UpdateSearch

Are you unhappy with the search engine set up on your Google Chrome browser? If you are, you might be looking into such extensions as UpdateSearch. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) does not seem to have a dedicated download website, but it is introduced via the Chrome Web Store, and you can find it at chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/updatesearch/ipbebdplhinkhgodhhmbabjoemclmhjd. We have seen the description that is attached to this installer many times before, as it has been used to promote BoosterSearch, Searchsio, Searchaize, SearchStreams, and other apps created by webcoapps. The Privacy Policy is different this time, and the name of the creator is no longer disclosed. Regardless, we know that this extension is a PUP and that using it can be dangerous. If you understand this already, we strongly recommend that you do not postpone the removal of UpdateSearch any further. If you do not understand why you must consider deleting this extension, we have answers for you in our report.

UpdateSearch, just like all other webcoapp extensions, is introduced as a “single purpose extension,” and so it is obvious that it is not versatile right off the bat. Nonetheless, the PUP claims to optimize the search results that are, allegedly, powered by Yahoo Search. This might be enough to attract some users. If the PUP spreads using software bundles, it could be attached to much more attractive programs or add-ons, and users might choose to install it without even knowing much about it. Needless to say, that is a mistake. Every little piece of software has to be researched and vetted before installation; otherwise, you might have your entire operating system and browsers flooded with malware and PUPs. After installation, UpdateSearch changes the default search provider to feed.update-search.com. The New Tab page might also be changed to portal.update-search.com. As it is normal for webcoapp PUPs, the New Tab page is supposed to represent a search engine with a collapsible menu that provides users with a free PDF converter, currency converter, cryptocurrency converter, and calculator.

Do you know what happens if you enter search keywords into the search box or the browser’s address bar? You are automatically redirected to Yahoo Search. Less vigilant users might notice nothing strange, especially if they are used to seeing results on search.yahoo.com when browsing the web. The bad news is that the results are modified, and interacting with them is potentially risky. As you might already know, UpdateSearch records your browsing history, and it does that using cookies and other data-tracking technologies. Even personally identifiable information can be recorded. Well, do you know how this information is used? According to the statement at update-search.com/privacy.html, “retailers, media networks, feed providers” can access personal information for the purposes of “developing and delivering content.” Well, since we know nothing about these third parties – and that is because no further information is provided – trusting the results that UpdateSearch modifies is definitely risky.

If you scroll a bit further down, you can find a full UpdateSearch removal guide. It includes steps that show how to erase the unwanted extension and also how to erase tracking cookies, delete browsing history, and clear the cache. We recommend doing that to ensure that no leftovers that could help the PUP gather information are left behind. While anyone should be able to follow the instructions below, this might not be the ideal option if the PUP was installed along with other threats, which could have happened if you used a bundled downloader for installation. If that is the case, employing trusted anti-malware software is the way to go because it can automatically delete UpdateSearch and all other active threats. Even if you do not discover other threats and you can handle the removal of the PUP yourself, you need to take care of your system’s protection anyway. If reliable security software is not installed, you could soon become a victim of a much more serious threat or malware attack.

UpdateSearch Removal

1. Open Google Chrome and tap ALT+F keys.
2. In the menu on your right, click More tools.
3. Click Extensions and then find the PUP.
4. Click the Remove button placed next to it.
5. Tap Alt+F keys and click More tools again.
6. Click Clear browsing history.
7. Open the Advanced menu.
8. Select a time range and also boxes.
9. Click Clear data and then restart the browser.