Popular123.com

Popular123.com is a questionable search engine whose creators are unknown, so it comes from an unreliable source. We took a look at it because this search engine is redirected to from a browser hijacker and can also be bundled with Chinese-made malware. While it is not malicious, we advise caution because there is no way of knowing what it can do. According to its privacy policy, this search engine can use ads from third parties. Therefore, it can subject you to promoted content that can come from unknown sources which is worrying. While we cannot put our finger on what is actually wrong with Popular123.com, we regard it as unreliable and recommend that you remove it from your browser and replace it with a known legitimate search engine.

Our research has shown that this program is distributed and promoted using two methods. We have found that Yeadesktop.com, which is a malicious search engine that was classified as a browser hijacker can, under particular circumstances, redirect you to it automatically. The fact that Popular123.com is affiliated with a known browser hijacker is a huge red flag that suggests that this search engine is unreliable. The second method used to distribute it is malware. We have come across information that suggests that Popular123.com can be bundled with malicious software. Hence, malicious software installers can install inject this search engine into your web browser. The malware is known to originate from China. Therefore, the malware that comes with this search engine is probably featured on shady free software hosting websites based in China.

The most noticeable feature in Popular123.com is that it presents search results supplied by Baidu.com, the most popular search engine in China. However, is in the English Language — not Mandarin. Still, it is a usable search engine, but we have noticed that, sometimes, it can feature advertisements on its main page. It is evident that its secretive developers have created it to feature ads and generate them ad revenue. The problem is that there is no way to guarantee that the ads you see on its man page or in its search results are safe. We fear that some can be deceptive and redirect you to questionable websites.

According to the privacy policy of this search engine, it can collect information about you via images displayed on the site such as a banner ad that can function as a web beacon. It has also been stated that Popular123.com can use content or ads from third parties that may use cookies and web beacons to measure web page visits or amount of products purchased. This search engine collects non-personally identifiable information about you to present you with personalized ads. Moreover, its creators can share the collected information with third-party advertisers for geotargeting purposes in order to show you region-specific and customized ads. The collected information can include your location, search queries, interests, favorites, and usage data from the site. The collection of this information is legal, but you might not want to share it because it can be used to personalize shady ads.

While Popular123.com itself is not malicious, it can be distributed with the use of malicious software bundles. It features unnecessary advertisements on its main page and collects information about you to share with third parties to present you with personalized ads. However, there is no way to know whether the ads are safe and legitimate, so we advise you against using this shady search engine. Moreover, it uses the search results of Baidu.com, so it brings nothing to the table as far as search engine uniqueness in concerned. If you want to get rid of this search engine, then reset your search engine to its default settings or find the malicious browser extension that comes with it and remove it.

Remove the Target line hijack

1. Right-click the shortcut of your respective browser.
2. Select Properties.
3. Click the Shortcut tab.
4. Erase http://www.yeadesktop.com/ from the Target line.
5. if you use Chrome, erase --load-extension="C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\kemgadeojglibflomicgnfeopkdfflnk" http://www.yeadesktop.com/ from the Target line.
6. Click OK.

How to reset your browser to default and remove the malicious extension

Mozilla Firefox

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+A.
2. Click Extensions and remove the extension.
3. Press Alt+H.
4. Select Troubleshooting information and click Refresh Firefox.
5. Click Refresh Firefox again.
6. Click Finish.

Google Chrome

1. Press Alt+F.
2. Go to More tools.
3. Click Extensions and remove the add-on.
4. Press Alt+F keys and open Settings.
5. Select Show advanced settings and click Reset settings.
6. Click Reset.

Uninstall 1.0.0.1 (Internet Explorer only)

Windows 10 and 8.1/8

1. Right-click the Start menu/Start screen.
2. Click Control Panel and go to Uninstall a program.
3. Find 1.0.0.1 and double-click it.
4. Click Uninstall.

Windows 7 and Vista

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click Control Panel and select Uninstall a program.
3. Find 1.0.0.1 and right-click it.
4. Click Uninstall.

Windows XP

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Click Add or Remove Programs.
4. Find 1.0.0.1, highlight it, and click the Remove button.