PDFSearchio

PDFSearchio is a browser-hijacker application capable of attacking nearly all of the popular browsers - Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer. Applications such as PDFSearchio usually sneak their way onto the user's computer either by promising some useful features that turn out to be barely functioning or being bundled as part of the installation process of another more popular free application. Due to the second distribution method's unethical nature, PDFSearchio also is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP).

Once it is installed successfully, PDFSearchio starts executing its one true goal - the generation of traffic towards a fake search engine. It takes over the user's browser and modifies some of its default settings - mainly the homepage, new page tab and the default search browser. PDFSearchio sets all three to redirect to feed.pdfsearchio.com. This fake search engine cannot conduct search queries on its own, and instead, it uses search.yahoo.com to do its job.

Users should note that PDFSearchio is monitoring their browsing habits and logging the data. The application can access details such as IP addresses and geolocation, as well as track the visited URLs and any search queries typed in the browser. If you notice that your browser is being redirected to feed.pdfsearchio.com suddenly, it is recommended to take the appropriate actions and remove this application as soon as possible.