HelperService

HelperService is a Possibly Unwanted Program (PUP) designed to promote the fake search engine HelperService Search. This malware is installed as a browser extension or a separate program and then undertakes some specific changes in the browser settings when it infiltrates a computer. Namely, HelperService replaces the original homepage, default search engine and new tab address with HelperService Search. As a result, whenever the users open the browser, they get redirected to this questionable URL, while at the same time, all search queries also are conducted by this bogus search provider. 

Yet, since HelperService does not have the technology to deliver unique search results, it misuses some legit search engines like the Yahoo search to display a results page. In that case, the results page is filled with irrelevant and potentially unsafe sponsored links and advertisements that lead to possibly corrupted websites.

People usually do not install browser hijackers like HelperService intentionally. Such Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) are often bundled within other software's setup process or infect computers through corrupted advertisements. Typically, PUPs also have data-tracking features that harvest information about their browsing habits, search queries, IP addresses and other sensitive personal data. Because of these functionalities, an infection with HelperService can have severe consequences for users' online privacy; therefore, experts recommend deleting this program as soon as possible.