Google Search Redirect

There is a new virus affecting millions of Google users called the Google Search Redirect virus. This virus is a SERP (Search Engine Results Page) hijacker, which hijacks Google’s search results and places foreign and malicious results in the search results. The links inserted into the search results are for websites selling rogue security tools, and distributing viruses and infections. The Google Search Redirect infection enters the PC surreptitiously, and once activated will make it extremely difficult for the user to use any search engine, not only Google.

The Google Search Redirect virus is able to use up to 100% of the system’s resources. This already makes it that much more dangerous than standard search engine hijackers, as its effects can be felt even when the user is not using the Internet. It will eventually make it impossible for the user to operate his system. What is more, Google Search Redirect will also act as a backdoor component to the system, allowing easier access for other types of malware and infections onto the PC.

Google Search Redirect also operates under different aliases. It is more correctly defined a Rootkit or a Trojan. Some of the aliases used by include the following:

Alureon
Tidserv
Backdoor.Tidserv
Trojan:WinNT/Alureon.D
TrojanSpy:Win32/Chadem.A and many others

This virus will also block Google’s search listings, and will allow spammers to insert links to their websites which can earn them affiliate marketing funds. After users are redirected to a website unrelated to their original search, some websites will attempt to sell the following rogue security tools:

Fast Windows AntiVirus 2011 &
Windows Necessary Firewall

It has also been reported that Google Search Redirect redirects users to the following websites without their consent:

Clearask.com
Web-analytics.google.com
Brittaniasearch.com
Go.google.com

In order to protect your PC from the severely devastating effects of this threat, you need to destroy Google Search Redirect redirects immediately. This can safest and best be achieved by using a properly functioning security tool which will not only erase Google Search Redirect redirects but also protect against similar attacks in future.