ConverterCoolSearch
ConverterCoolSearch is an intrusive application dedicated to the promotion of a fake search engine. Applications of this type are rarely distributed normally. Instead, they rely on various underhanded tactics to avoid their installation being noticed by the users. Some examples of these methods include shady software bundles or fake installers/updates. The fact that the application is heavily reliant on such questionable methods, justifies its classification as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Programs). Its functionality, on the other hand, puts it into the browser hijacker category.
These annoying applications are capable of establishing control over users' Web browsers and changing several important settings. In most cases, the homepage, the new tab page, and the default search engine will all be affected. The browser hijacker will set all three settings to now open a promoted page. In this case, the PUP generates artificial traffic towards the converterscoolsearch.com fake search engine.
Fake engines are classified as such, due to their inability to deliver any results on their own. Any searches initiated via the affected browsers will first be redirected to the promoted address and then further pushed to other engines. Depending on factors, such as the specific IP address, geolocation, browser type, etc., the conducted search may be taken to a legitimate engine, such as search.yahoo.com. However, convertercoolsearch.com also has been observed to redirect to the dubious engine nearbyme.io, which could mean that users will receive search results that could include unrelated advertisements or promoted links.
PUPs could cause additional security risks as well. Most of these applications possess at least some degree of data-collection functionality. While present on the system, the applications might be spying on the user's browsing activities, accessing numerous device details, and, in some cases, even trying to extract sensitive information (banking details, credit/debit card details, account credentials, and more) from the installed browsers.
