Suggestonlineweb.com - a Fake Search Engine?
During our investigation of browser-hijacking software, we came across a fraudulent search engine named suggestonlineweb.com. Typically, these types of websites are incapable of providing authentic search results, and while suggestonlineweb.com is able to generate results, they are irrelevant and often include sponsored and potentially hazardous content.
Browser hijackers promote illegitimate search engines by redirecting users to these websites. They also pose a privacy threat since they collect sensitive data. Browser-hijacking software modifies browser settings, making the promoted websites the default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URLs. With a browser hijacker that endorses suggestonlineweb.com installed, every search query entered in the URL bar and new tabs/windows opened would redirect to this website.
Furthermore, this type of software often uses techniques to ensure persistence and prevent users from recovering their browsers.
Illegitimate search engines, including suggestonlineweb.com, often collect sensitive information, such as visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, account login credentials, personally identifiable information, financial information, etc. The collected data can be monetized by being shared with or sold to third-parties.
Why Should You Always Avoid Using Fake Search Engines as Best You Can?
You should always avoid using fake search engines as best you can because they pose a significant threat to your online privacy and security. Fake search engines are usually promoted by browser hijackers, which modify your browser settings to assign them as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URLs. This means that any search queries you enter or new tabs/windows you open will redirect to the fake search engine, which can then collect sensitive information such as your browsing history, login credentials, and personal details.
Fake search engines also typically provide inaccurate and irrelevant search results, often including sponsored and potentially harmful content. They may also redirect you to other malicious websites or prompt you to download and install malware. The data collected by fake search engines can be sold to third-parties, including cybercriminals, who can use it for various fraudulent purposes such as identity theft and financial fraud.
Therefore, it is best to avoid using fake search engines and only rely on legitimate ones such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo for your online searches. It is also important to keep your browser and antivirus software up-to-date and avoid downloading and installing any suspicious software or browser extensions.
