CommonGeneration

No matter how it describes itself, the CommonGeneration application is nothing more than a browser hijacker that is tasked with promoting a fake search engine. It should be noted that applications such as CommonGeneration are most often than not installed through deceptive marketing methods such as 'bundling.' This tactic sees the installation of the browser hacker being hidden beneath several layers of settings that are part of the installation process of another, more popular, freeware application. This practice is one of the reasons why browser hijacker applications also are considered Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs).

If CommonGeneration has been installed on the user's computer, either willingly or not, it will change the settings responsible for the homepage, new page tab, and the default search engine immediately to now open the address for CommonGeneration Search, a fake search engine. As an outcome, whenever the affected browser is opened, or a search is conducted, it will create artificial traffic for the sponsored address. And there is no mistake that CommonGeneration Search is fake as it is incapable of providing any search results on its own and must rely on a legitimate search engine, search.yahoo.com, in this case, to carry out the task.

Keeping browser hijacker applications on your computer may create risks that shouldn't be ignored. CommonGeneration is capable of injecting sponsored advertisements into the list of displayed search results that could redirect the user to dubious third-party sites resulting in additional PUPs such as adware being downloaded. Furthermore, nearly all of the applications similar to CommonGeneration perform some sort of data tracking. Most log the user's browsing habits, including all visited websites and clicked URLs, while some also include certain system details (IP address of the device, geolocation, or ISP).