Colour Picker Browser Extension
Upon analyzing the Colour Picker application, we identified typical characteristics of a browser hijacker. Colour Picker alters browser configurations to promote a specific web address and may also gather various types of information. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from adding Colour Picker to browsers.
Colour Picker achieves browser hijacking by establishing honline-src.com as the homepage, default search engine, and new tab page. This extension forces users to land on honline-src.com when opening their browser or new tab and conducting searches using the hijacked browser. Our investigation uncovered that honline-src.com is a fraudulent search engine.
When users enter a search query, they are redirected from honline-src.com to bing.com. Consequently, instead of receiving results from honline-src.com, users are presented with results from a reputable search engine. While Bing's search outcomes are trustworthy, it is prudent to avoid interacting with search engines like honline-src.com.
Search results obtained from fake search engines may expose users to various online threats, including malware infections and scams such as phishing and technical support scams. Therefore, users should always be careful and refrain from using fake search engines to effectively mitigate these risks.
Browser hijackers like Colour Picker often collect browsing-related data, encompassing search queries, browsing history, clicked links, IP addresses, geolocation data, and potentially more sensitive personal information.
What Are Rogue Browser Extensions and How to Avoid Them
Rogue browser extensions are malicious software programs that are designed to deceive users and perform unauthorized actions within web browsers. These extensions may hijack browser settings, inject unwanted advertisements, track users' browsing activities, or even steal sensitive information such as login credentials.
To avoid rogue browser extensions, consider the following steps:
Download Extensions from Trusted Sources: Only install browser extensions from reputable sources such as the official extension stores for your browser (e.g., Chrome Web Store for Google Chrome, Mozilla Add-ons for Firefox). Avoid downloading extensions from third-party websites or unfamiliar sources.
Read Reviews and Ratings: Before installing an extension, read user reviews and ratings to gauge its reliability and legitimacy. Be cautious if an extension has few reviews or if the reviews seem suspiciously positive or generic.
Check Permissions: Review the permissions requested by an extension before installing it. Avoid extensions that request unnecessary or intrusive permissions, such as access to your browsing history, personal data, or camera/microphone.
Verify Developer Information: Research the developer of the extension to ensure they are reputable and trustworthy. Look for contact information, a website, or other indications of legitimacy. Be wary of extensions developed by unknown or unverified developers.
Update Extensions Regularly: Keep your browser extensions up to date by installing updates from the official extension store. Developers often release updates to fix security vulnerabilities and improve functionality. Enable automatic updates if available.
Use Security Software: Install reputable antivirus or antimalware software on your computer or device. These programs can help detect and remove rogue browser extensions and other malicious software.
Be Cautious of Pop-ups and Promotions: Avoid clicking on pop-ups or advertisements that promote browser extensions, especially if they appear on suspicious websites or make unrealistic claims. These may lead you to rogue extensions or other malware.
