You are right if you think that Convertpdfsearch.com is a browser hijacker that should be removed as soon as possible. This hijacker was created by Hopebest Inc., and our researchers inform that this company is well-known for creating hijackers and unreliable, potentially unwanted programs. Although it is important to stay away from products created by unreliable companies, this, of course, is not the main reason we are suggesting that you delete Convertpdfsearch.com. This browser hijacker was found to redirect to a third-party search engine without one’s permission, which is a huge offense. On top of that, the hijacker can showcase sponsored content, and it could be dangerous for you to interact with it. If that was not enough, our research has also revealed that the creator of the hijacker can record, store, and share information that is personally identifiable. That might be the most important reason to get rid of the suspicious hijacker right away.
Convertpdfsearch.com does not have an official download page, but it is usually attached to an add-on called “Convert into PDF,” and it has an official download page, convertpdftab.com. Notably, the site offers an installer hosted on the Chrome web store for the users of Google Chrome. This extension promises to convert files to/from PDF for free, and that is why some install this strange add-on. Unfortunately, by installing this extension, the user also agrees to homepage and New Tab changes. Once the extension is installed, Convertpdfsearch.com takes over both. The interface of this hijacker is not worth discussing at length because there is nothing special about it. At the top, you are introduced to buttons that should enable file conversion, but, according to our researchers, the tool does not work. At the bottom, you have links that represent contact details and the Privacy Policy. It is essential to review this document because it reveals the collection, storage, and sharing of private information. You should need no explanation as to why that is can be dangerous.
The most peculiar feature of Convertpdfsearch.com is the search tool. The dialog box displayed in the middle does not indicate redirecting, but that is what happens when you enter a search keyword. Instead of being shown results gathered by the search engine, the hijacker redirects to Google Search. Unfortunately, that might confuse you; especially if google.com was set as your homepage or default search provider prior to the invasion of Convertpdfsearch.com. Furthermore, this search tool has a good reputation, and most users are likely to trust it. Is it a bad idea? It might be if the hijacker is capable of injecting unreliable search results that might, for example, showcase misleading shopping deals or unreliable installers. Furthermore, by interacting with third-party links you could unknowingly invite unwanted tracking cookies that could collect more information about you. All things considered, you gain nothing from keeping this hijacker installed. In fact, this could put you at risk instead.
Has Convertpdfsearch.com hijacked your Internet Explorer? If that is so, overwrite the homepage URL to get rid of it. To remove Convertpdfsearch.com from Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers you need to delete the “Convert into PDF” extension. If this extension is not installed, you also should be able to get rid of the hijacker by overwriting the homepage/start page URL. Before you get rid of the threat – which you can do using the instructions posted below – you should scan your operating system because other infections might be active. Our research has revealed that the hijacker is most likely to be spread by installers representing multiple programs bundled together. What if they are malicious? If they are, they must be removed, and you can employ an anti-malware tool to get all of them deleted at once. Should you want to discuss anything further, use the comments section right below.
Google Chrome:
Mozilla Firefox:
Internet Explorer: