Qikc.xyz

The qikc.xyz address belongs to a fake search engine. Users can land on it either through another dubious search engine (searchgg.xyz) or as a result of having a browser hijacker application installed on their systems. The use of browser hijackers is an extremely common practice when it comes to promoting fake search engines. So far, infosec researchers have identified two different applications named APP and CERX that promote qikc.xyz. Many users may have failed to realize that additional applications are being installed on their computers due to the misleading distribution tactics employed by browser hijackers. This particular behavior also classifies these applications as Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs).

If either APP or CERX manages to invade the user's computer, it will establish control over the Web browser and modify several of its settings immediately. The homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine will be set to open the qikc.xyz address. Fake engines are incapable of producing meaningful search results on their own. Instead, they will redirect the user's search queries to another legitimate engine such as Yahoo, Bing or Chrome. 

Furthermore, fake engines and PUPs are known for spying on the browsing activities performed on the affected system. Users risk having their browsing history, search history, clicked URLs, device geolocation, IP address, etc. collected, packaged and sent to a remote server. The operators of the PUP could then try to abuse the received data or sell it to interested parties.