What is Defend Search?
The Defend Search is one of the recently discovered browser hijackers that has started infecting targets worldwide and comes with an intention to impact the normal operations of the computer system.
It is a nasty programming code used by cybercriminal that modifies configuration settings of your default search engine and browser webpage for cheating and promoting online business.
DefendSearch is a harmful system infection that has boundless ways of ruining your Internet activities and is responsible for unexpected changes within your Web browser settings. As a redirect virus, it is totally capable of hijacking genuine web browsers like Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and IE.
Also Read: How To Remove hyourtransitinfonow.com Redirect Virus From PC?
How Defend search got installed on your computer?
Developers of such shady application like Defendsearch.com are using bundling methods to spread their malware worldwide. It is usually downloaded without user’s knowledge and comes bundled with freeware software’s available on the internet. The computer system gets infected by DefendSearch when users visit porn sites, install free software from unreliable sites or open spam email containing contaminated links and attachments.
Post successful installation this adware alters default browser homepage and replace it with DefendSearch.com. To most of the users with limited computer knowledge DefendSearch may look like a genuine search engine, however, on the contrary, this redirect virus is specifically programmed to redirect all your search result and the search results provided by this adware are full of unwanted ads which can mislead users to visit advertiser’s websites.
To add to the harmful effects DefendSearch.com may contain various links and buttons of some of the popular websites which give altered results whenever used. The main reason to lead you to endorsed pages is to make pay-per-click revenue.
More about DefendSearch.Com
DefendSearch.com redirect virus is known to replace the startup settings, track user’s online history, and search queries. As a spy, it regularly tracks your online activities for gathering vital information about the computer users and selling it to third parties for online advertising purpose. Such activities help crooks to generate online profit based on pay-per-click method. Browser virus aims at making a more online profit and is programmed to shows loads of online ads based on user’s product preferences which increase the chances that you click ads from DefendSearch.com.
Let’s take an example for better understanding: As a user, you are looking for a certain product online on various sites, if your system is infected by DefendSearch you will start receiving multiple ads and pop-up banners in DefendSearch.com containing ads matching your search.
As a Chrome redirect virus, DefendSearch does not affect the operating system directly but mind you that clicking on ads may result in added issue. Simple and safe looking ads may lead you to download and install adware, malware, and other computer threats. To sum up, below mentioned are the major issues caused by this redirect virus.
- Unwanted Pop-up ads and annoying banners sponsored by marketing advertisers.
- Search results getting redirected to third-party websites for revenue generation.
- Steal non-personal data like IP address and URLs visited and share them with third parties for advertisement purpose.
- Changed and influenced Google search results.
- Negatively affects the overall working of the computer system by increasing system loads and excessive use of RAM.
- It also brings to your system harmful system threats including spyware, adware. Backdoor Trojan.
Steps to be followed while installing a freeware program to avoid the installation of browser hijacker
While installing a freeware software or a freeware game make sure you go through the license agreement section and read all the terms and conditions.
And If reading the complete terms and condition is too much then while installing the freeware application if the installation offers you “custom and automatic installation”.
It is always recommended that you go with the custom process as this would disclose the other programs that might get installed along with it.
If you see any additional add-ons or toolbars checked, then remember to uncheck them this would avoid the installation of browser hijacker and other malware programs.
- Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update. By doing this you can keep your device free from virus. According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
- Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection. Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like McAfee or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Free Virus RemovalTool
- Enable your popup blocker: Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla, and IE.
