TopSearchStreams

TopSearchStreams is a browser hijacker application that promotes a dubious search engine. The application is also a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) because it relies on underhanded methods to spread itself. As a result, most users do not even realize that an intruder application has managed to install itself onto their computers. 

However, the consequences of having TopSearchStreams on your device will become obvious almost immediately. The program is capable of overtaking the user's Web browser and modifying its settings. As we said, the goal is to generate artificial traffic towards a sponsored address, which is usually a fake search engine. In this case, the browser hijacker sets the browser's homepage, new page tab, and the default search engine to open the topsearchstreams.com address.

The promoted search engine has been observed to modify its behavior, most likely based on the user's geolocation. In some cases, the user's search queries were simply redirected to the legitimate Yahoo engine. However, in other instances, the searches were redirected to another dubious engine named searchlee.com. Although it is capable of producing results on its own they are oftentimes not usable and filled with sponsored ad links. 

If TopSearchStreams is present on your system, you are also at risk of having your browsing activities monitored and tracked. PUPs such as this one are infamous for having data-collection capabilities. The harvested data could include all visited websites and conducted searches, as well as device details such as IP address, geolocation and more.