Search-great.com

Safeguarding your device from intrusive programs is essential. Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) often disguise themselves as useful tools but may disrupt your browsing experience and compromise your privacy. One such example is My Horoscope Pro, an extension that functions as a browser hijacker to promote the dubious search engine Search-great.com. Understanding how such threats operate is crucial in maintaining a secure and hassle-free browsing experience.

Search-great.com: A Dubious Search Engine with No Real Benefits

Infosec researchers have analyzed Search-great.com and found that it does not provide original search results. Instead, it redirects users to well-known search providers like Bing or Yahoo, often through additional intermediary sites such as myhoroscopepro.com. While Bing and Yahoo are legitimate search engines, Search-great.com does not offer any actual functionality, making its presence in a user's browser unnecessary and potentially disruptive.

Beyond its lack of functionality, Search-great.com is promoted through intrusive browser hijackers, such as My Horoscope Pro, which alters browser settings without explicit user consent. These alterations may make it challenging to restore previous preferences, leaving users stuck with an unwanted search engine.

How Browser Hijackers Promote Dubious Search Engines

Browser hijackers like My Horoscope Pro modify browser settings to drive traffic to dubious search engines. This includes changing the default homepage, search engine, and new tab page to Search-great.com. Users who attempt to search online are often funneled through multiple redirects before landing on a legitimate search engine, all while their browsing activity is being monitored.

Additionally, browser hijackers may introduce intrusive advertisements and pop-ups, leading users to potentially harmful websites. This interference not only affects browsing efficiency but could also expose users to misleading offers, scam pages, and phishing attempts.

The Privacy Risks of Search-great.com

Fake search engines such as Search-great.com often track user activity, collecting data on browsing habits, search queries, and even IP addresses. This data may be used for earmarked advertising or sold to intermediaries without the user's consent or knowledge. Such data collection practices pose significant privacy risks, potentially leading to increased exposure to spam, personalized scam attempts, or other unwanted online interactions.

Moreover, the inability to control which websites users are redirected to means they could inadvertently land on harmful pages containing misleading content, fraudulent schemes, or downloads that may further compromise their security.

Questionable Distribution Tactics Used by PUPs

PUPs and browser hijackers often rely on deceptive distribution tactics to infiltrate users' devices. Some of the most common methods include:

• Bundled Software Installations: PUPs frequently come packaged with free software downloads. Users who rush through installation processes without reviewing the terms or selecting custom settings may unknowingly allow these unwanted programs onto their devices.
• Misleading Advertisements and Pop-ups: Fake updates, download prompts, and deceptive ads may trick users into installing browser hijackers like My Horoscope Pro.
• Fake Browser Extensions: Some users may install an extension believing it offers useful features—such as daily horoscopes—only to find that it hijacks their browser settings instead.
• Redirects from Suspicious Websites: Untrustworthy Web pages may push aggressive prompts encouraging users to install extensions, often using deceptive wording to make it seem necessary for access to content or improved browsing functionality.

By understanding these tactics, users can be more vigilant and cautious when installing software, avoiding interactions with questionable sites, and verifying the legitimacy of browser extensions before adding them.

How to Regain Control of Your Browser

If a browser hijacker promoting Search-great.com is already active, users should take steps to remove any associated extensions. Checking the browser's settings and removing unfamiliar add-ons is a crucial first step. Additionally, resetting browser configurations to default may help restore standard functionality and eliminate unwanted changes.

Avoiding similar threats in the future requires careful attention when installing new programs and browser extensions. Users should always opt for official sources when downloading software, review permissions before adding extensions, and be wary of misleading advertisements and sudden redirects.

By staying informed and cautious, users can protect their browsing experience from intrusive threats and maintain better control over their online security.