Search.basicgeneration.com

Search.basicgeneration.com is a bogus search engine that is being promoted by Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) that function as adware or browser hijackers ( such as ExecutiveOperation). The goal is to drive artificial traffic to the promoted address. Fake search engines such as this one cannot provide any search results on their own as they simply lack that functionality. Instead, they redirect the user's searches through a legitimate search engine. Search.basicgeneration.com will redirect to either Google or Yahoo depending on the geolocation of the specific user.

The applications used to promote this address carry significant risks if they are allowed to stay present on the user's computer. Adware can inject sponsored advertisements into the list of search results that could be leading to dubious or compromised third-party websites. If the application is a browser hijacker, it will modify certain settings of the user's browser such as the homepage, new page tab, and the default search engine to open the Search.basicgeneration.com address. The application will prevent the settings from being changed back to their original state. Furthermore, most browser hijackers collect and then exfiltrate various data gathered from the computer they are installed on. Data such as browsing history, visited websites, search history, and even IP address, geolocation and ISP.

It is recommended to perform a scan of your computer with a professional anti-malware solution as soon as possible after noticing any redirects to Search.basicgeneration.com.