IndexerService

IndexerService is a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) that has two purposes: to display advertisements and promote a bogus search engine. Due to its functionalities, the application is classified as an adware and browser hijacker simultaneously. Applications like IndexerService are typically distributed through deceptive methods, like bundling them into other popular programs or freeware installers. Their operators reach out to such questionable channels as users would rarely download and install these applications knowingly.

Advertising content displayed by IndexerService can be designed to open phishing pages, download pages for other similarly questionable applications, various online tactics, and many other potentially threatening services. Also, pop-ups generated by IndexerService may contain scripts that download or install unwanted applications without the user’s notice.

IndexerService also promotes a fake search engine. It achieves that goal by hijacking the Web browser and modifying its settings. These modifications affect the homepage, the new tab page, and the default search engine, which are all replaced with the address of the promoted false search engine. Such fake search machines deliver some results; however, they are usually misleading and filled with sponsored links that redirect to unsafe websites. Most PUAs have other unsafe features, like collecting sensitive user details and browsing history. Thus, IndexerService represents a severe threat to the online safety of affected users.