Your Search Bar adware is a type of malicious software that disguises itself as a helpful tool. It is often bundled with other free software, and unknowing users install it thinking it will enhance their browsing experience. Instead, it hijacks the user’s internet browser, altering settings such as homepages and default search engines, and floods the system with unwanted advertisements. This adware can affect popular browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer.
Infection usually happens during the installation of freeware or shareware, where Your Search Bar adware is hidden within the ‘Advanced’ or ‘Custom’ options. Users who rush through the installation process often miss out on these details, leading to inadvertent installations. Besides bundling, it can also infect computers through spam emails, corrupted websites, or infected external media. Once installed, it collects user’s browsing data, potentially leading to privacy issues.