News
October 23, 2025
This ‘Privacy Browser’ Has Dangerous Hidden Features
The Universe Browser is believed to have been downloaded millions of times. But researchers say it behaves like malware and has links to Asia’s booming cybercrime and illegal gambling networks.
**This 'Privacy Browser' Has Dangerous Hidden Features**
A web browser marketed as a privacy-focused tool, the “Universe Browser,” is under fire after researchers uncovered alarming hidden features suggesting it operates more like malware than a legitimate application. The browser, reportedly downloaded millions of times, is now suspected of having deep ties to cybercrime and illegal gambling operations flourishing in Asia.
The revelations have sparked widespread concern, particularly among users who believed they were enhancing their online security by using Universe Browser. Instead, they may have inadvertently exposed themselves to significant risks.
Researchers who investigated the browser’s code discovered a range of suspicious functionalities. These include the ability to track user activity far beyond what is typically necessary for browser operation, collect sensitive data without explicit consent, and potentially even install additional software without the user's knowledge. This clandestine data collection raises serious questions about where the information is being sent and how it is being used.
The most disturbing aspect of the findings is the alleged connection between Universe Browser and criminal networks. The investigation suggests links to illegal online gambling platforms and other cybercriminal activities prevalent in parts of Asia. These connections imply that user data collected by the browser could be used to target individuals with gambling advertisements, phishing scams, or even more sophisticated cyberattacks.
Experts are urging users who have installed Universe Browser to immediately uninstall it and run a full system scan with reputable antivirus software. They also recommend changing passwords for important online accounts as a precautionary measure.
The case of Universe Browser serves as a stark reminder that not all software claiming to prioritize privacy can be trusted. It highlights the importance of thoroughly researching any application before downloading and installing it, especially those promising enhanced security features. Users are advised to stick to well-established and reputable browsers from trusted developers and to be wary of any application that requests excessive permissions or exhibits unusual behavior. The incident underscores the need for increased vigilance in the digital age and the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly innocuous software.
A web browser marketed as a privacy-focused tool, the “Universe Browser,” is under fire after researchers uncovered alarming hidden features suggesting it operates more like malware than a legitimate application. The browser, reportedly downloaded millions of times, is now suspected of having deep ties to cybercrime and illegal gambling operations flourishing in Asia.
The revelations have sparked widespread concern, particularly among users who believed they were enhancing their online security by using Universe Browser. Instead, they may have inadvertently exposed themselves to significant risks.
Researchers who investigated the browser’s code discovered a range of suspicious functionalities. These include the ability to track user activity far beyond what is typically necessary for browser operation, collect sensitive data without explicit consent, and potentially even install additional software without the user's knowledge. This clandestine data collection raises serious questions about where the information is being sent and how it is being used.
The most disturbing aspect of the findings is the alleged connection between Universe Browser and criminal networks. The investigation suggests links to illegal online gambling platforms and other cybercriminal activities prevalent in parts of Asia. These connections imply that user data collected by the browser could be used to target individuals with gambling advertisements, phishing scams, or even more sophisticated cyberattacks.
Experts are urging users who have installed Universe Browser to immediately uninstall it and run a full system scan with reputable antivirus software. They also recommend changing passwords for important online accounts as a precautionary measure.
The case of Universe Browser serves as a stark reminder that not all software claiming to prioritize privacy can be trusted. It highlights the importance of thoroughly researching any application before downloading and installing it, especially those promising enhanced security features. Users are advised to stick to well-established and reputable browsers from trusted developers and to be wary of any application that requests excessive permissions or exhibits unusual behavior. The incident underscores the need for increased vigilance in the digital age and the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly innocuous software.
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Politics