FlashSearch – What is it?

“FlashSearch” search hijacker is a potentially unwanted application (PUA)¹, that is promoted as a plugin for your internet browser. It is typically promoted as an add-on for Chrome or Firefox, that aids to browse some certain information, as an example, about sport events, make your web browser a lot more secure, allow downloading of any type of video clip, and so on. Also, this app adds the “Managed by your organization” feature (on Chrome browsers).

However, the “FlashSearch” plugin is pretty pointless because all such functions are currently embedded to your web browser and/or Windows. Such marketing slogans are targeted at low-skilled computer users, for example, pensioners or schoolchildren. However often even qualified users are getting caught on such a lure. In particular cases, this hijacker is distributed together with free programs.

How harmful is FlashSearch hijacker?

Besides its uselessness, FlashSearch hijacker is also considerably unsafe for web browser use. It transforms your search engine to its particular – Flashsearch.club, and additionally changes your background, adding its watermark on your background image (or, occasionally, altering it to default with the mentioned symbol).

In addition to viewable adjustments done by FlashSearch hijacker, you might see that a number of your search inquiries are redirecting to the uncertain websites, filled with web links and ads – so-called doorway sites. Such sites can contain web links for malware downloads. The chance of redirecting rises if you attempt to start Google search page by force.

However all these actions are much more frustrating than really dangerous. The main danger, especially for individuals who have a lot of confidential information in their internet browsers, is embedded in information gathering functionalities. Cookie files, chats, often-visited web pages, and other activities are easily collected by FlashSearch hijacker.