Home Malware Programs Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) GamerzLand Search Extension

GamerzLand Search Extension

Posted: December 4, 2017

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 8/10
Infected PCs: 5
First Seen: May 5, 2022
Last Seen: May 6, 2022
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The GamerzLand Search is a Google Chrome browser extension providing PC users with an easier way to toggle between various games-oriented search engines whenever they open a new tab. To do this, the GamerzLand Search extension modifies the search settings in Google Chrome. In addition to its practically innocuous nature, however, this extension bears some of the characteristic features typical of Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) and adware tools in particular.

Like most potentially unwanted browser extensions, the GamerzLand Search also sneaks into a PC system covertly, either as part of a software bundle, or via drive-by downloads. Unlike them, however, this extension, in particular, can be found in the official Chrome Web store, and it can be downloaded and installed from there. However, the GamerzLand Search tool has a slew of alternative routes to choose from en route to a particular PC, which is why computer users often have no idea where they got it from. Once installed, the GamerzLand Search browser extension starts bombarding the users with ads tailored to their browsing history. Needless to say, the tool not only modifies the Chrome’s search settings, but also keeps track of the visited websites.

Published by searchmgr[.]com, GamerzLand Search also appears to have a dedicated website outlining its most common features, as well as a removal guide. Nevertheless, potentially unwanted browser extensions tend to be fairly difficult to remove once and for all. Sometimes, resetting the browser to its factory values will do, but sometimes it will not. That is why utilizing a reputable anti-malware tool will yield the best results. Taking preventive measures also should be a prerogative for PC users, especially those who haven’t got used to keeping a watchful eye on each installation process they perform. Usually, a tool like the GamerzLand Search will show up as an additional product offer during the installation of a program wanted by the corresponding user. If that should be the case, unchecking the box next to this offer will do just fine, and the extension will not land on the PC, thus eliminating the risk of clicking on potentially unsafe ads, spam links, etc.

Loading...