Download Converter Free
The Download Converter Free promises to do it all - it is supposed to provide users with convenient access to relevant news, the most popular shopping sites, and useful services that can convert files from one format to another. Going solely by the application's description, it sounds quite impressive definitely. Unfortunately, reality turns out to be a bit different, as Download Converter Free's main purpose is to act as a browser hijacker promoting a fake search engine.
Keep in mind that you may not even realize that the application is being installed on your computer. Browser hijackers, after all, do not use the normal distribution channels. Instead, they rely on underhanded tactics such as bundling or disguising themselves as installers/updaters for other, more popular software products. The Download Converter Free is not an exception, and that is why it also is classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program).
The application is used as a vehicle for the promotion of its own address - downloadconverterfree.com. Users will notice that their Web browser has started going to this page wherever the browsers are started, when a new tab is opened, or when a search query is initiated via the URL field. Indeed, opening the settings of the affected browser will reveal that the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine have all been modified. While the PUP is present in the system, it may prevent users from restoring these settings to their original states.
As we said earlier, the promoted address belongs to a fake search engine. Fake engines cannot produce any results on their own. They function by taking the user's search queries and redirecting them through a legitimate engine. Downloadconverterfree.com is not an exception as it redirects to Yahoo.
Users should avoid keeping PUPs on their computers. These applications are notorious for having data-tracking routines. They may try to access the entire browsing history, all of the user's searches, and each clicked link. However, that may not be all, as the collected data also may include device details such as IP address and geolocation. In the most severe cases, the PUPs also may try to collect sensitive information from the browser, such as payment details or debit/credit card numbers.
