Search Start Point
Search Start Point (or Search.StrtPoint.com) is a search site that has undergone promotion by a variety of Potentially Unwanted Programs, including some forms of browser hijackers. The current evidence malware experts have examined fail to tie Search Start Point to threats. However, Search Start Point does have strong ties to PUPs that may be detrimental to your online safety, if they're not uninstalled promptly. Software suspected of redirecting you to Search Start Point can be deleted by the usual security tools that have proven themselves effective against other browser hijackers, adware and toolbars.
When Your Web Searching Options Narrow to a Fine Point
Although its homepage promotes a yet-to-be-available service most likely being delivered through toolbars, Search Start Point provides no meaningful features besides redirecting all Web searches to Microsoft's Bing. The limited rea-sons for using Search Start Point's searches are balanced out by its promotion by PUPs intent on redirecting traffic to Search Start Point for profit, seemingly regardless of their wishes. PUPs known for promoting Search Start Point may include variants of Genieo products and the Omnibar, an 'all in one' toolbar. Search Start Point also has indirect ties to members of the Conduit family of add-ons, which are guilty of similar practices.
Add-ons promoting Search Start Point do so by resetting your default homepage and, in some cases, search engine to the Search.StrtPoint.com domain. Multiple browsers may be affected, including Safari, as well as Windows browsers like Chrome. Current samples of Search Start Point hijackers ignore Internet Explorer, possibly due to its low rate of use by Mac users. Installers for these browser hijackers may be modified variants of installers for legitimate browsers or other software, which points to sources of free software downloads as being the most likely culprits for the Search Start Point hijacking campaign.
A Start to Getting Away from Search Start Point
Search Start Point's promotion uses settings modifications involving the Registry and other OS components that are distinct from a single browser, and uninstalling your browser isn't a safe way of deleting any associated browser hijacker. To restore the integrity of your browser settings without any risks, malware experts always encourage the removal of browser hijackers for Search Start Point and similar domains with the use of appropriate security software. The latter may include some brands of anti-malware and even anti-adware suites.
Search Start Point hijackers also are part of a cross-OS campaign that is a relevant concern to both Mac OS X and Windows users, regardless of their brand loyalties. PC users of either affiliation should consider watching the origins of their downloadable files. Evidence points to Search Start Point hijackers being installed through non-threatening but mislabeled software that still is in circulation through advertising rings, freeware sites or torrents.
Leave a Reply
Please note that we are not able to assist with billing and support issues regarding SpyHunter or other products. If you're having issues with SpyHunter, please get in touch with SpyHunter customer support through your SpyHunter . If you have SpyHunter billing questions, we recommend you check the Billing FAQ. For general suggestions or feedback, contact us.