Search Pulse is a browser hijacker which reaches the system via fake Adobe Flash Player update
Searchpulse virus – a browser hijacker seeking to infiltrate systems via fake updates and then earn the money from advertising.
Searchpulse virus – a browser hijacker seeking to infiltrate systems via fake updates and then earn the money from advertising.
Search Pulse is a dubious search engine that falls into the categories of the potentially unwanted program (PUP)[1] and browser hijacker. At the moment, the most affected web browser is Safari. However, it has also been noticed on Google Chrome, Firefox, IE, and other web browsers. The hijacker has been actively spreading around with the help of bundling technique, via a well known fake update for the Adobe Flash Player.[2] Once inside the system, it replaces a default start page, search engine, and URL address with http://home.searchpulse.net/, and starts initiating doubtful advertising campaigns. Furthermore, promotion of questionable software and redirects to affiliate pages might also be related to this PUP.
| Name | Search Pulse |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Sub-type | Potentially unwanted program |
| Possible dangers | Might take you to pages which are filled with malicious apps |
| Distribution | Installed by users as a useful extension; spreads together with third-party applications |
| Search results provided via | Yahoo Search |
| Symptoms | Changes browsers’ settings; assigns itself as the new tab URL, homepage, and default search engine; presents forged search results, redirects to sponsored websites |
| Prevention tips | There are some ways to prevent the installation of browser hijackers, for example, activating the Custom/Advanced configuration mode to complete all of your incoming downloads |
| Removal | Uninstall Home.searchpulse.net by using our guide. Additionally, run Reimage Reimage Cleaner to get rid of the damage that it caused. |
If you are wondering what is Search Pulse truly, we are here to inform you about all of the capabilities this potential threat includes and what kinds of activities it performs on the system and web browser applications. This type of suspicious program is not directly a virus but it can be recognized as one due to all the intrusive capabilities it has.
Although it might look even useful at first due to a provision of search engine customization and blend of Yahoo, Bing, and Google search results, do not fall for the trick. Search Pulse is a browser hijacker, which aims at promoting the websites of affiliate parties, driving traffic to partner’s sites, and generating pay-per-click[3] profit.
Browser hijackers, including Search Pulse, are stealthily distributed in a form of extension along with free applications online. Therefore, a vast majority of people often are not aware of how this PUP sneaked into their systems. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to dismiss the unauthorized modification of the startup page, search provider, and other personalized settings.
Search Pulse is potentially unwanted content that can take the user to malicious pages
Search Pulse is potentially unwanted content that can take the user to malicious pages
Experts also warn that this Search Pulse virus can collect details about the users and subsequently transfer it to affiliate parties for marketing purposes. After infiltration, it drops tracking cookies and starts monitoring its users’ browsing activity and collecting specific information which includes:
- Name;
- Email address;
- IP address;
- Country code;
- Search query;
- Unique identifier number, etc.
It is evident that such activity is performed without directly notifying the user. Unfortunately, some of these details are classified as personally identifiable information (PII)[4] and can put your privacy at risk. Moreover, the developers of Search Pulse add that they might share the gathered data with third-parties:
Collected data may be used, supplemented, and shared with other parties for business, commercial, or marketing purposes <…>
Additionally, they inform that SearchPulse is designed to deliver advertising content via search results or by displaying ads on frequently visited pages. While many would like to receive shopping coupons or Holiday offers, we want to warn you that online advertisements can be potentially dangerous to your computer’s security.
Here is the fraction informing about the ads by Home.searchpulse.net:
The Extension and Website may integrate third party content (“Third Party Content”) in order to display what services are streaming certain content and search results to you. Such Third Party Content may include feeds, search results, <…> promotions, offers, <…> music, photographs, sounds, or other content displayed, promoted, or otherwise made available through third parties.
Sadly, but the contrivers of Search Pulse are not responsible for the content of third-party ads. Thus, you can be redirected to highly suspicious pages or even websites where malware is distributed. For this reason, you must stay away from any types of ads and avoid clicking on them or promotional links on this search engine.
Search Pulse is a virus that redirects users’ searches to Yahoo Search. Note that the virus fills the search results here with sponsored content.
Search Pulse is a virus that redirects users’ searches to Yahoo Search. Note that the virus fills the search results here with sponsored content.
Our experts recommend you to remove Search Pulse for your safety. This way, you will be able to employ a reliable search engine instead. The quickest way to get rid of this browser hijacker is to get a robust antivirus. After selecting the one that seems right for you, scan your system properly. Additionally, make sure you get rid of virus leftovers by using Reimage Reimage Cleaner .
If you are an experienced computer user, you can try to perform Search Pulse removal by yourself. In this case, we would suggest you follow the elimination instructions which are attached at the end of this article. Those steps will help you to get rid of the potentially unwanted content from infected web browser apps and stabilize your computer system.
PUPs travel as browser extensions inside the installers of third-party software
As we have already mentioned before, most people do not notice when the browser hijacker infiltrates the system. It is because developers bundle their products with free applications and offer them as one. Likewise, users might think that they install only one software while the PUP is installed together as an additional component.
However, you can identify the bundled software if you choose Advanced or Custom settings. They are designed not to skip steps during the installation and fully disclose the information about additional programs. Also, it is essential to find all pre-selected marks which permit to install the PUP and de-select them.
Additionally, browser hijackers and similar programs are capable of infiltrating the system through fake Adobe Flash Player updates or other outdated applications. If you keep some software, for example, anti-malware, ensure that your programs are always updated regularly to avoid possible errors.
Get rid of Home.searchpulse.net right now
Virusi.bg[5] team says that even though browser hijackers are not considered to be malware, users often use Search Pulse virus for browsing term since this program is very persistent — people cannot get rid of it by simply uninstalling the software. This is because PUPs have extra elements which might be hidden in different places across your computer.
Likewise, manual Search Pulse removal is a challenging procedure which should only be performed by an experienced user. Additionally, we have prepared instructions that should help and guide through the process. You can find them below this paragraph.
Finally, those who do not have specific IT skills can remove Search Pulse automatically. This is the fastest and most convenient method since it merely takes a few clicks. For that, you should install professional security software and let it examine your computer files.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner . SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
