Malware News Notepad++ : Help us to take down the parasite website

Gandalf_The_Grey

Level 83
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
Apr 24, 2016
7,366
I’ve received numerous complaints via email, social media, and forums regarding a website that poses a significant threat to our community. The site in question is https://notepad.plus/ which appears prominently when users google for “download Notepad++”.

Some users have mistakenly believed that https://notepad.plus/ is the official Notepad++ website. This confusion has led to frustration and potential security risks.

Despite declaring itself an “unofficial fan website created for general information/educational purposes only”, this site harbors a hidden agenda. It is riddled with malicious advertisements on every page. These advertisements aim to deceive unsuspecting Notepad++ users into clicking on them, generating profits for the site owners.

The true purpose of https://notepad.plus/ becomes evident when we recognize that it seeks to divert traffic away from the legitimate Notepad++ website, notepad-plus-plus.org. By doing so, it compromises user safety and undermines the integrity of our community.

Action Needed: Report the Parasite Site​

We urgently request your assistance in reporting this malicious website. By doing so, you contribute not only to the protection of the Notepad++ community but also to the preservation of a safe internet environment for all users.

Please use the following link to report https://notepad.plus/ (to Google) as a harmful site:
Report malicious software

Your vigilance matters. Let’s stand together to safeguard our community and maintain a secure online ecosystem.

Thank you for your prompt action.
 
Last edited:

nicolaasjan

Level 5
Verified
Well-known
May 29, 2023
212
I don't see any ads there thanks to uBO. :).
uBO blocks only a few things (not necessarily malicious):

screenshot_20240403.png


When clicking on the "Download Notepad++" button there, it just redirects me to the legitimate https://notepad-plus-plus.org/downloads/. :unsure:
And there are ads as well:

screenshot_20240403-2.png
 

CyberDevil

Level 8
Verified
Well-known
Apr 4, 2021
397
Eset is already blocking the site as a site with uncertain reputation. As always Eset is one of the first to respond for submissions. :)
1712584868463.png


In general the site is harmless, I think that Notepad++ developer first of all doesn't like that his fame is being stolen, moreover for him Notepad++ has long become a platform for political statements (although I usually agree with him), and here he is deprived of a direct tool for interaction with the audience. In general, the practice of simply inserting ads on someone else's product is a bad practice, it also creates a vector for attack, because today they make a redirect for downloading to the official site, and tomorrow they will substitute their own link - this is dangerous for such mirrors.
 

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