CustomSearch
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: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 1 |
| First Seen: | December 2, 2022 |
| Last Seen: | December 4, 2022 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
CustomSearch is a questionable browser extension that has been classified as a browser hijacker. Applications of this type are typically used as a way to generate artificial traffic and promote a sponsored Web address. To achieve their purpose, browser hijackers may impact several, important browser settings, such as the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine. However, an analysis of CustomSearch has confirmed that it modifies only the browser's default search engine.
To mask the change, the application will display the new address under the name of the legitimate Bing search engine in the affected browser's setting. In reality, whenever users initiate a search query via the URL tab of their browsers, it will instead be redirected to either nseext.info or customsear.ch. Both addresses are fake search engines that cannot produce results by themselves. After another redirect, users will be presented with results taken from Bing. However, the exact destination of the redirects may vary, based on certain factors - the user's IP address, geolocation and possibly others.
Adware, browser hijackers, and other PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) also could carry additional, intrusive features. Many of these applications monitor the users' browsing activities and collect device details. The obtained information may regularly be transmitted to the operators of the specific PUP.
Registry Details
Directories
CustomSearch may create the following directory or directories:
| %appdata%\customsearch |
