Mystart.space

Mystart.space is a browser hijacker paired with a search platform that comes in different versions apart from its original name, specifically Find.mystart.space and Mystart.space/search. Their purpose is to provide search services on three websites with slightly different looks. The platform appears to be owned by the Aztec Media Inc. From that, researchers deduced that Mystart.space is associated with the Safeforsearch.net parasite. This rogue search platform was registered back on the 5th of February in 2016. The tool has had some time to grow in popularity, with people from France, Germany, the United States, the UK, and even India is among its top users. Mystart.space is associated with an ad-supported browser extension in the Google Chrome Store that may change the new tab page to an offline page that reroutes and shows results through the Mystart.space website.

The Mystart.space Google extension also asks for permissions to read and change all user data on visited sites, as well as to read and change their browsing history. The software can be granted these permissions, which will allow it to change settings on the browser of affected users. The homepage settings can be replaced, as well as the default search engine provider, built in the search box of the search engines and so forth will be changed as well. The Terms and Conditions of Mystart.space state that Aztec carries no responsibility for any damages or losses caused by their product. The search platform also makes it clear there will be sponsored sources among its search results.The FTC disclosure of the tool states:

'MyStart.Space has a material relationship with many of the companies whose links appear in our search results pages. Specifically, our search results pages occasionally contain affiliate links, which means that we receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking. The order of the search results are in no way impacted by this arrangement. We do not endorse the products, services, or companies listed in the results.'