Searchinglive.net

Searchlive.net is a dubious search engine that is being promoted via a browser hijacker application. If your browser is opening this address constantly, then the PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) has already managed to install itself on your computer or device. PUPs are known for relying on deceptive tactics for their distribution. Two of the most commonly encountered are bundling where the intruder application is packaged alongside a far more desirable product and fake software installers/updaters.

Once deployed on the device, Searchinglive.net will assume control over the user's Web browsers. The PUP will modify the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine settings specifically. While the browser hijacker is present on the system, it will keep reinstating its promoted address to these settings whenever users try to revert them to their previous states. Other examples of browser hijackers include Ecp.yusercontent.com, Srcbar.com and SkilledDeskSearch.

The fake engines typically promoted via browser hijacker applications are incapable of generating any search results. The search queries will instead be redirected through a legitimate engine, such as Yahoo, Bing or Google. Another common behavior is for the fake engine to start a redirect chain that goes through several other dubious engines.

However, users have more things to worry about, mainly the possibility of the PUP spying on their browsing activities. These intrusive applications are known for having such data-harvesting capabilities. The information they go after includes the entire browsing history, search history, clicked links, IP address, geolocation, browser type and more. The transmitted data can then be exploited in a variety of ways, depending on the specific goals of the PUP's operators.