PDFFreeSearch

Despite its claims, PDFFreeSearch is just another browser hijacker used as a vehicle for the promoting of fake search engines. Indeed, users affected by this dubious application will notice that their Web browsers are now opening an unfamiliar new address - pdffreesearch.com.

The explanation for this is quite simple, as the browser hijacker application has taken control of the browser's settings. More specifically, the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine. Afterward, every time the user launches the affected browsers, opens a new tab, or decides to search something via the URL bar, it will generate artificial traffic towards the promoted address.

Users should know that browser hijackers are rarely being distributed through the usual methods. These dubious applications instead rely on questionable schemes such as bundling to hide their installation from the user's attention. That is why they are also classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs), and PDFFreeSearch is not an exception.

Fake engines typically cannot generate any results on their own. However, the user's search may be redirected through a legitimate engine, search.yahoo.com in this case. A far more risky possibility is for the fake engine to redirect to a dubious one. Indeed, PDFFreeSearch has been observed to cause redirects to nearbyme.io, a shady engine that delivers low-quality results potentially filled with sponsored advertisements.

Fake engines and PUPs in general also are known for spying on the user's browsing activities. Information, including all clicked links, visited sites, and conducted searches may be siphoned, packaged, and then transmitted to a server under the control of the PUP's operators.