Rapid Search Browser Extension
Cybersecurity researchers have confirmed that the Rapid Search browser extension actually operates as a browser hijacker. The extension takes control of a user's web browser by modifying several of its settings. The goal is to drive artificial traffic and promote the prosearchsolutionz.com address, which is a search engine of questionable quality.
As a result, experts recommend that users avoid using the Rapid Search browser extension and its associated search engine to prevent any potential negative impacts on their system's security and privacy. By avoiding this extension, users can ensure that their web browsing experience is safe and secure without any risks of their data being compromised.
Browser Hijackers Like Rapid Search can Perform Various Intrusive Actions
The Rapid Search is an application that claims to provide quick and efficient searches for the best web search experience. However, it enforces users to utilize prosearchsolutionz.com as their default search engine and sets it as the new tab page and homepage.
It appears that prosearchsolutionz.com is an unreliable or fake search engine. Using such search engines may redirect users to websites that contain harmful or questionable content. Moreover, such fake search engines might track users' online activities and gather their personal information, including login credentials, financial data, and browsing history, which can be utilized for fraudulent purposes like identity theft. Additionally, they may lack robust privacy policies and may sell or share users' personal data with third-party companies without their consent.
Another reason why it is not advisable to trust prosearchsolutionz.com is that it can provide irrelevant or inaccurate search results, resulting in wasted time and frustration for users.
PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Browser Hijackers Utilize Questionable Distribution Tactics
PUPs and browser hijackers are types of intrusive and dubious that utilize various deceptive tactics to gain access to a user's system.
One of the tactics employed by these programs is the use of software bundling. They are bundled with legitimate software applications that users download and install on their devices, thereby gaining access to the user's system without their knowledge or consent. Once installed, they modify the user's browser settings to redirect web traffic to specific websites, pop up unwanted ads, or collect user data.
Another tactic is through fake software updates, where users are deceived into installing PUPs or browser hijackers disguised as a software updates. This method is especially effective since users tend to trust software update prompts, leading them to install unwanted software unknowingly.
In addition, PUPs and browser hijackers may utilize social engineering tactics such as fake error messages, alerts, and warnings to scare or persuade users to install software that is harmful to their system. For instance, users may be prompted to install a supposed anti-malware program to remove a non-existent virus from their system.
In summary, PUPs and browser hijackers use deceptive tactics such as software bundling, fake software updates, social engineering, and malicious websites to gain access to a user's system and compromise their security.
