What is UpdateSearch?
Are you trying to update your web search tool? UpdateSearch claims to optimize the search results you see after replacing your default search provider and rerouting you to search.yahoo.com (Yahoo Search). Unfortunately, the claims to offer the “best way to search” the web are pretty much empty, and if you install the extension, you will not be offered any enhanced or updated services. Instead, you are likely to be exposed to questionable advertisements and data-tracking tools. If you want to avoid all of this, you have to be careful about the undesirable search results that are introduced to you. Better yet, you should delete UpdateSearch from your browser. At the time of research, Anti-Spyware-101.com researchers indicated that the PUP (potentially unwanted program) was only compatible with Google Chrome. This is why the removal guide below explains how to eliminate the PUP from Google Chrome.
How does UpdateSearch work?
There is a good chance that you downloaded UpdateSearch from the reputable Chrome Web Store (chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/updatesearch/ipbebdplhinkhgodhhmbabjoemclmhjd). This platform is used by millions of people, and some of them do not stop to think that not all extensions are the same. Some of them are unreliable and are promoted using false advertising. Of course, the PUP can be spread/promoted in much more suspicious ways as well. For example, if you discover it bundled with other unfamiliar extensions and programs, the least you could do is research the associated additions to see whether or not they can be trusted. According to our research team, if you have downloaded the suspicious UpdateSearch bundled with something else – even if you are almost certain that it is harmless – the only logical thing to do is to perform a full system scan using a legitimate malware scanner. Of course, every single threat found needs to be addressed appropriately. You should be able to find manual removal guides for the discovered threats using our search engine, but remember that you can always contact us via the comments section to ask help.
If you do not do your research, you might end up installing UpdateSearch. The default search provider is changed to feed.update-search.com, and portal.update-search.com is introduced via the New Tab page. This page shows a search dialog box and also provides access to free file and currency convertors, which users are likely to find useful. However, this is not the main function of the PUP. Instead, it was created to introduce you to an unreliable search provider. When you enter keywords into the search dialog box on portal.update-search.com or type them into the browser’s address bar, you are instantly redirected to search.yahoo.com. The results might look normal, but they are modified by the PUP to include sponsored content that belongs to unknown third parties. The content you see might also be based on your browsing history and preferences, which is something that the PUP records using web cookies. Both personal and non-personal information is tracked, and both kinds can be disclosed to third parties. Basically, you get to use Yahoo Search, but UpdateSearch also tracks your activity and helps unknown parties place their ads based on it.
How to delete UpdateSearch
You need to complete nice simple steps to remove UpdateSearch yourself. This is not some dangerous piece of malware that hides itself and attempts to evade removal. That being said, it is not a transparent or completely trustworthy tool either. Yes, it can help you access Yahoo Search results, but it also can modify them. On top of that, it can spy on you and reveal the collected information to unknown parties. These are the reasons we recommend deleting UpdateSearch. Also, do not forget that you can set Yahoo Search as your default search provider anytime, and you also can find free file and currency converters online. While it should be easy for you to follow the instructions below, note that if other threats were found by a malware scanner, you should really consider if this is the best option. What about employing a trusted anti-malware program? It would automatically erase everything that is identified as a threat, and it would also ensure full-time protection against malicious threats in the future.
Removal Instructions
- Launch the Google Chrome browser.
- Tap Alt and F keys on the keyboard at the same time.
- In the menu on the left, click More tools.
- Click Extensions and then Remove the PUP.
- Repeat steps 2-3 and click Clear browsing data.
- Click the Advanced tab at the top.
- Select an appropriate time range and the boxes you want.
- Click the Clear data button below.
- Restart the browser.
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