TotalSearchConsole
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.
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 1 |
| First Seen: | July 13, 2022 |
| Last Seen: | September 26, 2022 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
TotalSearchConsole is a questionable application that combines the functionalities of adware and browser hijackers. As such, it is extremely unlikely that Mac users, who are the application's primary targets, will be willing to download and install it intentionally. In fact, the opposite is true - in the vast majority of cases, TotalSearchConsole arrives on the Mac system unnoticed by the user due to the underhanded distribution tactics it employs. For example, the application has been observed by infosec researchers to spread itself via a fake installer for Adobe Flash player. This appalling behavior classifies TotalSearchConsole as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program).
Once inside the system, the presence of TotalSearchConsole would become obvious almost instantly. The application will start generating intrusive advertisements that could impact the browsing experience severely. The ads themselves should be regarded with caution as they could redirect to unsafe sites carrying out tactics, trying to obtain sensitive user information, or spreading more PUPs.
At the same time, TotalSearchConsole will take over certain browser settings (usually browser hijackers target the homepage, new tab page and the default search engine) to promote a sponsored link. Browser hijackers are oftentimes used as a vehicle to drive artificial traffic towards a fake search engine. Fake search engines cannot produce any search results on their own. Instead, they redirect the user to either a legitimate engine or a dubious one that will deliver unreliable results injected with sponsored advertisements.
However, PUPs have another nasty surprise up their sleeve. Most of the applications that fall under this classification are capable of spying on the user's browsing habits. They obtain information such as the entire browsing history, search history, and all clicked URLs, package it, and then transmit the data to a remote server. It is strongly recommended to never keep PUPs on your Mac and to remove them with a professional security product as soon as you notice their presence.
