To summarize, the presence of these unwanted apps on devices can lead to various system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft. The collected data is monetized by sharing with, or selling to, third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) intent on similarly misusing it. As mentioned, SearchModule might also have data tracking capabilities.Īpplications of this type often monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather personal information derived from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). Therefore, recovering the affected browser is impossible without removal of the browser hijacker. Rogue search engines usually cannot generate unique results and so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Bing, Yahoo and other legitimate sites.įurthermore, any changes users try to make to their browsers are automatically reset, if access to the settings is permitted at all. Therefore, with this software installed, each new browser tab/window opened and each search query typed into the URL bar redirects to the promoted address. Browser hijackers operate by reassigning the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of fake search engines.

When clicked, they redirect to untrusted and malicious web pages, and can also execute scripts to stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. Intrusive ads significantly diminish the browsing experience, as they overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed. I.e., these advertisements do not originate from the websites, but are delivered by adware-type software. These bogus software updaters/installers are used to proliferate not only PUAs, but also Trojans, ransomware and other malware.Īdware enables the placement of pop-ups, surveys, coupons, banners and other intrusive ads - typically, on any visited website.

One of the dubious techniques used to distribute SearchModule is via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Since many people download/install SearchModule unintentionally, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). Additionally, most adware and browser hijackers can record browsing-related data. Following successful infiltration, this app delivers various unwanted and dangerous advertisements, modifies browsers and promotes a fake search engine. SearchModule is an adware-type application with browser hijacker characteristics.

Search function mac osx