SmartPackageTracker

SmartPackageTracker is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that was created for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox users. It works as an extension, and it is meant to help you track packages and shipments. Unfortunately, the best it can do is show you links to sites that offer package tracking, and so we consider this extension to be completely useless. Of course, it was not created just to show you links to a few legitimate websites. On the contrary, it appears to have been created for advertising purposes. Once this PUP is installed, the default search provider is modified and the New Tab page is hijacked. According to our research team, the extension is quite intrusive when it comes to the data it records, and the search results that are shown can be modified. Due to this, we do not recommend trusting them. In fact, you should refrain from using the search tool at all until you remove SmartPackageTracker and clear browsing data. The process is discussed in this report, and we also explain WHY eliminating this PUP is a good idea.

Chrome and Firefox users are introduced to SmartPackageTracker at smartpackagetracker.com, but Chrome users can download the PUP only from chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/smart-package-tracker/hjgmoapaiopoahenbjkkkjiadabjgfmd. If you pay attention to the official information, you might think that the extension is a terrific tool, and you might download it without analyzing it thoroughly. BUT you have to be careful. For example, if you use Chrome, you could be introduced to the installer of Search Secure (chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/search-secure/eaejjabmohcehnekejleliplkkacphak) after you download the PUP. If you have installed this extension, we recommend removing it as well. As we mentioned already, SmartPackageTracker does not offer any useful services. When it hijacks the New Tab page, it presents an interface of what looks like a search engine (smartpackagetracker.com/homepage/homepage.html?). At the top, you can find buttons that present links to legitimate sites. “International Tracking” provides you with access to canadapost.ca, aramex.com, yodel.co.uk, and tnt.com, “Local Carriers” routes to lasership.com, and you also have a link to gmail.com. Besides that, the “toolbar” displays weather and date information.

The search box on the “toolbar” and the search box in the center of the page redirect all search queries to Yahoo Search, at search.yahoo.com. If you are familiar with the search tool, you might think that this is a great thing. It is not. The results can be modified by SmartPackageTracker to introduce you to sponsored content, and who knows what that might entail. After analyzing the Privacy Policy, we know that the PUP is quite intrusive and that it is all about advertising. For example, the document reveals that personal information is collected and can be shared with third parties. Even if that is done with your consent, you need to think carefully if you can trust SmartPackageTracker. Third parties, according to the Privacy Policy, can also be presented with information that can help them deliver targeted ads, and these ads are likely to be shown via the search engine. Overall, it seems that the creator of the PUP is more interested in serving third parties than you, and that might be the greatest motive to delete it from your browsers immediately.

It is not enough to delete SmartPackageTracker from the web browser. You also need to clear browsing data, and if the Search Secure extension was installed, you need to eliminate it too. The instructions below explain how to handle this operation. Of course, you want to take into account all other PUPs or malicious threats that might exist. Although we listed the official website and the Chrome web store as the main download sources of SmartPackageTracker, our research team warns that this PUP could also be spread via misleading pop-ups and bundled installers. In the latter case, more threats could be downloaded, and you need to be very careful about that. We suggest that you scan your operating system using a malware scanner before you decide on the removal method. If you learn that more complicated and dangerous threats exist, we suggest using a reliable and efficient anti-malware program that could detect and delete all infections automatically.

SmartPackageTracker Removal

Google Chrome

1. Launch the browser and then tap keys Alt+F to open a menu.
2. Expand the More tools menu and then click Extensions.
3. Click the Remove button linked to the undesirable extension.
4. Tap keys Ctrl+Shift+Delete to open Clear browsing data menu.
5. Choose a time range and boxes and then click Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Launch the browser and then tap keys Ctrl+Shift+A to open a menu.
2. In Extensions menu click the Remove button next to the undesirable extension.
3. Tap keys Ctrl+Shift+Delete to open Clear Reset History menu.
4. Choose a time range and boxes and then click Clear Now.