SerachMates

After a thorough examination, it was determined that an application named SerachMates functions as an intrusive browser hijacker, previously recognized under Weebseeker. This untrustworthy application aims to endorse a counterfeit search engine located at finditfasts.com by forcefully altering critical browser settings. In light of these discoveries, it is strongly advised that users refrain from placing trust in both SerachMates and finditfasts.com, as they pose potential risks to users' online security and browsing experience.

SerachMates Forces Users to Visit a Promoted Page by Taking Over Their Web Browsers

Once SerachMates (previously known as Weebseeker) hijacks a browser, users find themselves directed to finditfasts.com whenever they attempt to conduct searches or open a new browsing tab. This redirection occurs because SerachMates alters the default settings of the browser, setting finditfasts.com as both the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. However, upon investigation, researchers have discovered that finditfasts.com fails to generate search results.

Instead of providing genuine search results, finditfasts.com redirects users to boyu.com.tr, a questionable search engine known for delivering its own search outcomes. It's crucial to note that such search engines often prioritize displaying sponsored or low-quality websites rather than reputable and relevant sources. This can result in the promotion of misinformation, scams, or fraudulent websites within search results.

Furthermore, both boyu.com.tr and finditfasts.com may unlawfully collect users' search queries, browsing histories, and other personal data without obtaining users' consent. This harvested data may then be sold to third parties for personalized advertising or other purposes, posing significant privacy risks to users. Therefore, it is strongly advised against using such dubious search engines.

It's important to highlight that browser hijackers like SerachMates can make it challenging for users to revert to their preferred browser settings. In such scenarios, users may need to employ security tools specifically designed to remove browser hijackers, enabling them to regain control over their browsing experience and safeguard their privacy and security.

An additional noteworthy aspect of SerachMates is its capability to enable the "Managed by your organization" setting within browsers. While typically used by administrators and organizations to enforce policies across browsers on multiple devices, when exploited by a browser hijacker, this setting can restrict access to certain web pages, prevent users from adding specific extensions, and limit users' control over their browsers in various ways.

Uses Rarely Install PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Browser Hijackers Knowingly

Users are typically unlikely to install browser hijackers and PUPs due to several reasons knowingly:

• Deceptive Distribution Tactics: Browser hijackers and PUPs are often bundled with legitimate software downloads or distributed through misleading advertisements. Users may unintentionally install them while downloading or installing desired software without realizing the additional programs being included.
• Misleading Promises: Some browser hijackers and PUPs are disguised as useful tools or offer enticing features, such as performance optimization or enhanced browsing experience. Users may be misled into installing these programs based on false promises or exaggerated claims.
• Confusing Installation Processes: During software installation, users may encounter complex or unclear installation processes that obscure the presence of bundled browser hijackers or PUPs. These programs may be pre-selected for installation by default, and users may inadvertently agree to their installation without fully understanding the consequences.
• Lack of Awareness: Many users may not be familiar with the concept of browser hijackers and PUPs or may not recognize the signs of a potentially unwanted program during installation. As a result, they may overlook warning signs or fail to take necessary precautions to avoid installing these programs.
• Social Engineering Tactics: Some browser hijackers and PUPs utilize social engineering tactics to trick users into installing them. This could include displaying fake security alerts or notifications that prompt users to download and install purported security software or updates, which are actually malicious programs in disguise.

Overall, users are unlikely to knowingly install browser hijackers and PUPs due to deceptive distribution tactics, misleading promises, confusing installation processes, lack of awareness, and social engineering tactics employed by these programs. As a result, users may inadvertently install these unwanted programs, leading to negative consequences such as compromised browser security, intrusive advertisements and loss of privacy.