CharacterVirtualSearch
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.
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 6 |
| First Seen: | August 2, 2021 |
| Last Seen: | May 25, 2022 |
CharacterVirtualSearch is another devious application that tries to sneak its way onto users' Mac devices, and then generate money for its creators through intrusive and disruptive means. More specifically, the application can act as both adware and a browser hijacker. Usually, users would be extremely unlikely to allow such an application to be downloaded and installed on their Macs willingly.
That is why PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) such as CharacterVirtualSearch resorts to questionable distribution methods, designed to hide their presence. In fact, infosec researchers have confirmed that the application is being injected into fake installers that claim to be for Adobe Flash Player
If CharacterVirtualSearch has managed to enter the user's Mac successfully, it will waste no time. The affected device will be flooded by annoying and unwanted advertisements that could diminish any attempts to browse the Internet severely. However, more importantly, the advertisements could lead to threatening or risky websites. It is not uncommon for users who engage with the shown advertisements to be redirected to phishing pages, sites promoting suspicious software or running fake giveaways.
Simultaneously with the ad campaign, ChracterVirtualSearch also will impact the user's Web browsers. The application will modify several of the browser's settings including the homepage, new tab page and default search engine. Afterward, whenever users launch the affected browsers, open a new tab, or start a search via the URL bar, they will be redirected to the promoted site, typically a fake search engine.
Keep in mind that fake engines lack the functionality to generate results. This means that users could be shown results delivered from untrustworthy search engines. It is not unlikely for the displayed results to include unrelated sponsored advertisements or links to shady websites.
