TabsMode Search
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Ranking: | 4,919 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 860 |
| First Seen: | March 2, 2022 |
| Last Seen: | September 21, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The TabsMode Search is a thinly-veiled browser hijacker application. The main functionality of the program involves taking control over the users' Web browsers and forcing them to open a promoted address. Browser hijackers are typically tasked with promoting fake search engines and directing artificial traffic towards them. TabsMode Search is not an exception.
It should be pointed out that in most cases, users do not notice the installation of dubious applications due to the questionable methods involved in its distribution, such as shady software bundles or fake installers. The application initiates its invasive functions almost immediately after being installed on the system. As a result, users will notice that their browsers are starting to redirect to an unfamiliar web address frequently.
Indeed, by modifying the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine settings, the TabsMode Search ensures that the sponsored page will be opened every time users start the affected browser, launch a new tab or initiate a search through the URL tab. The address promoted by the browser hijacker is tabsmode.xyz, a fake search engine. Being incapable of generating results on its own, the fake engine will further redirect any of the user's search queries to the promoted search engine. Tabsmode.xyz has been observed to take results from the legitimate search.yahoo.com search engine.
Browser hijackers and other PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) also could be equipped with data-harvesting capabilities. They may spy on the user's browsing activities and transmit the acquired data to their operators.
