OriginType
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 1,116 |
| First Seen: | September 20, 2021 |
| Last Seen: | September 20, 2023 |
OriginType is a browser hijacker application targeting Mac users. The goal of the application is to sneakily install itself onto the Mac, without attracting any attention, and then take over the user's Web browsers. Applications of this type typically affect the homepage, new page tab, and the default search engine of the browser and set them to open a promoted page. As a result, whenever users simply launch the browser, open a new tab, or start a search via the URL bar, it would open the promoted address immediately.
Not surprisingly, the address promoted by OriginType - search.5k8zh0i.com, belongs to a fake search engine. Fake engines are incapable of producing any results on their own. Whenever users initiate a search, it will be redirected to another engine. This may be a legitimate one, such as Yahoo, Bing, and Chrome or a dubious engine delivering inaccurate results.
Understandably, users are extremely unlikely to intentionally install an application such as OriginType on their Macs. That is why browser hijackers, adware, and other PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) are typically spread through deceitful methods, including bundling and fake software installers.
Another serious red flag associated with having a PUP present on your computer or device is the possibility of the application having data-tracking capabilities. The intrusive program may be spying on users' browsing activities and collecting information such as the entire browsing history, all clicked links, and each Web search. At the same time, numerous device details also may be collected and transmitted to the PUP's operators - IP address, geolocation, browser type, ISP and more. It is strongly recommended to remove OriginType and any other PUP lurking on your Mac, as soon as possible.
