GoCouponSearch

GoCouponSearch falls into the category of browser hijacker applications. These intrusive applications are designed to take over users' Web browsers and force them to open a promoted address specifically. The goal is to generate as much artificial traffic as possible and that is why the most commonly affected browser settings include the homepage, new tab page and the default search engine. This way the sponsored page will be opened every time users launch the affected browser, open a new tab or initiate a search via the URL bar.

Furthermore, GoCouponSearch and all other similarly dubious applications also are considered to be PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). The basis for this classification is the questionable way through which these applications are being distributed. The most widespread tactic is known as bundling, where the intruder application is added to the installation settings of legitimate and far more desirable software products. Apart from GoCouponSearch, users also should keep an away out for PUPs such as FocusGuide, LatestStructured and WindowsMegabyte.

The address promoted by this particular browser hijacker is gocouponsearch.com. It is a fake engine that can operate in one of two different ways. First, the user's search query may be redirected through the legitimate search.yahoo.com engine and show results from there. In the other case, the fake engine could redirect to searchlee.com or other dubious search engines that will generate low-quality results riddled with sponsored advertisements.

This may not be all of the actions taken by GoCouponSearch. Browser hijackers and PUPs are known for spying on the user's browsing activities. Information such as all clicked URLs, conducted searches, visited websites, IP addresses, geolocation, and more could be transmitted to the PUP's operators continuously.