TotalConsoleSearch

The primary purpose of TotalConsoleSearch is to hijack the browser on an infected computer and then redirect the user searches to sponsored third-party websites through a fake search engine. Malware researchers classify this malware as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP), as it uses stealthy distribution channels instead of users installing it intentionally on their computers. Creators of unsafe tools usually embed TotalConsoleSearch within the installation packages of freeware. Users who do not use the Custom installation method may overlook unwanted additional installs.

On affected computers, TotalConsoleSearch installs as a browser extension or a separate program. In any case, it modifies the settings of the browser without the user's knowledge or consent, setting TotalConsoleSearch as the default search engine and homepage. An obvious symptom of this threat is the constant redirects of the user searches to unknown and potentially harmful pages, as well as dubious advertisements and banners included within the displayed results page.

The removal of TotalConsoleSearch may turn out complicated for inexperienced users. Therefore we recommend using an automated removal tool. This browser hijacker should be uninstalled as soon as possible, as it also may collect sensitive data and cause serious privacy issues.