's browser settings, like the homepage, default search engine, or new tab page, without their consent. They often redirect users to unfamiliar or potentially harmful websites.
• Toolbar Extensions: Toolbar extensions clutter the browser interface with additional toolbars, buttons, and features, often without providing any significant value. They can make the browser slower and less user-friendly.
• Data Harvesting Extensions: Some rogue extensions collect users' browsing data, including search history, visited websites, and personal information, without their knowledge or consent. This data may be sold to third parties for advertising or other purposes.
• Fake Security or Optimizer Extensions: Rogue extensions often masquerade as security or optimization tools, promising to enhance the user's online security or improve system performance. In reality, they may deliver false security alerts and may encourage users to purchase unnecessary software.
• Malicious or Trojan Extensions: In some cases, malicious extensions can contain actual malware, such as viruses, Trojans, or keyloggers, which can compromise the user's system security.
• Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs): Some browser extensions come bundled with legitimate software downloads, and users may inadvertently install them when installing other applications. These PUPs may display unwanted behavior or collect data without explicit consent.