Searchforfree.info
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: | 13,238 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 352 |
| First Seen: | March 7, 2016 |
| Last Seen: | August 1, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
Searchforfree.info is a bogus search engine that is linked to PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs), as well as to a variety of online tactics. PC security researchers have received reports of Web browsers that force computer users to view Searchforfree.info repeatedly through the use of Web browser redirects, pop-up windows, and new tabs that are opened automatically. These are all common symptoms that may be associated with these PUPs, which usually take the form of a Web browser add-on or extension. Symptoms linked to Searchforfree.info may become quite irritating, interrupting computer users with redirects and pop-ups frequently, promoting the Searchforfree.info website and its associated content. If you are experiencing symptoms that may be linked to Searchforfree.info, PC security analysts recommend the use of a reliable security program that is fully updated to remove any PUPs associated with Searchforfree.info that may be the cause of these types of symptoms.
Table of Contents
Common Issues that may be Linked to Searchforfree.info and Other Bogus Search Engines
Bogus search engines like Searchforfree.info may be used to promote known tactics and trick inexperienced computer users into clicking on advertisements and affiliate marketing content to generate profits. There are numerous issues that may be related to PUPs associated with Searchforfree.info, which may make these kinds of components more than a mild irritant. These issues may include the following:
- PUPs associated with Searchforfree.info may cause affected Web browsers to become unstable and perform poorly. These PUPs may cause a Web browser to take much longer than normal to load Web pages, as well as making it crash or freeze frequently.
- Content associated with Searchforfree.info may represent a threat to the computer user's online safety. These components may track the computer user's online searches and computer settings for use in marketing and advertising.
- Advertisements and fake search results associated with Searchforfree.info may be linked to known online tactics that may lead to numerous other problems. Some examples of tactics linked to Searchforfree.info include advertisements for fake technical support services and bogus security software.
- Searchforfree.info may be linked to pop-up advertisements, bogus error messages and notifications on the user's computer. Many of these may be used to try to trick computer users or expose them to harmful online content.
What is the Goal of Searchforfree.info
Most of the symptoms associated with Searchforfree.info, the redirects, and pop-up windows especially, may be used to expose computer users to advertising content and affiliate marketing content. Advertisements are an integral part of the Internet and necessary for keeping websites viable. However, components like PUPs and adware may abuse advertisements by forcing computer users to view them repeatedly and not giving computer users the option to avoid intrusive, irritating advertisement content. In the case of Searchforfree.info, its advertisements are disguised in the form of a fake search engine that delivers advertisements rather than legitimate search results.
How PUPs Linked to Searchforfree.info may be Installed Automatically
In most cases, PUPs associated with Searchforfree.info may be installed automatically. To do this, these PUPs may be bundled with other software. When computer users agree to install a new program, they may not notice that the program has been bundled with PUPs and other components, often because they have failed to read carefully every step of the installation process. The bundled PUP also may be hidden, with the option to opt out difficult to find or grayed out (even though it is possible to select it). Whenever possible, malware researchers recommend that computer users select the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' method when installing any new software on their computers. This may increase the likelihood of spotting unwanted bundled content such as the PUPs linked to Searchforfree.info or other types of unwanted content, such as adware or browser hijackers.
SpyHunter Detects & Remove Searchforfree.info
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