Wizesearch.com

We have recently received information about a search engine known as Wizesearch.com. After analyzing it, we found that it is nothing more than a browser hijacker that you have to remove as soon as possible. We found this search engine to be a hijacker due to its malicious dissemination method that involves secretly installing its browser extension that manages the entire hijacking process. Wizesearch.com’s job is to redirect web traffic and it is set to display promotional links in its search results, and we think that some of them may be dangerous to your computer.

The extension this hijacker comes with is called Wize Search, and it is compatible with Chrome only. Now, as far as this extension’s distribution methods go, we have determined that you cannot get it from the Chrome Web Store where all extensions deemed safe are put up for download. Still, some hijackers get on it regardless. However, that was not the case with Wize Search. Therefore, its only dissemination method is software bundling. We think that it may come bundled with third-party software that comes with an installer that is configured to install some or even all additional software without your knowledge or approval. This is a malicious action by default, and no software should be imposed on your PC without giving you the opportunity to opt out.

While gathering information about it, we found that Wizesearch.com and Wize Search are products of a company called Resoft Ltd that is based in City of New York, New York, USA. This company has also released browser hijackers called Bazzsearch.com, search.snapdo.com and a few others, so there is no doubt about the business model of this company. We regard it as unreliable because it is set to release and distribute malicious software for monetary gain. Nothing good can come from this and here is what we found about Wizesearch.com in particular.

As a search engine, Wizesearch.com is completely unnecessary because it is set to redirect the entered search queries from the primary address to feed.wizesearch.com which, in turn, redirects to a modified version of Yahoo.com. In truth, Yahoo is a legitimate search engine, but it is often exploited by malware developers. We have found that this hijacker is set to inject Yahoo’s search results with additional promotional links of unknown origin. Therefore, it is entirely possible that at least some of them can be of malicious nature. We are concerned with the fact that this hijacker can promote malicious software such as spyware, ransomware, Trojans, adware, and so on. The severity of the malware varies, but you should make sure that your PC is free from all of the aforementioned malware categories.

It is important to note that this malicious search engine is configured to collect information about you. It is set to use web beacons, cookies and other technologies to collect non-personally identifiable information that includes but is not limited to browser type, language preferences, clicks and visited pages, operating system information, Internet Service Provider, IP address, search queries and so on. Among other things, according to the Privacy Policy, this information is used to “improve and enhance our Service and recommend content based on your preferences.” So there is no doubt that the collected information will be used to show you customized advertisements that should make more money for Resoft Ltd and its advertising partners.

In conclusion, Wizesearch.com is one malicious search engine that you have to remove as soon as possible to avoid subjecting yourself to potentially dangerous content that is likely to come from it. Above all, you might want to get rid of it for the simple fact that it is set to replace your default homepage address. We have found that deleting Wize Search from Chrome’s list of extensions is enough to reset the homepage address setting. Please consult the instructions below for more information.

How to get rid of Wizesearch.com

1. Open Chrome.
2. Hold down Alt+F keys.
3. Click More Tools and select Extensions.
4. Locate Wize Search and click Remove.