Threat Database Adware CapitalSearchEngine

CapitalSearchEngine

Another dubious application aimed at Mac users, CapitalSearchEngine is capable of acting as both adware and a browser hijacker. It also is classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) due to the questionable methods involved in its distribution. After all, it is extremely unlikely for users to download and install such applications willingly. That is why PUPs are usually hiding inside the installation settings of other software products in a scheme known as bundling or being injected into fake installers.

However, once inside the Mac, CapitalSearchEngine will make its presence known almost immediately. The application will start flooding the system with intrusive advertisements, resulting in a severely diminished browsing experience. Furthermore, the generated advertisements should not be trusted. They may employ manipulative or social-engineering tactics to lure users into engaging with them. Afterward, the ads could redirect to suspicious scam websites, phishing pages, shady online betting platforms, etc.

The browser hijacker functionality of the application is tasked with generating artificial traffic towards the promoted CapitalSearchEngine Search address. It does so by modifying the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine settings of the user's Web browsers. The promoted page is a fake search engine incapable of producing any results on its own. Instead, the user's search queries will be redirected through a legitimate engine, such as Yahoo.

Users should be warned that keeping such PUP on their Macs could lead to their browsing activities being tracked, packaged, and then transmitted to a remote server. This is a common functionality observed in most applications of this type. That is why it may be for the best to use a professional security solution to completely clean your Mac from such suspicious items.

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