Top-search.xyz
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: | 18,746 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 2 |
| First Seen: | April 21, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | July 1, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
After a thorough examination, it has been discovered that Top-search.xyz is not a legitimate search engine but rather a fraudulent one. Typically, these types of search engines are promoted through browser hijackers, which users often unknowingly install on their computers or add as extensions to their browsers. This, in turn, leads to unauthorized modifications to the browser's settings without the user's knowledge or consent.
Table of Contents
Browser Hijackers are Often the Cause of Unauthorized Redirects
When a user inputs a search query into Top-search.xyz, the search engine redirects the user to bing.com and displays search results from Bing. However, it is essential to note that even though Bing is a legitimate search engine, fraudulent search engines such as Top-search.xyz should not be trusted. These fake search engines could display misleading results, contain questionable links, and collect sensitive information, including search queries and other personal data. Moreover, accessing or utilizing fake search engines or websites that are promoted through browser hijackers can expose computers to various security risks.
It is typical for fake search engines to be promoted through browser hijackers. These apps modify the browser settings on computers without the knowledge or consent of users to promote fake search engines. Once the browser hijacker is installed or added, it changes the new tab page, default search engine and homepage of the browser to the fake search engine. Therefore, it is critical to be cautious when installing apps and to ensure that they are legitimate before adding them to your browser.
Users Should Exercise Caution When Installing Applications from Unfamiliar Sources
The distribution of Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) and browser hijackers often involves shady tactics designed to deceive and mislead users. These tactics can range from social engineering tactics such as fake software updates, free software downloads, and pop-ups to exploit kits and malvertising campaigns.
One common tactic involves bundling PUPs with legitimate software, which means that users who download and install software from third-party websites could also be installing PUPs without realizing it. Sometimes, these bundled PUPs are hidden within the software installation process, and users have to be very careful to avoid installing them.
Additionally, PUPs and browser hijackers can be distributed through malvertising campaigns. Malvertising campaigns use ads that appear legitimate but contain malicious code, while exploit kits scan the system for vulnerabilities and exploit them to install PUPs or other malware.
Overall, the tactics used for the distribution of PUPs and browser hijackers can be very sneaky and deceptive, which is why it is essential to be cautious when downloading software or adding extensions to your browser. Users should download software from reputable sources only and keep their operating systems and security software up to date to avoid falling victim to these tactics.
URLs
Top-search.xyz may call the following URLs:
| top-search.xyz |
