UpSearches
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: | 10,416 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 223 |
| First Seen: | August 1, 2022 |
| Last Seen: | September 14, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
UpSearches is an intrusive application that infosec researchers have classified as a browser hijacker. Browser hijackers are dubious applications that sometimes may lack any useful features, as that is not their primary purpose. Instead, they will attempt to take over certain important browser settings to promote and generate artificial traffic for a sponsored Web address.
Most browser hijackers and adware attempt to hide their installation from users' attention. That is why they rely heavily on questionable distribution tactics, such as software bundles or completely fake installers/updates. If users do not check carefully all of the installation options, they may not realize that additional items were delivered to their devices.
When UpSearches is established on the system, it will take control of the browser's homepage, new tab page and default search engine. All affected settings will now begin opening the 'upsearches.com' address. This is a fake search engine that hijacks users' search queries and shows then results taken from other sources. When examined by experts, upsearches.co was found to cause redirects to the legitimate Yahoo search engine, but this may not always be the case. Many dubious PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) are capable of adjusting their behavior based on specific factors, such as the user's IP address, geolocation and possibly more.
