Cuponomia Cashback Extension

The “Cuponomia – Cupom e Cashback” extension is marketed as a money-saving tool for Brazilian users, offering coupons and cashback deals. However, beneath its seemingly beneficial facade lies a browser hijacker that tracks user activity and poses significant privacy risks.

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Threat Overview

This extension operates as adware and a browser hijacker. While it claims to enhance online shopping experiences, it clandestinely monitors browsing habits, collects sensitive data, and may expose users to additional malware threats.

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Threat Summary Table

Category	Details
Threat Type	Adware, Browser Hijacker
Associated Domain	cuponomia.com.br
Detection Names	Not specified
Symptoms of Infection	Unwanted browser extensions, intrusive ads, redirects to dubious websites, sluggish browser performance
Damage & Distribution	Compromised privacy through data tracking, potential additional malware infections; distributed via deceptive pop-ups, bundled software installers, and torrent downloads
Danger Level	Moderate
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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In-Depth Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

The Cuponomia extension often infiltrates systems through deceptive means:

• Bundled Software Installers: It may come packaged with free software downloads, especially from unverified sources.
• Deceptive Pop-up Ads: Clicking on misleading advertisements can trigger its installation.
• Torrent Downloads: Files from peer-to-peer networks may carry the extension as an unwanted add-on.

Users often unknowingly install the extension by not paying close attention during software installations or by trusting seemingly legitimate ads.

What Does It Do?

Once installed, the extension:

• Tracks Browsing Activity: Monitors websites visited, search queries, and other online behaviors.
• Collects Sensitive Data: Gathers internet cookies and potentially other personal information.
• Employs Tracking Technologies: Utilizes tools like AWS Lambda and Google Analytics to enhance its data collection capabilities.
• Associates with Other Malicious Extensions: Shares code similarities with more harmful extensions that can execute scripts, manage browser tabs, and alter browser behavior.

Should You Be Concerned?

Absolutely. While the extension may offer genuine coupons and cashback deals, the privacy trade-offs are significant. The data it collects can be exploited for malicious purposes, leading to potential identity theft, financial loss, or further malware infections. Its association with other more dangerous extensions amplifies the risk.

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Manual Removal Guide for Browser Hijackers

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs (Windows & Mac)

Before resetting your browser, remove any software that may have installed the hijacker.

Windows (10, 11, 8, 7)

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Find Unwanted Applications
   • Look for recently installed programs that seem suspicious (e.g., “EasySearch,” “QuickFind,” “Search Manager”).
3. Uninstall
   • Click on the suspicious program > Select Uninstall > Follow on-screen instructions.

Mac (macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, etc.)

1. Open Finder and go to Applications.
2. Look for unknown or unwanted programs.
3. Drag any suspicious apps to the Trash and empty the Trash.

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Step 2: Remove Browser Hijacker from Web Browsers

Google Chrome

1. Reset Chrome to Default Settings
   • Open Chrome > Click ⋮ Menu (top-right corner) > Settings.
   • Scroll down and select Reset settings > Click Restore settings to original defaults > Confirm.
2. Remove Suspicious Extensions
   • Open chrome://extensions/ and remove unknown extensions.
3. Change Default Search Engine & Homepage
   • Go to Settings > Search engine > Select Google or another trusted search engine.
   • Under On Startup, remove any unwanted URLs.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Reset Firefox
   • Click the Menu (☰) > Select Help > Click More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox.
2. Remove Unknown Extensions
   • Open Add-ons Manager (Ctrl + Shift + A) > Remove any suspicious extensions.
3. Change Search Engine & Homepage
   • Open Settings > Search > Choose Google or another safe search engine.

Microsoft Edge

1. Reset Edge
   • Click ⋮ Menu > Settings > Reset settings > Restore to default values.
2. Remove Unwanted Extensions
   • Open edge://extensions/ and remove any unfamiliar extensions.

Safari (Mac Only)

1. Reset Safari & Clear Data
   • Open Safari > Click Safari (top-left menu) > Select Clear History.
   • Go to Preferences > Privacy > Click Manage Website Data > Remove All.
2. Delete Suspicious Extensions
   • Open Safari > Preferences > Extensions > Remove anything unfamiliar.
3. Change Homepage & Search Engine
   • Open Preferences > General > Change your homepage to a trusted site.
   • In Search, set your search engine to Google or a preferred option.

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Step 3: Check for Unauthorized System Changes

Windows – Check the Hosts File

1. Open Notepad as Administrator (Win + S, type Notepad, right-click, Run as Administrator).
2. Click File > Open and navigate to:makefileCopyEditC:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. If you see unknown IPs or URLs at the bottom, remove them.
4. Save changes and restart your computer.

Mac – Check the Hosts File

1. Open Terminal (Command + Space, type Terminal).
2. Type:bashCopyEditsudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Look for suspicious entries and delete them.
4. Press Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter to save.

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Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter (Windows & Mac)

For those who prefer a quick, hassle-free removal process, using SpyHunter is highly recommended.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Click here to download SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter

Step 2: Install & Run SpyHunter

1. Follow the instructions on the SpyHunter Download Page to install the software.
2. Open SpyHunter and run a full system scan.

Step 3: Remove Browser Hijackers

1. SpyHunter will detect all malware and potentially unwanted programs.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the detected hijacker.
3. Restart your device to complete the cleanup process.

Step 4: Reset Browser Settings (If Necessary)

Even after SpyHunter removes the hijacker, you may need to reset your browser settings manually (refer to browser-specific instructions above).

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Preventing Future Browser Hijacker Infections

• Be cautious when installing free software – opt for Custom Installation to avoid bundled malware.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups – they often distribute browser hijackers.
• Keep your operating system and software updated – outdated programs are more vulnerable to infections.
• Use a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter to provide real-time protection against threats.

Conclusion

The Cuponomia – Cupom e Cashback extension, despite its advertised benefits, poses a threat to user privacy and system security. Its data-tracking practices and associations with other malicious extensions make it a liability. Users are strongly advised to remove this extension immediately and employ reputable anti-malware tools to ensure complete system security.

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