Moonly Search

Moonly Search is a low-quality search engine that is associated with a browser hijacker. These unwanted components, which may affect the most popular Web browsers on the Windows operating system, are often identified as 'viruses' or 'threats' wrongly. However, the components associated with Moonly Search are not considered threatening, even if many of their symptoms may be extremely irritating. This is mainly because Moonly Search and its associated components don't represent a real threat to data or security, although they may expose a computer to other, more worrying type of content eventually. Regardless, PC security analysts recommend removing all browser hijackers associated with Moonly Search to prevent future issues with this kind of content. A good security application should be used to remove Moonly Search and ensure that the affected computer has not been exposed to more threatening intruders.

How Moonly Search Works

Many computer users have reported that their Web browser may display content associated with Moonly Search unexpectedly, as well as a large number of advertisements and pop-up content. Apart from this unwanted content, the affected Web browser's homepage and default search engine may be changed to Moonly Search automatically. Affected Web browsers may display other symptoms, including browser redirects to Moonly Search and other Web pages repeatedly. Although the content associated with Moonly Search is not considered threatening, these symptoms may make it hard to use the compromised Web browser effectively due to the constant interruptions and other problems that may be present on the affected computer. The main purpose of Moonly Search is not to provide a search service to computer users but, rather, to expose them to advertising and profit from pay-per-click advertising and affiliate marketing. Because of this, it is not a good idea to use Moonly Search for online searches or to interact with this Web page in any way.

Common Symptoms that may be Linked to Moonly Search and Its Associated Browser Hijacker

Various symptoms may be associated with Moonly Search, apart from the constant presence of this Web page on the affected web browser. These symptoms may include the following:

• Computers affected by content linked to Moonly Search may perform poorly. Computer users may observe that their Web browser may be slower than normal and unstable, and may freeze or crash frequently.
• Apart from Moonly Search, quite a lot of other content may be displayed on the affected Web browser. This may include pop-up messages and advertisements.
• Computer users may observe that their Web browser settings have been changed automatically. Altered settings may include the affected Web browser's security settings, advertising and pop-up blocking, and homepage.

How Content Linked to Moonly Search may Enter a Computer

The most common way of distributing Moonly Search is by bundling it with other software. Unscrupulous software developers may bundle Moonly Search and other unwanted content along with free programs distributed online. When computer users download this software, they also may download and install the browser hijacker, unless they opt out of its installation. However, the people responsible for these practices may make it difficult for computer users to find the choice to opt out of installing a browser hijacker on their computers. To prevent this content from being installed automatically, PC security analysts recommend reading through the installation process carefully whenever installing any new software on your computer. You should look for any 'Custom' or 'Advanced' installation options since these may include the option to avoid installing content associated with Moonly Search and similar browser hijackers. If the installer offers to install a Web browser extension, plug-in or another add-on, you should opt out, since these may be adware, Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) or browser hijackers.