ShinySearch

ShinySearch is a hoax search engine that is being promoted through a browser hijacker application, a popular tactic used to spread hoax engines. Most users may not have even realized that such an application is being installed on their Mac devices. After all, browser hijackers are spread through deceptive marketing techniques predominantly. The most widely used method is called 'bundling.' The undesired application's installation is injected under the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' options of another freeware product. Browser hijackers can also lurk inside fake software installers/updaters. The reliance on such underhanded tactics classifies this type of apps as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs).

Once established onto the user's Mac, ShinySearch will take control over the Web browser's settings. The usual homepage, new tab/window page, and the default search engine will be modified to open the address of the ShinySearch search engine. Fake engines cannot produce any results by themselves and instead redirect the conducted search queries to a legitimate engine such as Yahoo, Bing, Google. Hoax engines on the other hand can display results but they are generally considered unreliable, as they will most likely include sponsored advertisements or links unrelated to the specific terms of the search.

Most PUPs are also equipped with data-collecting capabilities. The user's browsing habits could then be tracked, logged, and uploaded to a remote server. The PUP could collect the search history, visited websites, clicks URLs, and even some device details including the IP address, geolocation, ISP, etc.

If you notice any signs of activity that could be attributed to ShinySearch or any other PUP, it is recommended to scan your system with a reputable anti-malware product as soon as possible.