The Universe Browser makes some big promises to its potential users. Its online advertisements claim it’s the “fastest browser,” that people using it will “avoid privacy leaks” and that the software will help “keep you away from danger.” However, everything likely isn’t as it seems.
The browser, which is linked to Chinese online gambling websites and is thought to have been downloaded millions of times, actually routes all Internet traffic through servers in China and “covertly installs several programs that run silently in the background,” according to new findings from network security company Infoblox. The researchers say the “hidden” elements include features similar to malware—including “key logging, surreptitious connections,” and changing a device’s network connections.
Perhaps most significantly, the Infoblox researchers who collaborated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on the work, found links between the browser’s operation and Southeast Asia’s sprawling, multibillion-dollar cybercrime ecosystem, which has connections to money-laundering, illegal online gambling, human trafficking, and scam operations that use forced labor. The browser itself, the researchers says, is directly linked to a network around major online gambling company BBIN, which the researchers have labeled a threat group they call Vault Viper.
It’s interesting to see how products can make bold claims about privacy while behaving contrary to those promises. It’s important for users to stay informed and cautious about their online choices. Thanks for shedding light on this topic!
Absolutely, it’s fascinating how marketing can sometimes overshadow the actual user experience. It raises important questions about transparency in tech. Users deserve to know the truth behind such claims to make informed choices.
You’re right; marketing can really set high expectations. It’s also interesting to note how user reviews can often reveal a different story, highlighting issues that ads might gloss over. Balancing privacy claims with real functionality is crucial for user trust.
Absolutely, user reviews can reveal a lot about the actual performance of a product. It’s also worth considering how often browsers update their privacy features, as this can make a significant difference in overall security.