Addonsearch.net browser hijacker could be accountable for the changed browser's settings, and it could have infected your device via freeware packages. The threat was most likely adjoined to a freeware as an extra item, and because you did not unmark it, it installed. It is essential that you pay attention to how you install programs because otherwise, these types of threats will install over and over again. This is a low level infection but because of its unnecessary behavior, you'll want it gone right away. Your browser's homepage and new tabs will be changed, and a different page will load instead of your usual site. Your search engine will also be changed, and it could be inserting sponsored content into search results. The redirect virus is doing that because it aims to generate traffic for some sites, which makes money for owners. Not all of those reroutes will lead to secure sites, so you might end up in a malicious software ridden-site and accidentally get a malware. If you got malicious program, the situation would be much worse. In order for users to see them as useful, hijackers pretend to have beneficial features but the reality is, they are replaceable with real add-ons which aren't actively attempting to reroute you. You won't always see this but hijackers are tracking your browsing and collecting data so that more customized sponsored content may be created. It is feasible that the info would be shared with third-parties too. And the quicker you uninstall Addonsearch.net, the better.
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