Search.searchwmtn.com is one of those random intruders that users often do not even consider severe system security threats. However, computer security experts say that browser hijackers can easily lead to a severe security problem, especially if they get exploited by malevolent third parties. Hence, you should do yourself a great favor and remove Search.searchwmtn.com from your browser immediately. What’s more, there might be more potential threats installed on your system because such applications seldom travel alone. Therefore, it would also be a good idea to invest in a powerful antispyware tool that will help you determine how many potential threats you have on-board.
One of the main things users have to realize is that they allow such programs like Search.searchwmtn.com enter their systems. Of course, you may not be aware of that, but a lot depends on your web browsing habits. Browser hijackers cannot enter target systems unless they are allowed to. Therefore, you need to learn more about freeware distribution methods to know when you close a window. Especially when it comes to a page that is bound to be part of the freeware distribution network.
So, as you can probably tell, Search.searchwmtn.com does not have a direct distribution source. Instead, the installer files are bundled together on third-party installers that can be downloaded from file-sharing websites. File-sharing sites often allow users to download freeware applications no questions asked. However, if you were to go through the installation process carefully, you would see that the installation wizard informs you about a series of additional apps and features. And you may not be too thrilled about some of them.
As you can see, a lot depends on how you download new programs and how you install them. If possible, refrain from downloading apps (or anything else for that matter) from file-sharing sites because there is a big risk there to get the likes Search.searchwmtn.com on your computer. And if a file-sharing page is the only place where you can find a program you need, be attentive during the installation process.
Search.searchwmtn.com itself is not too dangerous. It merely changes your default homepage settings on Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox. The browser hijacker does that for money. No one is paying it to do that, but it “hopes” to distract you with commercial content. If you find that content attractive and you click a link that was delivered by Search.searchwmtn.com, you would automatically help the people behind this intruder make easy money.
Please note that this practice is not illegal. The pay-per-click system is often used by many to monetize the clicks their content gets. The content is the problem here because while Search.searchwmtn.com provides the advertising space, it does not check whether the outgoing links are safe. And if the situation goes south, you might get redirected to a website that is involved in malware distribution.
Therefore, the sooner you remove Search.searchwmtn.com from your system, the better. If you are not sure whether you can do it on your own, get yourself a legitimate security tool that will take care of this problem. Also, do not forget to safeguard your system against similar intruders in the future.
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