Do you know what BoosterSearch is?
BoosterSearch will not boost your web searches, despite the claims. It will not find amazing search results for you. In fact, it will not find any search results. Instead, it will redirect you to search.yahoo.com (Yahoo Search) to show results, but at the same time, it will promote third-party content. If you are used to using Yahoo for web browsing, you might interact with the results shown without paying attention, and this is how you could end up clicking on ads and other links injected by the suspicious extension. Is that dangerous? It could be, which is why we do not recommend that you use this potentially unwanted program. Instead, we recommend that you remove BoosterSearch from your Google Chrome browser. If you want to learn more, or you need tips that could help delete this PUP, keep reading.
According to our research team, BoosterSearch could be introduced to Google Chrome users via install.boostersearch.com. The installer of this potentially unwanted program is also presented in The Chrome Web Store: chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/booster-search/cdmdngojbdhmpeeiedjinnnkfegpeij. That being said, we fear that this PUP could also spread in software bundles, in which case, it could be packaged along with other questionable extensions or applications. If you know or only suspect that other programs were installed along with BoosterSearch, we strongly recommend that you examine your operating system as soon as possible. Employ a genuine malware scanner, and you will find out soon enough if there is anything that you need to delete. We have the same tips for those using Cranchit, SearchOpedia, SearchConverter, and other suspicious extensions created by webcoapps, which is also the creator of the PUP.
BoosterSearch screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
After installation, BoosterSearch changes the new tab (portal.boostersearch.com) and the default search provider (feed.boostersearch.com). The new tab page displays a search engine-like interface with a few seemingly useful widgets on the side. Of course, the main feature is the search dialog box. If you use the search represented by the PUP, you are routed to Yahoo Search. Your keywords, your interaction with the shown results, and other related information is recorded, and it can be shared with third-party advertisers. This increases the chances of the PUP injecting more personalized, attractive third-party links. Well, because we do not know who advertises using the extension or what kinds of links could be displayed, we do not recommend interacting with the shown search results. To put it simply, we do not think that the extension is useful or reliable, and our recommendation is that you delete it.
If you have no experience with PUPs, you might be worried about the removal of this particular extension. The good news is that deleting BoosterSearch is fairly easy to do, and we are sure that you will be able to successfully get rid of this unwanted add-on in just a few moments. Use the guide below if you want to perform the removal manually, but make sure you scan your system first. If other threats are discovered, our recommendation is that you install legitimate anti-malware software to perform automated removal. The software can erase all threats at once, but what is most important is that it also can protect you against the attacks of malware and the invasion of other PUPs in the future.
Remove BoosterSearch from Google Chrome
- Enter chrome://extensions into the Chrome’s address bar.
- Remove the undesirable extension.
- Enter chrome://settings/clearBrowserData into the address bar
- Go to the Advanced menu and select the time range.
- Mark boxes (e.g., cookies) and then click Clear data.
In non-techie terms:
In conclusion, if you expected BoosterSearch to somehow enhance your virtual experience, we have to disappoint you because this potentially unwanted program cannot enhance anything but its own advertising potential. Although the PUP is introduced as a tool that supposedly can customize your searches, all it can do is redirect you to Yahoo Search and then show you modified search results. We are sure that you do not want to face that. To delete BoosterSearch manually, follow the guide above, but if you are wrestling a few other PUPs or more serious threats, and if you want to secure your operating system further, our recommendation is to employ trusted anti-malware software. If you want to ask us anything related to the PUP or its removal, do not hesitate to leave your questions below.