Search.directionsandmap.com

Posted by Lisa Blanc on March 9, 2017

What is Search.directionsandmap.com?

Polarity technologies have been churning out browser hijackers regularly for the past few months. Their newest release is Search.directionsandmap.com, a malicious search engine that our malware researchers have classified as a browser hijacker because it is distributed using malicious methods. We suggest that you remove it because it can replace your browser’s homepage address without your knowledge or approval. On top of that, it can show promotional links in its search results and collect non-personally identifiable information about you in order to customize them. In short, this search engine will not improve your browsing experience in any shape of form, so the sooner you get rid of it, the better. test

Where does Search.directionsandmap.com come from?

As you already know, this hijacker was created by Polarity Technologies, a company that is allegedly based in Limassol, Cyprus. However, there in evidence no evidence that that is the case. This company is known only for its browser hijackers and the browser extensions that come with them on rare occasions. In most cases, however, its browser hijackers are bundled with third-party installers.

In this particular case, Search.directionsandmap.com is also distributed using third-party installers. It should come bundled with freeware or potentially unwanted programs. Our malware researchers say that the bundles should be hosted on freeware distributing websites. Researchers have received unconfirmed information that the bundles' software installers inject this search engine without giving the user the option to deselect it. Therefore, we have classified it as a browser hijacker, and there is no reason why this should not be the case since many of Polarity Technologies’ previous search engines were known to be distributed in this particular way.

What does Search.directionsandmap.com do?

First and foremost, Search.directionsandmap.com is a search engine, so you can use it to search the web. However, you should know that it does not have its own search algorithm and uses Yahoo to provide you with search results. Nevertheless, you should not trust it to present you with quality search results because it is not the same as the regular Yahoo.com search engine. Search.directionsandmap.com shows modified results that include promotional links to various websites. We find the promotions problematic because there is no telling who the advertising partners of Polarity technologies are. Researchers say that some search results can redirect you to malicious websites that can compromise your computer’s security. Therefore, this search engine is a potential security threat, and you should not use it to keep your PC safe.

Another thing that we think is important to discuss is this hijacker’s ability to collect information about you. Researchers say that Search.directionsandmap.com can obtain non-personally identifiable information automatically. According to its privacy policy, this hijacker can obtain information such as your IP address, geographical location, browser type, operating system type, search queries, browsing history, and Internet Service Provider (ISP). This hijacker uses this information to present you personalized search results that can also include personalized promotional links but that not necessarily mean that you will end up using a better service.

How do I remove Search.directionsandmap.com?

As you can see, Search.directionsandmap.com is nothing more but a malicious search engine whose objective is to replace your browser’s homepage and show you shady promotional links that generate advertising revenue. If you got it on your browser accidentally and want to remove it but do not know how we invite you to make use of the removal guide provided below.