UpgradeSearchView

UpgradeSearchView is another dubious PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) that aims to sneak unnoticed onto users' Mac systems. To avoid being detected, the application relies on underhanded distribution methods. For example, infosec researchers have caught UpgradeSearchView being spread via fake installers for the Adobe Flash Player. The application is part of the AdLoad adware family.

Functionality

Once inside the system, UpgradeSearchView will begin to act as both adware and a browser hijacker. Users will notice that something is wrong because their Web browser will start opening a strange new address immediately. In most cases, the promoted page is a fake search engine that delivers results from legitimate engines, as it itself lacks such functionality completely. The promoted page will be set as the browser's new homepage, new tab page and the default search engine.

Another method through which UpgradeSearchView monetizes its presence is the delivery of obtrusive and unwanted advertisements. Users will be flooded by shady advertisements that could be presented as pop-ups, banners, surveys, in-text links, etc. The advertisements should not be trusted - users who engage with them could be taken to unsafe websites running online scams, phishing schemes or exhibiting other suspicious behavior.

Be Careful with PUPs

UpgradeSearchView is not a unique occurrence. In fact, the opposite is true and there are countless other dubious programs that are extremely similar to it. Some examples include AssistiveMode, SkilledDeskSearch and MacOSDefender. You should avoid keeping such applications on your device or risk having your browsing activities tracked, packaged, and transmitted to a remote server. This is a common characteristic associated with PUPs.