Our researchers could only test how Search.searchwos.com works on Google Chrome, but based on other similar threats, it should be compatible with Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox as well. The application is categorized as a browser hijacker since it may enter the system by changing specific browser settings. Users should also know that Search.searchwos.com is not a reliable tool to search the Internet with because it might display advertising content, which could redirect to harmful web pages. If you continue reading this report, we will present you with more information about the threat. Moreover, we have also prepared a removal guide that you can use if you want to eliminate the application; it is located just a little below the article.
Watchonlinestreams.com is the website where users might find the browser hijacker’s installer or to be more precise, the setup file of a browser extension with a similar name (e.g. Watch Online Stream). Since we have researched quite a lot of similar threats already, we believe that same as the other tested applications, the extension should only install Search.searchwos.com, add new toolbars, or make other changes to the browser. As you see, in most cases extensions related with such browser hijackers have exaggerated descriptions, and in reality, they might be rather useless. Unfortunately, some users learn it only after installing such suspicious programs.
What’s more, our specialists report that the mentioned website (Watchonlinestreams.com) or extension could be promoted through malicious pop-up advertisements, which might be shown to you by other suspicious software, e.g. adware, potentially unwanted programs, and so on. Thus, if you encountered Search.searchwos.com, you may want to consider scanning the system with a reliable antimalware tool. If there are any other possible threats, it would be best to remove from the computer before anything bad happens.
Furthermore, as you install the extension, it might make some changes to the browser like place an extra search bar, put a few bookmarks, and allow Search.searchwos.com to replace your default search engine, homepage, or new tab page. These changes are probably the worst part as they may encourage you to use the search engine. Apparently, the browser hijacker might include unreliable advertising content leading to suspicious third-party web pages, and some of these sites could be even harmful. For instance, there could be web page distributing malicious software, e.g. Trojans, viruses, or other malicious programs. Also, the displayed third-party ads might promote similar threats, such as different browser hijackers, adware, etc.
For users who would not like to risk their computer's security with such a doubtful search engine, we would recommend the software’s removal. However, before you rush to erase it, we have to warn you that the manual deletion process could be too difficult for some users. Therefore, you should see the instructions first and only then decide what could be the best solution, because the application can be removed more easily with a reliable antimalware tool. All there is to do is to install the antimalware software, set it to perform a full system scan and press the deletion button that should be displayed after the scanning is over.
Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox
Google Chrome