TheSearchGuard New Tab Extension
The TheSearchGuard New Tab Extension can be found at h[tt]p://thesearchguard[.]com and h[tt]ps://chrome.google[.]com/webstore/detail/thesearchguard/heilgkanmlbfbdbmojcnnjipimenjagb where it is promoted as a productivity application. The TheSearchGuard New Tab Extension is perceived as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that leads users to believe it offers protection. A test revealed that TheSearchGuard New Tab is very similar to the SearchEncrypt add-on by Eightpoint Technologies Ltd. Both apps claim to delete your browsing history and encrypt your searches. However, the TheSearchGuard New Tab Extension reroutes searches through srch_s[.]thesearchguard[.]com, which lacks a valid digital certificate and any encryption. TheSearchGuard New Tab Extension is observed to change the new tab in Chrome to an offline page that appears in the Omnibox as:
'TheSearchGuard | chrome-extension://heilgkanmlbfbdbmojcnnjipimenjagb/newtab.html'
The installation pop-up on the Chrome Web Store says:
'Add "TheSearchGuard"?
It can:
Read and change all your data on the websites you visit.
Read and change your browsing history.
Display notifications.
Change your search settings to: srch_s.thesearchguard.com
Manage your apps, extensions, and themes.'
You may be suggested that TheSearchGuard New Tab Extension prevents tracking without your knowledge. The same function is performed by any Privacy Policy for software of any kind. In addition, we found that TheSearchGuard New Tab Extension tracks content you shave via Gmail, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. You might want to read the EULA and the Privacy Policy for TheSearchGuard New Tab at h[tt]p://thesearchguard[.]com/eula and h[tt]p://www.thesearchguard[.]com/privacy. Searches on the TheSearchGuard New Tab are rerouted to srch_s[.]thesearchguard[.]com and then to a customized engine by Yahoo. As one of the three major search services — Yahoo supports anti-phishing features and blocks links to untrusted pages. Yahoo supports encrypted connections, but it is not accurate to say that TheSearchGuard New Tab Extension is the one securing your Internet connection and protecting you from harm. You may notice that the official page for TheSearchGuard New Tab at h[tt]p://www.thesearchguard[.]com lacks security as well. PC users that wish to improve their overall cybersecurity might not find value in installing the TheSearchGuard New Tab Extension by Tersertude Ltd. and wish to remove it with the assistance of a trustworthy anti-malware utility.
