PDFConvertersSearch belongs to the group of browser hijackers due to stealthy distribution and intrusive browser-based behavior
PDFConvertersSearch is a browser hijacker that can be downloaded directly from the Chrome Web Store[1] or indirectly bundled with freeware/shareware. When the extension gets on the system, it changes the homepage settings and makes pdfconverters-search.com or feed.pdfconverters-search.com the default search engine on every web browser that the user has installed.
Technically, PDFConvertersSearch is considered to be a cyber infection that is attributed to the browser hijacker and potentially unwanted program (PUP) groups. The classification is based on several factors – stealthy infiltration via software bundles, unapproved alterations of web browser’s settings, data collection, and delivery of sponsored content. Therefore, instead of improving the search experience, this extension may work contrary and appear to be highly intrusive.
| Name | PDFConvertersSearch |
| Classification | Browser hijacker |
| Sub-Class | Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
| Distribution | Chrome Web Store, freeware bundles, redirects to click-to-download sites, misleading ads |
| Promoted sites | The extension is used to promote pdfconverters-search.com or feed.pdfconverters-search.com search engines |
| Symptoms | Altered settings on Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, IE, Microsoft Edge, and many others. Upon these changes, the browser reroutes random websites to sponsored domains and loads intrusive commercial ads |
| Similar apps | ConvertPDFEasy PDFSearches PDFConverterHQ ProPDFConverter, etc. |
| Removal options | The extension can be deleted manually. However, usually, it infiltrates machines along with malware and can inject other unwanted applications. Therefore, automatic PDFConvertersSearch removal is recommended using a robust security tool |
| Registry fix | The regular system’s scan with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego ensures a cache-free Windows registry. The usage of this tool is in particular recommended after malware infiltration to recover altered system’s settings |
The PDFConvertersSearch virus should not be trusted. Although it may promise its potential users a convenient PDF conversion feature and other functionalities, it’s one of those sponsored ads, which is actively involved in affiliate marketing. In order to push the content of third parties, it hijacks the default web browser on the host machine and injects one of the following search sites:
- pdfconverters-search.com
- feed.pdfconverters-search.com
- portal.pdfconverters-search.com
- yahoo.search.com, or another
Although the PDFConvertersSearch start page may contain in-built features like PDF converter, currency converter, cryptocurrency converter, or calculator, these services won’t compensate for the negative effects that the web search results may present you with.
PDFConvertersSearch redirects can expose you to sites that contain various downloads, disguise original content with sponsored advertisements, lock-pages that urge to allow push notifications, or download something to close the site. Although the majority of ads and redirects are used for commercial purposes only, some of the ads or sites may trick users into downloading malware.
In fact, PDFConvertersSearch removal should help you protect yourself from being exposed to malicious sites or inadvertent downloads of malware. However, the elimination process of hijackers and other PUPs is often complicated due to additional components that got installed alongside or the changes in the startup or registry. The latter can easily be fixed with the help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego.
Data tracking is yet another reason why Dieviren.de[2] and other cybersecurity experts recommend people to remove PDFConvertersSearch virus. Third parties take advantage of this extension by using its cookies and harvesting IP address, browsing history, search terms, clicks, and other non-personal information. The problem is that such information can further be used for statistics and used for improving sponsored ads, thus increasing the number of clicks.
In general, the PDFConvertersSearch extension is not a trustworthy application. It won’t provide any useful service, so the sooner you get rid of it, the less damage it will cause. Arm yourself with a reputable AV program and run a full system scan with it.
PDFConvertersSearch is distributed as a legitimate extension on Chrome Web Store, but most of the downloads are indirect via software packages
PDFConvertersSearch is distributed as a legitimate extension on Chrome Web Store, but most of the downloads are indirect via software packages
Potentially unwanted programs come pre-packed with freeware
Those who seek to stay away from potentially unwanted programs, they must deselect add-ons, extensions, toolbars, plugins, and other components that spread pre-checked with freeware/shareware. PUPs are spreading with various free applications that can be downloaded on Chrome Web Store, Google Play Store, or third-party download sources (Cnet, Softonic, Downloads, etc.).
The catch is the disclosure of those additional components. Typically, people are not aware that they are about to install a bundle. All they see is the main freeware installer. Nevertheless, if the user initiates the installation by hitting the Next button all the time, he or she unconsciously agrees to install all pre-selected hidden components.
To prevent such happening, users shall choose the Advanced/Custom installation method instead of Quick/Basic (if such an option is provided). Anyway, he or she has to monitor the installation process with extreme carefulness. The eye-catching details – pre-checked or grayed out checkboxes next to the statements like “I agree with the installation of this search engine.” Remove the checkmark or stop the installation if you are not allowed to deselect additional components.
Be careful when browsing the Internet and do not click on misleading ads that offer to download useful browser-based apps as you can unconsciously download a PDFConvertersSearch virus
Be careful when browsing the Internet and do not click on misleading ads that offer to download useful browser-based apps as you can unconsciously download a PDFConvertersSearch virus
Get rid of PDFConvertersSearch virus and other PUPs
If you keep experiencing PDFConvertersSearch redirects on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another browser regularly, it’s obvious that the system is infected with unwanted applications and requires specific maintenance. In fact, you can choose between two options – manual or automatic system cleaning.
Manual PDFConvertersSearch removal can definitely be successful, especially if you have been dealing with similar PUPs before. Nevertheless, it’s important to check the registries, startup, Apps, and Features folder to ensure that there are no related entries active.
Even though you may consider the PDFConvertersSearch removal to be accomplished successfully, we strongly recommend checking the system with a professional anti-malware tool. That’s because PUPs tend to spread in packages that contain more than two constituents. Thus, a scan with a professional anti-malware will delete all unwanted entries and, thus, ensure your cybersecurity[3].
If, however, you are determined to remove PDFConvertersSearch virus manually, take advantage of the manual removal tutorial submitted down below.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. 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.
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