BetterSearch Default Search
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: | 6,929 |
Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
Infected Computers: | 235 |
First Seen: | January 25, 2019 |
Last Seen: | September 23, 2023 |
OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The BetterSearch Default Search browser extension is created to promote and generate artificial traffic towards a sponsored page specifically. This means that it falls into the browser hijacker category, and users are advised not to keep it on their computers. Adware and browser hijackers also are typically considered PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs), due to the heavy reliance on questionable tactics, such as shady software bundles or fake installers as part of their distribution.
The invasive nature of the BetterSearch Default Search will become evident the moment the application is fully installed on the system. Users will notice that several important browser settings have suddenly been changed to open an unfamiliar address. In the case of this particular browser hijacker, it affects the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine. All three settings will now begin opening the better-search.xyz address. While installed on the system, BetterSearch Default Search will safeguard the changes it made, and prevent users from restoring the settings to their previous states.
The promoted page is yet another fake search engine, meaning that it cannot generate search results on its own. The user's search queries will be taken from the legitimate Bing search engine. However, keep in mind that most fake search engines could display different behaviors based on a combination of factors and could show users results taken from dubious sources.
Another risk associated with PUPs and browser hijackers is the possibility of these applications having data-tracking functionalities. In most cases, the targeted information includes the entire browsing history, search history, clicked URLs, IP address, geolocation and more. However, it is also possible for the PUP to try and extract sensitive banking or payment data that has been saved into the affected browsers.