PDFConverterSearchHQ

Having a good PDF converter application can always come in handy. Unfortunately, this functionality is oftentimes used by unscrupulous fraudsters to peddle various browser hijackers or Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). One of these applications is PDFConverterSearchHQ.

Despite what features it may boast of having, the main purpose of PDFConverterSearchHQ is to drive artificial traffic to the fake search engine at feed.pdfconvertersearchhq.com by taking over certain browser settings. More specifically, once installed, either willingly or not, PDFConverterSearchHQ will modify the default search engine, the homepage, the new page tab, and open the promoted address. As a consequence, every time the affected browser is started, a new page is opened, or a search is conducted, it will generate traffic for feed.pdfconvertersearchhq.com immediately.

On its own, however, the promoted search engine is useless completely, as it simply lacks the ability to provide any search results. Instead, every search initiated by the users is redirected through a legitimate search engine - search.yahoo.com.

No matter how useful some browser hijackers may appear to be, it is strongly recommended to remove them as soon as possible. There are multiple reasons for this decision. Most browser hijackers prevent users from simply opening their browser's 'Settings' menu and removing the changes manually. Furthermore, specific data may be monitored and logged with browser hijackers being known to track which websites are visited, URLs clicked or what searches are conducted. The system's IP address, ISP, or geolocation also could be tracked.