EncryptedSearch

EncryptedSearch is a potentially unwanted program that might enter your computer accidentally. It might stay there for a long time before you notice something off about it. The problem with potentially unwanted programs is that they might not be terrible security threats, but they might accidentally expose you to corrupted and malware-related content. Therefore, to protect your system and your personal information from potential threats, it would be for the best to remove EncryptedSearch from your PC at soon as possible. For the manual removal instructions, scroll down to the bottom of this description.

This application works as a browser plug-in. Although it has its official website, there is a very good chance that users get it via random pop-ups and bundled downloads. In fact, that is the most common method of freeware distribution. Freeware apps are often bundled with other programs in third-party installers. And if you download some program from a third-party source, you might not pay attention to the installation wizard, thinking that all the steps are default.

However, it is always possible to deselect programs like EncryptedSearch if you don’t want them. You just need to be attentive during the setup process. If you fail to notice the notifications that inform you about the app, it will be added to your browser, and it will modify your settings.

Now, the official page for this app says that you can “keep your searches private with Encrypted Search extension.” It says that this extension “updates your browser for additive privacy.” It is supposed to “encrypt your search terms between your computer,” so it should protect your privacy from anyone who might be listening in. Technically, the application should filter tracking cookies and other pieces of software that might collect information on your web browsing habits and share it with affiliated third parties.

However, we have to remember that EncryptedSearch is a freeware application, so it has to make money somehow if it wants to survive. And how does it do that? As you can probably guess, it actually employs its own cookies to collect data on the pages you visit and the keywords you enter into its search engine. Of course, such practice isn’t illegal, and it is often used to customize the online experience. But the question is whether you really need an app that is supposed to protect your privacy when it does what it is ought to protect you from.

In other words, EncryptedSearch is quite redundant. Also, if you use the extension’s search box for your web search, you will see that you get redirected to the Yahoo! Search page. Please note that Yahoo! Search has nothing to do with EncryptedSearch. The extension merely uses the popular engine to provide modified search results. All the results you see on the page will be modified based on your web browsing habits. It means that they will be related to your likes and preferences, and thus, there will be a bigger chance that you will click those links.

It is up to you whether you decide to click the links or not, but it would be for the best to avoid such modified search results. The problem is that EncryptedSearch cannot monitor what kinds of links are provided in those search results. In fact, such freeware apps can often be exploited for their advertising spaces by malevolent third parties. So, while EncryptedSearch may not want to infect you with malware or anything like that, it could still redirect you to dangerous or corrupt pages. From there, malware infection could be just a click away.

Therefore, you need to avoid such threats no matter what. Start that by removing EncryptedSearch today. For that, you should uninstall the application via Control Panel, and then restore your browser settings to default. The reason we’re encouraging users to restore their browsers is that freeware apps often come together. So, EncryptedSearch might be just one of the many extensions that you need to remove. Do not hesitate to scan your computer with a legitimate security tool to find out what other apps you need to terminate. If more unwanted programs are found, you should consider investing in a licensed antispyware tool.

How to Remove EncryptedSearch

1. Press Win+R and type Control Panel. Click OK.
2. Click Uninstall a program under Programs.
3. Find Encrypted Search and click Uninstall.

Reset Internet Explorer

1. Press Alt+T and click Internet options.
2. Open the Advanced tab and click Reset.
3. Select Delete personal settings and click Reset.
4. Press Close.

Reset Firefox

1. Press Alt+H and go to Troubleshooting information.
2. Press Refresh Firefox at the top right of the new tab.
3. Click Refresh Firefox on the confirmation box.
4. Press Finish.

Reset Chrome

1. Press Alt+F and select Settings.
2. Click Advanced at the bottom of the page.
3. Press Restore settings to their original defaults.
4. Press Reset settings to confirm.