MyWebSearch is a toolbar item that continues to plague many in our community. Even if removed, it has a way of returning. How? It is included as an recommended or required download on many web pages, including dialogs you use to update other products you legitimately want. The tricky part is that, although the MyWebSearch download may be optional, where you have to check a box in order to download it, the page presented to you for that option:
- Has the option box checked
- May have the text notifying you of the option skillfully hidden on the web page or the dialog- as you are clicking through a download you click right through the checked option.
Why is MyWebSearch bad? Well, if you read the article below on security, you will read that it is “adware” and has been taken off the spyware list. On the other hand, MyWebSearch adds a searchbar to your browser and tries hard to be your default search engine. Any searches you do using MyWebSearch are sent through servers owned by the parent company. This company reads your search and adds the search to its internal tracking database on
YOU. Over time, it creates a model of your behavior and interests. This model is sold to companies who what to target ads to certain demographics.
I don’t have visibility into the algorithms the parent company uses and whether or not they can actually obtain your personal information. Better safe than sorry.
So, if you ever see this, it is not a necessary addition to your browser, is at least an invasion of privacy, and I recommend removal using the instructions linked below.
I recommend the free tool
Revo Uninstaller to remove the product. It removes all the vestiges of this adware.
Helpful links:
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