Home Malware Programs Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) Secure Search

Secure Search

Posted: July 5, 2017

Threat Metric

Ranking: 1,813
Threat Level: 1/10
Infected PCs: 25,075
First Seen: July 6, 2017
Last Seen: October 17, 2023
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The Secure Search is a browser utility, which claims to provide users with the ability to hide their online searches from Google, therefore preventing the search engine from collecting information that might be used for targeted advertising. While some users might find this offer interesting, they might not be happy to hear how the Secure Search works and what it's true purpose appears to be. When this extension is installed, it may modify the Google Chrome's settings so that the address bar will redirect all searches to Search.hr instead of Google. In addition to this, even if the users attempt to use Google, Bing, or Yahoo, the Secure Search add-on will hijack their search sessions and refer them to Search.hr.

The authors of the Secure Search appear to be another Google Chrome extension, which works the same way but comes with another name – the BitCro Search. Both extensions are identified as Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs), and their removal can be completed with the use of an anti-malware application. Keep in mind that the removal of the Secure Search and BitCro Search is not mandatory, but it is recommended since these extensions don't offer any valuable features. Instead, it appears that their sole purpose is to boost the traffic Search.hr receives, and therefore help its owners generate more money from advertising.

Technical Details

Additional Information

The following URL's were detected:
https://www.searchsecureprime.co/searchsearchsecureprime.co

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