StreamTopSearch

StreamTopSearch tries to entice users with promises of faster, more accurate, and more efficient ways of finding desired streaming sites. However, when this browser extension is installed on the system, it quickly becomes apparent that its main function is that of a browser hijacker. Users will notice that their browsers have started to redirect to an unfamiliar Web address - streamtopsearch.com frequently.

The address belongs to a fake search engine that cannot produce results on its own. To generate traffic, such search engines often rely on PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) with browser hijacker capabilities. In the case of StreamTopSearch, the fake search engine will be now set as the browser's homepage, new tab page, and default search engine. Redirects to it will be triggered every time users launch the affected browser, open a new tab, or try to search directly from the browser's URL tab.

To deliver results to users, fake search engines redirect the initiated search queries to other destinations. Most take the results from legitimate sources, in this case, Yahoo. However, Streamtopsearch.com also may redirect to the dubious nearbyme.io search engine. While nearbyme.io is capable of generating results, they are often of low quality and filled with sponsored advertisements.

PUPs also are notorious for possessing data-tracking capabilities. While installed on the computers or devices, they might be continuously transmitting browsing-related information and device details to their operators. Furthermore, some PUP also could try to access private information saved as autofill data in the affected browsers. Typically, autofill information consists of account credentials, banking details, credit/credit card numbers and other highly-sensitive information.