This browser claims "perfect privacies protection," but it acts like malware

"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."

The Universe Browser advertises being the fastest browser, protecting privacy, and keeping users safe. The software routes all internet traffic through servers in China and covertly installs multiple programs that run silently in the background. Hidden components include malware-like capabilities such as key logging, surreptitious network connections, and the ability to change a device's network configurations. Connections exist between the browser's infrastructure and Southeast Asia's large cybercrime ecosystem, including money laundering, illegal online gambling, human trafficking, and scam operations using forced labor. The browser is directly linked to networks around the major gambling company BBIN and a threat group labeled Vault Viper.

Read at Ars Technica