Planty-search
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.
| Ranking: | 6,968 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 693 |
| First Seen: | September 21, 2022 |
| Last Seen: | September 17, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
Planty-Search is a browser extension that promises to provide users with multiple, convenient features. Indeed, the application tells users that it will modify their Web browser to be space themed, as well as give users the ability to search the Web directly from the new tab, something that has been a basic feature of any modern Web browser for years now…
More importantly, according to analysis performed by infosec researchers, Planty-Search displayed several characteristics associated with browser hijacker applications. Once installed, the application will modify important browser settings, as a way to promote its own search engine at 'planty-search.com.'
Users should be warned that browser hijackers are commonly used as a way to generate artificial traffic for a fake search engine. Fake engines hijack users' search queries and redirect them to other sources. As a result, users may see results from a legitimate engine or risk being shown results filled with sponsored advertisements taken from dubious search engines.
Browser hijackers, adware, and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) also are notorious for carrying data-tracking capabilities. While such applications are installed on their devices, users may have their browsing history, search history, IP address, geolocation, device type, browser type, and even account credentials or other sensitive information harvested and transmitted to a remote server.
