MainSearchAdvise

MainSearchAdvise may try to pass itself as a legitimate application but its true nature is that of a browser hijacker. Mac users should be on the lookout for this dubious program, as they appear to be its main targets. The application may be wrapped alongside the installation of another more popular software product or injected into a fake installer/updater. The reliance on such underhanded distribution methods classifies it as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program).

Browser hijackers are mostly used in campaigns promoting fake search engines that otherwise would not be visited by users. To achieve their goals, these PUPs are equipped with the ability to take over the user's Web browser and modify its settings. To be more specific, browser hijackers go after the homepage, new tab page and the default search engine. By forcing all three settings to open the promoted address, the PUP starts to generate artificial traffic towards it.

MainSearchAdvise is not an exception. It promotes the fake search engine at search.initialunit.com. Fake engines lack the ability to produce any result on their own. Instead, they take the user's search queries and redirect them to a legitimate engine. In this case, the redirects lead to Google. Another possibility is for the search queries to be run through another dubious engine that can deliver unreliable results. 

In addition, users should avoid keeping PUPs on their Mac systems or risk having their browsing activities monitored and logged. PUPs are known for harvesting data - the browsing and search history, clicked URLs, IP address of the device, ISP, geolocation and more.