Your Search Bar Browser Extension
The Your Search Bar is a malicious browser extension functioning as browser-hijacking software. Our examination indicates that this extension modifies browser settings to promote the yoursearchbar.me fake search engine through redirects. Browser hijackers commonly alter browsers by setting recommended website addresses as default search engines, homepages, and new tab/window URLs.
Your Search Bar follows this pattern, causing web searches conducted through the URL bar and opening new browser tabs/windows to redirect to the yoursearchbar.me webpage. Similar to other fake search engines, yoursearchbar.me cannot produce search results and instead redirects users to a legitimate internet search site, such as Bing at the time of our research. It's important to note that the redirection destination may vary depending on the user's location and place of residence.
It's worth mentioning that browser-hijacking software often employs persistent mechanisms to complicate its removal, such as limiting access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes.
This software is also notorious for its data-tracking capabilities, a feature likely present in the Your Search Bar extension. The gathered information typically includes visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, login credentials, personally identifiable details, financial data, etc. Subsequently, this collected information can be monetized by selling it to third parties.
What Are Rogue Browser Extensions?
Rogue browser extensions are malicious or unauthorized software modules that users can install on their web browsers. These extensions often appear legitimate or useful but, in reality, they engage in undesirable or harmful activities without the user's knowledge or consent. Here are some key characteristics and behaviors associated with rogue browser extensions:
Unauthorized Activities: Rogue extensions may perform activities that the user did not explicitly authorize. This could include modifying browser settings, altering search engine preferences, injecting unwanted ads, or redirecting web traffic.
Browser Hijacking: One common trait of rogue browser extensions is browser hijacking. This involves taking control of certain browser functionalities, such as changing the default search engine, homepage, or new tab settings, often redirecting users to fake or unwanted websites.
Misleading Functionality: Rogue extensions may promise certain features or benefits to entice users into installing them. However, once installed, they either do not deliver on these promises or introduce harmful elements.
Data Tracking: Some rogue extensions have the capability to track users' online activities, including the websites they visit, search queries, and personal information. This data may be collected and used for various purposes, including targeted advertising or even more malicious activities like identity theft.
Persistence: Rogue extensions often use techniques to persistently remain on a user's browser, making them challenging to remove. This could involve preventing users from accessing or modifying extension settings, reinstalling themselves after removal, or other tactics to resist uninstallation.
Security Risks: In addition to compromising user privacy, rogue browser extensions can pose security risks by exposing users to potential malware, phishing attacks, or other forms of cyber threats.
