Potentially unwanted search engine (PUSE) definition
A potentially unwanted search engine (PUSE) is a program that alters a user's web browser settings without explicit consent, often redirecting their searches to unwanted sites or displaying excessive advertisements. It can also be categorized as a PUP (potentially unwanted program) or PUA (potentially unwanted application).
See also: browser modifier, browser hijacker
Potentially unwanted search engine characteristics
- Changes in the default search engine, homepage, or new tab page in a web browser to an unfamiliar one, often a website full of ads or scams.
- Browser is redirected to different websites without user initiation.
- Unwanted toolbars, pop-up ads, or additional advertisements.
Potentially unwanted search engine risks
Potentially unwanted search engines can collect browsing data and personal information without clear disclosure, while in some cases they can slow down the computer by consuming significant resources.
But the biggest risk of potentially unwanted search engines is the compromised user experience. Intrusive ads and redirects to scam websites can lead to biased search results or exposure to malicious content. They pose significant security risks because in addition to using system resources, tracking user activity, some can even cause damage to the system registry, making their removal much harder and opening the system to more vulnerabilities.
