Star-search.xyz

The Star-search.xyz has been associated with the activities of intrusive browser hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). These annoying applications are often packaged alongside more desirable software products in a tactic known as software bundles. They also could be spread around via fake installers/updates. The goal is to infiltrate the user's computer without attracting any attention.

However, the consequences of having a browser hijacker on the device would become obvious almost immediately. Users will notice that their Web browsers are no longer behaving as usual. Instead, various unwanted redirects to unfamiliar addresses, such as star-search.xyz, would start to occur. After all, the vast majority of browser hijackers will modify the browser's homepage, new tab page and default search engine.

The promoted page is likely to belong to a fake search engine. Such engines are not designed to produce results on their own. Instead, the entered search queries will be redirected to a different engine. As such, users could be presented with results generated by legitimate sources, such as Yahoo, Bing or Google, or untrustworthy engines showing low-quality results filled with sponsored ads. In addition, the PUP could be harvesting various information from the device. The targeted data may include browsing-related information, device details, or even sensitive account and banking credentials extracted from the affected browsers.