Notepad++ is a free and open-source text and source code editor for use with Microsoft Windows.
It started its journey with support for basic text file formats, meant to be its founder's solution to replace the standard Windows Notepad. Over time, as the software gained popularity and recognition in the developer community, support for additional programming languages and file formats was introduced through plugins and built-in features.
This expansion allowed Notepad++ to handle source code files, configuration files, and more.
In the end, it expanded its capabilities with enhanced features, and support a wide range of programming languages and file formats.
As a result, Notepad++ became the Swiss Army knife among developers and programmers alike.
And this, of course, attracted even more fans, and foes, and maybe, also people with bad intentions.
At this time, the Notepad++ project is asking for the public's help to take down a copycat website that closely impersonates Notepad++, but is not affiliated with the project.
At this time, the lookalike website, which uses the project's branding, takes visitors to the official Notepad++ downloads page.
While the website in question does contain a clear disclaimer at the bottom spelling out that it's "an unofficial fan website" and "not affiliated" with the project, there are concerns that it could pose security threats.
Since the website in question is not affiliated by Notepad++ in any way, the owner of the site can, at any time, start pushing malicious releases or spam someday either deliberately or as a result of a hijack.
On top of that, the problem can be disastrous, considering Notepad++'s immense popularity, and how the copycat website managed to rank high on search engines, like Google.
Don Ho, the original developer of Notepad++ alleged that "this site harbors a hidden agenda."
What's more, the site in question, notepad[.]plus, according to Ho, comes up prominently in search results when users look up "download Notepad++."
"Some users have mistakenly believed that [it] is the official Notepad++ website. This confusion has led to frustration and potential security risks," said Don Ho, the original developer of Notepad++
On top of that, also the website "is riddled with malicious advertisements on every page."
Such ads, according to Ho, could deceive unsuspecting Notepad++ users into clicking on links that generate revenue for admins of the unofficial website.
Notepad++, the free and open-source text and source code editor project has appealed to everyone to help shut down a lookalike website.
"Help us to take down the parasite website," asked Notepad++ in a website post.
"I’ve received numerous complaints via email, social media, and forums regarding a website that poses a significant threat to our community," said Ho.