WizardUpdate

WizardUpdate is an application that combines the capabilities of a browser hijacker and adware. The application's goal is to sneak itself onto the user's computer, in most cases through deceptive or manipulative distribution tactics, take over the Web browser, and then promote a sponsored link while also causing unwanted redirects leading to third-party advertisements.

The browser hijacker functionality of WizardUpdate includes the application taking over specific Web browser settings - the homepage, new page tab and the default search engine. The address promoted by the application is WizardUpdate Search, and as is to be expected, it is nothing more than a fake search engine. By itself, it cannot deliver any search result at all as it simply lacks that functionality. Instead, every search query conducted in the affected browser will be redirected through a legitimate search engine - search.yahoo.com.

WizardUpdate also is capable of opening new tabs on its own that lead to dubious sponsored advertisements. Users should be careful when dealing with them as the advertisements could be peddling additional PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs), fake software updates that might have malware threats lurking inside, or various tech support tactics.

Keeping PUPs installed on your computer is not recommended as such applications are known for having data harvesting capabilities. Indeed, is quite common for browser hijackers to track and log the user's browsing and search history, clicked URLs, IP address and geolocation. In some cases, however, the applications also can access banking details that have been saved in the affected browser.

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