Do you know what EncryptedSearch is?
According to its description, EncryptedSearch provides a search engine that encrypts search keywords to protect your privacy and hide such data from other users. However, we noticed that the plugin’s provided search tool might redirect users to a possibly modified Yahoo search engine, which might not encrypt search keywords. Also, users should know that this plugin falls under the classification of potentially unwanted programs. Further, in this text, we talk more about this extension’s working manner as well as its possible distribution channels. Thus, if you encountered it or want to know more about it, we recommend reading our full report. If you are looking for instructions that would help you delete EncryptedSearch, you may want to check our removal guide available at the end of the article too.
At the beginning of our research, EncryptedSearch was available on the Chrome Web Store page, but at the moment of writing, it is no longer there. Nonetheless, it is possible that the application could be distributed through more channels. For example, it could travel with bundled software installers like other potentially unwanted programs. Also, it could be spread via pop-ups, banners, and different types of advertisements. Thus, we advise being cautious while surfing the Internet to those who may want to keep away from such applications. Meaning, users should not download programs, updates, or any other data from unreliable file-sharing websites or sources alike. Plus, users should be careful if they see notifications or pop-ups that ask or suggest installing something. It is always smart not to accept data if you are not one hundred percent sure that it is safe.
It looks like EncryptedSearch works on Google Chrome browsers, although it might be compatible with Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer too. If it is added, it might change the default search provider, homepage, or new tab page to encryptedsearch.org. According to the application’s description, this search engine should encrypt search keywords to keep such data private from other users. Our researchers say that encryptedsearch.org may redirect to Yahoo search results, which could be modified. Also, if you continue searching with Yahoo, your search keywords might not get encrypted.
EncryptedSearch screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Most importantly, users should know that while the extension might “hide you search history from others who may use your device after you search,” it does not mean that it cannot collect any information. From what we have learner while reading EncryptedSearch Privacy Policy, it seems the extension could gather anonymous data, such as information about your browser or non-identifiable search activity. What’s more, it could even show advertisements or, as the extension’s creators call them: “affiliate codes,” “either directly or through search results.”
If all things considered, EncryptedSearch does not like a browser extension that would like to keep; we might be able to help you get rid of it. Users who prefer erasing the potentially unwanted program manually could use the removal guide available below. The other way to delete EncryptedSearch is to employ a reputable antimalware tool that could perform a thorough system scan and eliminate the unwanted extension.
Erase EncryptedSearch
Google Chrome
- Open Google Chrome.
- Paste this link: chrome://extensions into the browser’s address bar.
- Press Enter and search for the potentially unwanted program.
- Tap Remove and exit Extensions menu.
- Restart your browser.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox.
- Paste this link: about:addons into the browser’s address bar.
- Click Enter and go to Extensions.
- Locate EncryptedSearch and remove it.
- Exit Extensions menu.
- Restart your browser.
Remove EncryptedSearch from Internet Explorer
Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7
- Navigate to the Start menu.
- Access the Control Panel.
- Pick either Uninstall a program or Add or Remove Programs.
- Click the unwanted application and select Uninstall.
Windows 8/Windows 10
- Tap Windows Key+R.
- Insert Control Panel and press OK.
- Choose Uninstall a program.
- Select EncryptedSearch and press Uninstall.
In non-techie terms:
EncryptedSearch appears to be a potentially unwanted program that could be spread with bundled software installers or pop-ups and similar advertisements. Its description might say that users who download it will receive a search engine that encrypts search terms to make them secret from other users, but our researchers noticed that its search tool might redirect users to a modified Yahoo search engine. Also, it is vital to know that, according to the tool’s Privacy Policy, the extension could show advertisements as well as collect personally non-identifiable information. Thus, while the application might help you hide your search keywords, it is possible that it could gather your anonymous data. If you imagined that the extension would work differently and do not want to keep it, we could help you erase EncryptedSearch if you check the removal guide available above this paragraph.