City Weather Forecast Hub Browser Extension
During our examination of suspicious websites, our researchers came across the City Weather Forecast Hub browser hijacker. This browser extension modifies browser settings to trigger redirects, which categorizes City Weather Forecast Hub as a browser hijacker.
Browser hijacking software can alter browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tab or window settings to direct users to endorsed websites. Consequently, users are directed to the promoted page when they open a new browser tab or window or conduct web searches via the URL bar.
Typically, browser hijackers promote fake search engines that redirect users to legitimate Internet search engines. However, City Weather Forecast Hub directly redirects users to the Bing search engine (bing.com) without any intermediaries.
It's important to note that this extension may compel users to visit other webpages, influenced by factors like user geolocation.
Furthermore, software falling under this category often employs techniques to ensure persistence, complicating its removal and preventing users from restoring their browsers.
Moreover, browser hijackers commonly possess data-tracking capabilities, which may also apply to City Weather Forecast Hub. Collected information may include visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, internet cookies, usernames, passwords, personally identifiable information, financial data, and more. This sensitive data can then be shared with or sold to third parties.
What Are the Signs of Having a Browser Hijacker on Your System?
Detecting a browser hijacker on your system requires careful observation of your browser's behavior. Here are some signs that may indicate the presence of a browser hijacker:
Changes in Browser Settings: Noticeable alterations to your browser's homepage, default search engine, or new tab page without your consent are common signs of a browser hijacker.
Unexpected Browser Redirects: If your browser frequently redirects you to unfamiliar or unwanted websites, especially when performing searches or opening new tabs, it could be a sign of a browser hijacker.
Unwanted Toolbars or Extensions: The appearance of unfamiliar toolbars, browser extensions, or add-ons that you did not install is often indicative of a browser hijacker. These extensions may claim to offer useful features but may actually be used to track your browsing activity or display intrusive ads.
Pop-up Ads: Persistent pop-up ads appearing on websites where they didn't previously appear could be a sign of a browser hijacker. These ads may promote questionable products or services and often cannot be easily dismissed.
Sluggish Browser Performance: If your browser suddenly becomes slower or experiences frequent freezes or crashes, it could be due to the presence of a browser hijacker consuming system resources.
Changes in Search Results: Browser hijackers may alter search results to include sponsored links or advertisements, even on legitimate search engines. These changes may make it difficult to find relevant information or lead you to potentially harmful websites.
Unauthorized Changes in Browser Security Settings: Browser hijackers may modify your browser's security settings, leaving your system vulnerable to malware infections or privacy breaches.
