MergeDocsOnline Toolbar

Posted by Lisa Blanc on July 7, 2015

What is MergeDocsOnline Toolbar?

There has recently been a notable increase in malicious toolbar releases that threaten the security of computers worldwide. At the forefront of it all stands Mindspark Interactive Network Inc with their newest release, called MergeDocsOnlineToolbar. It is recommended that you remove this toolbar, because it is practically useless and features a search engine that gathers information and presents unreliable search results. We advise everyone not to neglect their cyber security, because doing so might bring undesirable consequences. This article is dedicated to the analysis of MergeDocsOnline Toolbar, which will help you get a better understanding about this and similar infections. test test Download Removal Tool100% FREE spyware scan and
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Where does MergeDocsOnline Toolbar come from?

These days it is quite difficult to find a malware developer that would explicitly display its name. Many developers like to stay in the shadows, but Mindspark is not one of them. Therefore, it is easy to follow its releases. The developer even has a website, called Mindspark.com, which lists all of their applications. The information provided on the website claims that the company specializes in advertising. However, its toolbars do not show any pop-ups or coupons like traditional adware applications do.

In any case, Mindspark is always looking for new distribution partners. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that MergeDocsOnline Toolbar is distributed together with other applications. Free software distributing websites that have formed a partnership with Mindspark bundle MergeDocsOnline Toolbar with legitimate apps and put those bundles up for download. However, the installation of additional software in not mandatory, so you can select custom installation settings and uncheck the appropriate checkbox if you do not want to install malware, such as MergeDocsOnline Toolbar. In addition to software bundling, the application is also disseminated via a download website, called Mergedocsonline.com. So that covers this section. Now, let us move to how it works.

How does MergeDocsOnline Toolbar work?

The toolbar consists of a PDF merging application, an image merging application, numerous links to websites that convert files, and websites that help share large files. The PDF file-merging application is a product of Mindspark itself, so it is not merely a link to a third-party website. The image converter is also an integrated feature that is not a link, but it does not look like it was made by Mindspark. It is most likely developed by someone else. The file sharing function is just a collection of links to third-party websites that either use email or a URL as an authentication method to download a file from a drop box. The websites are legitimate and function as intended, and they do not contain any malicious traits.

Before you install MergeDocsOnline Toolbar, you will be asked if you want to change your default homepage and search engine to Home.tb.ask.com. It has an Ask.com logo on it. The search engine is powered by Ask.com but it is not the original search engine. Home.tb.ask.com is a Mindspark-owned search engine. The company uses the search engine to collect personal and non-personal information about its users, such as IP addresses, technical information about the computer or mobile, time zone, preferred language, search queries, mis-formatted DNS entries, search results selected, clicks, pages viewed, search history, and comments. Personal information is provided voluntarily if you register for their services.

How do I remove MergeDocsOnline Toolbar?

If you do not want to use an unreliable search engine that collects information about you and sends it to unknown entities, then you will want to remove MergeDocsOnline Toolbar. If that is the case, then there are two ways you can do it. First you can delete it manually using the instructions we have provided, and, second, you can use an anti-malware scanner. Both methods are effective, though using a good anti-malware scanner is much better than manual removal, because it does not leave any potentially malicious junk files.