Gotosearchnow Browser Extension

The Go To Search Now has been classified as a browser hijacker application. Such dubious applications are created for the sole purpose of generating artificial traffic towards a promoted address. Indeed, once the application is installed, your Web browser's homepage and search engine will be the gotosearchnow.com address. In addition, the dubious application may also attempt to append the argument http://gotosearchnow.com to random Windows shortcuts on the desktop of the device or the Windows Start Menu. It should be noted that browser hijackers are rarely installed by users intentionally.

The Gotosearchnow Browser Hijackers Performs Various Intrusive Functions

The installation of a browser hijacker app on users' devices can have a cascade of disruptive consequences that compromise the overall user experience. Once infiltrated, the hijacker tends to assert control over the browser, altering fundamental settings without the user's consent. This typically involves changes to the homepage, search engine preferences and the new tab page. In this case, the intrusive application will set those settings to open gotosearchnow.com.

In most cases, the addresses promoted through such questionable means operate as fake search engines. This means that they lack the necessary functionality to deliver search results on their own. Instead, they will take the initiated search query and redirect it to other destinations. These may include legitimate search engines (Bing, Google, etc.) or less trustworthy ones that could display unreliable search results filled with sponsored advertisements.

Furthermore, browser hijackers are notorious for tracking and collecting user data, which only exacerbates the privacy concerns they cause. By monitoring online activities, including browsing history and search queries, the hijackers jeopardize the confidentiality of certain personal information. This invasive data collection not only undermines user privacy but can also lead to potential security risks.

Attempting to undo the changes imposed by a browser hijacker could prove to be a challenging task for users. Restoring default settings and eliminating unwanted extensions often requires technical expertise, leaving many users frustrated and compelled to seek assistance.

Always Pay Attention When Installing Applications from New or Unfamiliar Sources

Browser hijackers are commonly distributed through a variety of questionable tactics and methods, exploiting vulnerabilities and deceptive strategies to infiltrate users' systems. Here is an overview of some prevalent distribution methods employed by browser hijackers:

• Bundled Software Installations: Browser hijackers often come bundled with seemingly legitimate software downloads. Users may inadvertently install the hijacker while installing a different program if they don't carefully review the installation process and uncheck unwanted additional components.
•  Deceptive Software Updates: Fraudulent actors may mimic software update prompts, tricking users into downloading and installing what appears to be a legitimate update. In reality, these updates contain the browser hijacker along with the purported improvements.
•  Dubious Email Attachments: Browser hijackers can be distributed through email attachments, particularly in phishing emails. Users may unknowingly download and execute the hijacker when accessing attachments or clicking on links within unsafe emails.
•  Misleading Advertisements: Malvertising involves placing fraudulent advertisements on legitimate websites. Clicking on these deceptive advertisements may lead to the installation of browser hijackers. Such advertisements may entice users with fake software updates or offers.
•  Fake Browser Extensions and Add-ons: Fraud-related actors create artificial browser extensions or add-ons that appear to offer useful functionalities. Users may unknowingly install these extensions, which then act as hijackers by modifying browser settings.
•  Social Engineering Tactics: Social engineering techniques are often employed to trick users into voluntarily installing browser hijackers. This may involve persuasive messages, fake alerts, or misleading prompts that manipulate users into taking actions that facilitate the installation.
•  File-Sharing Networks: Browser hijackers may be distributed through peer-to-peer file-sharing networks. Users who download and install software or media from these networks may inadvertently introduce hijackers into their systems.

To protect against browser hijackers, users should exercise caution when downloading software, avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads, keep software and browsers updated and use reputable security software to detect and remove potential threats.