Smartshopsearch.com Fake Search Engine

Smartshopsearch.com represents an untrustworthy search engine that typically gains traction through browser hijackers, which tamper with browser settings to trigger redirects to endorsed sites. Moreover, counterfeit search engines and browser hijackers frequently incorporate data-tracking capabilities.

Browser-hijacking software modifies the default search engines, homepages, and new tab/window URLs of browsers, redirecting them to specific website addresses. For instance, with a browser hijacker promoting smartshopsearch.com installed, any attempt to open new tabs/windows or perform search queries using the URL bar would lead to automatic redirects to this site.

While most fake search engines lack the ability to provide genuine search results, they often redirect users to legitimate internet search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. However, smartshopsearch.com deviates from this norm, offering inaccurate search results filled with irrelevant, sponsored, untrustworthy, and potentially malicious content. Additionally, it subjects users to browser notification spam.

To ensure their persistence and hinder users from reverting changes, browser hijackers employ various techniques. This may include denying access to settings related to removal or undoing user-initiated alterations.

Furthermore, both browser-hijacking software and illegitimate search engines engage in the collection of sensitive user data. Such targeted information encompasses search queries, visited URLs, viewed webpages, IP addresses, internet cookies, login credentials, personally identifiable details, financial data, and more. The gathered data is often monetized through its sale to third parties.

What Are Browser Hijackers and Fake Search Engines?

Browser hijackers and fake search engines are types of malicious software and deceptive websites designed to manipulate web browsers and mislead users during their online activities. Here's a brief explanation of each:

Browser Hijackers:
Browser hijackers are a form of unwanted software that alters the settings of a web browser without the user's consent or knowledge. They usually target popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. Once installed, browser hijackers may:

• Change the default search engine, homepage, and new tab URL to a malicious or sponsored website.
• Redirect web searches to unwanted or suspicious sites, disrupting the user's browsing experience.
• Display excessive and intrusive advertisements.
• Track the user's online activities to gather data for advertising purposes or other malicious intentions.

Browser hijackers are often distributed through software bundles, deceptive advertisements, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in the browser. Their primary goal is to generate revenue for the creators by driving traffic to specific websites and displaying ads.

Fake Search Engines:
Fake search engines are deceptive websites that mimic legitimate search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. They are designed to appear genuine, but their search results are usually unreliable and may include sponsored, irrelevant, or even harmful content. Fake search engines typically aim to:

• Attract users by providing a seemingly functional search bar and imitating the appearance of popular search engines.
• Redirect users' search queries to legitimate search engines like Google, but with altered results that include additional advertisements and sponsored links.
• Collect user data, such as search queries, IP addresses, and browsing history, to be used for advertising or other malicious purposes.

Fake search engines are often associated with browser hijackers, as they can be promoted and installed through unauthorized changes to browser settings.

Both browser hijackers and fake search engines can lead to a compromised browsing experience, expose users to unwanted ads, and compromise their online privacy and security.