Searchersgood.com

The website searchersgood.com has been identified as a fraudulent search engine. Users should be aware that such dubious search engines are often promoted or encountered through browser extensions that function as hijackers. These extensions are designed to alter critical browser settings, redirecting users to unwanted web pages like searchersgood.com. Cybersecurity experts strongly advise users who experience redirects to searchersgood.com to remove both the site and the related extension from their browsers.

Searchersgood.com Replaces Several Essential Browser Settings

Browser hijackers are typically designed to alter the default search engine, homepage, and new tab pages to force users to visit a specific promoted address. In this particular case, users are redirected to searchersgood.com when they open their browser or start a new tab. When a search query is entered, searchersgood.com redirects users to bing.com.

This behavior is common among fake search engines, which cannot generate their own search results. Users affected by the browser hijackers promoting searchersgood.com may also be redirected through several other dubious addresses, such as followsearcher.com or microsearchers.com, before reaching a legitimate search engine. These extensions and the search engines they promote are untrustworthy.

Using fake search engines like searchersgood.com can lead to various security risks, including exposure to phishing sites, tactics, unwanted downloads or even computer infections. These search engines may provide misleading and deceptive results or direct users to other unreliable search engines that generate untrustworthy results.

Additionally, fake search engines and the extensions that promote them are often designed to harvest user data, such as IP addresses, visited pages, browsing history, search queries, and more. They may even be capable of accessing and recording private information like passwords and credit card details.

Some browser hijackers promoting searchersgood.com exploit Chrome's "Managed by your organization" feature, which is typically used for centralized management by organizations. Hijackers misuse this feature to restrict users from accessing certain websites, modifying browser settings, or managing extensions. They may also use it to collect sensitive data and display unwanted ads.

Be Extra Careful When Installing Applications from the Internet

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) and browser hijackers often employ various deceptive distribution techniques to get installed unnoticed by users. These methods typically exploit users' lack of awareness and rely on stealth to integrate themselves into systems. Here are some common techniques they use:

• Bundling with Free Software: One of the most common distribution methods is software bundling. PUPs and browser hijackers are often included as additional components in the installation packages of legitimate free software. Users might inadvertently install these unwanted programs when they opt for the 'Default' or 'Express' installation settings, which automatically include all bundled components. The bundled software is usually disclosed in the terms and conditions, but users rarely read them thoroughly.
• Fake Software Updates: Another deceptive technique involves fake software updates. Users may encounter pop-up ads or notifications prompting them to update their web browsers, media players, or other commonly used software. These prompts often mimic legitimate update notifications but instead, install PUPs or browser hijackers.
• Misleading Advertisements and Download Buttons: PUPs and browser hijackers are often promoted through misleading advertisements and download buttons on websites. Users might click on a seemingly legitimate download link or advertisement, which then triggers the installation of unwanted software. These ads are designed to look like genuine parts of the website or application interfaces to deceive users into clicking them.
• Social Engineering Tactics: Social engineering tactics are used to trick users into voluntarily downloading and installing PUPs or browser hijackers. For example, users might receive emails or messages claiming that their computer is infected or that they need to install a particular software to view important content. These messages provoke a sense of urgency, prompting users to take immediate action without scrutinizing the source.
• Disguised as Legitimate Software: PUPs and browser hijackers are sometimes disguised as legitimate software applications. They might adopt similar names, icons, and descriptions to trusted programs, making it difficult for users to distinguish between real and fake software.

To avoid installing PUPs and browser hijackers, users should be vigilant when downloading software, always opt for 'Custom' or 'Advanced' installation settings, and regularly update their security software to protect against the latest threats.