What is BoosterSearch?
BoosterSearch is an extension created by webcoapps. Our Anti-Spyware-101.com researchers are very well familiar with this company and its Privacy Policy because we have reviewed a bunch of potentially unwanted programs created by it already. PUPs are very easy to replicate, and that is exactly what has happened with Cranchit, SearchOpedia, SearchConverter, and other extensions. While there are a few small differences between these PUPs (mostly in their names and installers), they are pretty much identical. They all follow the same privacy policy, they all have the same privileges after installation, they all promise the same things, and they all work for third-party advertisers. So, if you expected that this search tool would actually offer you beneficial services, we have to disappoint you. Instead, it offers ads, and if you do not want to deal with that, deleting BoosterSearch is the way to go. Are you interested in the removal of this PUP? If you are, we have some important information for you.
How does BoosterSearch work?
If you downloaded BoosterSearch from the Chrome Web Store (chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/booster-search/cdmdngojbdhmpeeiedjinnnkfegpeij) or install.boostersearch.com, you probably are aware of the facts that the PUP modifies search settings on Google Chrome and also employs tracking technologies to collect information about activity, which includes browsing history. Unfortunately, users who review privacy polices are few and far between, and so we would not be surprised if you do not fully know how BoosterSearch works. Well, we can tell you that it collects information using cookies, that it shares information with undisclosed partners, and that is uses its search tool as a platform for advertising. Did you expect that when downloading the extension? The official description on the Chrome Web Store informs that the PUP customizes the Yahoo Search results, but it does not explain how that is done, and users might assume that the extension somehow enhances the service. In reality, whether you search the web via portal.boostersearch.com or the default search provider – which is changed to feed.boostersearch.com – you are redirected to search.yahoo.com.
Is it normal for a search tool to redirect to well-known, popular search engines? It occurs frequently, but we would not say that that is normal. In fact, in many cases, when that happens, the results are modified. That is exactly the case with BoosterSearch. When it redirects to search.yahoo.com, it modifies the results you see to show sponsored content. Since the associated advertisers are not disclosed, we cannot be 100% sure about their intentions. Perhaps they are harmless, but what if they are malicious? What if the PUP is exploited by malvertisers, who are using your browsing history and other collected data to expose you to falsely attractive ads and links? This is something to think about if you are leaning towards keeping the PUP installed. Some people might decide to keep it around just for the free file and currency converters that are introduced via the New Tab. Let us tell you that that is not a reason to keep an unreliable, suspicious extension installed.
How to delete BoosterSearch
As you can see, removing BoosterSearch manually is possible. In fact, it is not only possible but also very simple. Find the unwanted extension, remove it, and then clear browsing data to get rid of cookies and clear cache and browsing history. That is pretty much all you need to do. However, if other PUPs or even malicious programs exist on your system – and you can employ a malware scanner to figure that out – think carefully if you want to approach the situation on your own. Perhaps it would be better to use the help of a legitimate anti-malware tool that was built to examine your system, detect threats, and perform the removal automatically? Even if you can delete BoosterSearch and all other threats with your own hands, we advise implementing the tool for full-time system’s protection. Keep in mind that this PUP is not the only suspicious piece of software in the world. It is not even the worst kind. Far from it. So, if you want to protect yourself, do it before it is too late.
Removal Instructions
- Launch Google Chrome and tap keys Alt+F together.
- Click More tools in the menu on the right and then click Extensions.
- Find the unwanted extension and click Remove next to it.
- Tap keys Ctrl+Shift+Delete together and open the Advanced menu.
- Choose a time range and boxes appropriate for the PUP and click Clear data.
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