Kosearch.com
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Ranking: | 294 |
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 1,718 |
| First Seen: | April 12, 2024 |
| Last Seen: | July 16, 2024 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
Kosearch.com is a fraudulent search engine designed to mislead users and collect their personal information. Unlike legitimate search engines, these fake sites cannot provide genuine search results and typically redirect users to real search engines. However, during this process, they gather data about their visitors, posing significant privacy and security risks.
Table of Contents
How Do Browser Hijackers Promote Kosearch.com?
Browser hijackers often redirect users to sites like Kosearch.com by altering browser settings. They can set these sites as the default homepage, search engine, or new tab page. For example, when users open a new browser window or conduct a web search, they may be redirected through a series of sites, eventually landing on Kosearch.com before reaching a legitimate search engine like Yahoo or Bing. These redirection chains are engineered to generate traffic for the promoted site and collect user data.
Examples of Fake Search Engines
In addition to Kosearch.com, other fake search engines include exyzsearch.com, wonderstab.com, laxsearch.com, myhoroscopepro.com, and qtrsearch.com. These sites often look legitimate and may offer various features, but they fail to deliver real search results or other promised functionalities. Their primary purpose is to gather personal information and generate revenue through deceptive means.
How Did Kosearch.com Promoting Software Install on My Computer?
Browser hijackers can infiltrate your computer through bundled software installations. This risk increases when downloading from unreliable sources such as freeware sites, peer-to-peer networks, and other unofficial channels. Often, users inadvertently install these hijackers by rushing through installation processes without reading the terms or opting for "Easy/Quick" setup options.
Additionally, hijackers can be promoted on seemingly legitimate websites, scam pages, and through rogue advertising networks. These ads may appear harmless but can execute scripts to download and install hijackers stealthily.
How to Avoid Installation of Browser Hijackers
To prevent browser hijackers from compromising your system, follow these best practices:
- Download Software from Verified Sources: Only download programs from official websites or trusted platforms.
- Careful Installation: Always read the terms and conditions, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of any additional software or extensions.
- Be Cautious Online: Intrusive advertisements may look benign but often lead to malicious sites. Avoid clicking on suspicious ads and links.
- Regularly Check and Clean Your System: If you encounter persistent redirects or suspect your device is infected, use an anti-malware tool to scan and remove any malicious software.
The presence of browser hijackers and fake search engines like Kosearch.com can lead to severe privacy breaches, financial losses, and identity theft. Staying vigilant while browsing, downloading software from reputable sources, and using reliable anti-malware solutions are critical steps in protecting your digital security.
URLs
Kosearch.com may call the following URLs:
| kosearch.com |
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