Mobilisearch.com

Examinations conducted by cybersecurity researchers have conclusively identified mobilisearch.com (also observed as mobility-search.com) as a fraudulent search engine. Moreover, this deceptive search engine is actively promoted through untrustworthy, intrusive, and potentially unsafe browser extensions. The common method employed to coerce users into utilizing such search engines is through a tactic known as browser hijacking. It is strongly discouraged to place trust in mobilisearch.com or any applications designed to hijack browsers due to the associated risks and potential security threats. Users should exercise caution and avoid engaging with these deceptive elements to safeguard their online security and privacy.

Mobilisearch.com Causes Unwanted Redirects to Other Destinations

Using mobilisearch.com results in users being further redirected to bing.com, ask.com, or search.yahoo.com, with the redirect chain frequently including mobility-search.com as well. Essentially, mobilisearch.com redirects users to mobility-search.com, which subsequently redirects them to one of the mentioned search engines. Notably, mobilisearch.com itself fails to generate any search results, classifying it as a deceptive and counterfeit search engine.

The use of fake search engines poses significant threats to user privacy, as they may engage in the unauthorized collection and tracking of user data without explicit consent, thereby jeopardizing sensitive information. Additionally, relying on fake search engines could lead to a subpar browsing experience characterized by users encountering numerous irrelevant advertisements or being redirected to undesirable Web pages.

Furthermore, it is crucial to highlight that mobilisearch.com is propagated through unsafe browser extensions, classified as browser hijackers. Browser hijackers are undesirable applications that manipulate Web browser settings without user consent, redirecting users to unwanted websites or altering default settings such as the search engine, homepage and others. In addition to compromising user privacy, browser hijackers may harvest various forms of user data, including browsing history, search queries, website visits, IP addresses, geolocation information and even personal details.

This unauthorized data collection is often conducted without the user's awareness or consent. It can be exploited for targeted advertising, user profiling or potentially sold to third parties for fraudulent purposes.

Always Pay Attention When Installing Applications from Unproven Sources

Adware and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) often employ shady distribution tactics to slip their installations unnoticed onto users' devices. Here are some common techniques used by these unwanted software types:

• Bundled Software Installers: Adware and PUPs are frequently bundled with legitimate software downloads. Users might unknowingly install adware or PUPs alongside a desired program if they do not carefully read the terms and conditions during the installation process. The bundled software may be presented as optional, and users may inadvertently accept its installation.
•  Deceptive Advertising: Adware and PUPs can be disguised as legitimate software or advertised through deceptive pop-ups, banners, or download links on websites. Users may be tricked into thinking they are downloading a useful application or update when, in reality, they are installing unwanted software.
•  Fake System Alerts: Some adware and PUPs use fake system alerts that claim the user's system is infected or outdated. To resolve the supposed issue, users are prompted to download and install a suggested program, which turns out to be an adware or a PUP.
•  Software Updates: Adware and PUPs may disguise themselves as legitimate software updates or security patches. Users who believe they are enhancing their system's security might unknowingly install unwanted programs.
•  Social Engineering: Some adware and PUPs use social engineering techniques, such as fake surveys, quizzes, or enticing offers, to lure users into downloading and installing the software. Users may be enticed by promises of free software, discounts or other seemingly attractive offers.
•  File-Sharing Platforms: Adware and PUPs may be distributed through Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing platforms. Users downloading files from these platforms might inadvertently install unwanted software and the intended content.

Users should exercise caution when downloading and installing software to avoid falling victim to these shady distribution tactics. Reading software installation prompts thoroughly is crucial, as choosing custom or advanced installation options to review bundled software and downloading software only from reputable sources. Additionally, keeping anti-malware software up-to-date can help detect and prevent the installation of adware and PUPs.