Removing software causing redirects to poshukach.com from your Android device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is poshukach[.]com?
Similar to ubersear[.]ch, poshukach[.]com is the URL of an illegitimate search engine. Websites of this kind are typically promoted by browser hijackers.
However, we discovered poshukach[.]com while inspecting a malicious Android application that does not modify browsers. Instead, this app created a fake search engine bar on the device's home screen, using which resulted in redirects to the poshukach[.]com site.
![poshukach[.]com](/images/stories/screenshots202210/poshukach-com-redirect-main.jpg)
Poshukach[.]com redirect overview
After we installed a suspicious application onto our test machine, it appeared in the app list without either a name or icon. This piece of malicious software created a fake Google search engine bar on the device's home screen. Whenever a search query was typed into this text input field - it resulted in redirects to the poshukach[.]com website.
Illegitimate search engines usually cannot provide search results, and if they can - the results are typically riddled with untrustworthy, deceptive, and dangerous online content. Poshukach[.]com belongs to the latter category.
Hence, by using this site - users may encounter various online scams (phishing, fake virus alerts, hoax prize/reward giveaways, etc.), unreliable and harmful apps (fake anti-virus, adware, browser hijackers, PUAs, etc.), and even malware (trojans, ransomware, etc.).
Furthermore, fraudulent search engines and malicious software promoting them typically collect private data. Targeted information may include: searched queries, visited URLs, viewed webpages, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
It is noteworthy that the developers of malicious apps often improve upon and/or update their creations - therefore, this application might redirect elsewhere or have additional functionalities.
In summary, the presence of such software on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | poshukach.com browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Android Malware, Malicious Application, Unwanted Application, Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker. |
| Detection Names (poshukach[.]com) | Seclookup (Malicious), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address | 95.163.144.217 |
| Detection Names (malicious installer) | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/TrojanDropper.Agent.K), Fortinet (Android/Agent.KEJ!tr), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.AndroidOS.Adlo), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | The device is running slow, system settings are modified without user's permission, questionable applications appear, data and battery usage is increased significantly, browsers redirect to questionable websites, intrusive advertisements are delivered. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, deceptive applications, scam websites. |
| Damage | Stolen personal information (private messages, logins/passwords, etc.), decreased device performance, battery is drained quickly, decreased Internet speed, huge data losses, monetary losses, stolen identity (malicious apps might abuse communication apps). |
| Malware Removal (Android) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your mobile device with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
How do browser hijackers promote fake search engines
Fake search engines are usually pushed by browser-hijacking software. It modifies browser settings: assigns promoted URLs as browsers' default search engine, new tab/window, and homepage addresses. Hence, when a new tab/window is opened or a Web search is performed via the URL bar - the user is redirected to the newly assigned address.
In most cases, illegitimate search engines are incapable of generating search results - so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other genuine ones.
Additionally, browser hijackers often restrict access to removal-related settings and/or undo user-made changes - thus preventing browser recovery. What is more, browser-hijacking software is considered to be a serious privacy threat since it usually has data tracking abilities.
How did poshukach[.]com promoting software infiltrate my device?
Unwanted/Malicious software is typically presented as or bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs/media. Apps of this kind are commonly spread through dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, and other third-party sources.
However, cyber criminals have been observed using legitimate download platforms as well (e.g., Google Play Store, etc.). While harmful content can be quickly eliminated from these platforms, its developers can use better techniques to avoid detection and continue using such download sources.
Other widely used distribution methods include: spam mail (e.g., emails, SMSes, PMs/DMs, etc.), drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, fake updates, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and malvertising.
How to avoid installation of unwanted and malicious software?
We strongly recommend researching applications before download/installation, e.g., by reading terms and expert/user reviews, checking out necessary permissions, verifying developer legitimacy, etc. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. We advise activating and updating software using genuine functions/tools.
It is just as important to be careful when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material usually appears legitimate and harmless. The attachments and links present in suspicious mail (e.g., emails, SMSes, DMs/PMs, etc.) must not be opened since they can be malicious and cause infections.
It is essential to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats/issues.
Appearance of the malicious app (that promotes poshukach[.]com) on the applications list:
![poshukach[.]com promoting malicious application](/images/stories/screenshots202210/poshukach-com-promoting-malicious-app.jpg)
Appearance of a poshukach[.]com redirect (GIF):
![poshukach[.]com redirect appearance (GIF)](/images/stories/screenshots202210/poshukach-com-redirect-appearance.gif)
Quick menu:
- Introduction
- How to delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser?
- How to disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser?
- How to reset the Chrome web browser?
- How to delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser?
- How to disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser?
- How to reset the Firefox web browser?
- How to uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications?
- How to boot the Android device in "Safe Mode"?
- How to check the battery usage of various applications?
- How to check the data usage of various applications?
- How to install the latest software updates?
- How to reset the system to its default state?
- How to disable applications that have administrator privileges?
Delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.
Tap "Clear browsing data", select "ADVANCED" tab, choose the time range and data types you want to delete and tap "Clear data".
Disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "Settings" in the opened dropdown menu.
Scroll down until you see "Site settings" option and tap it. Scroll down until you see "Notifications" option and tap it.
Find the websites that deliver browser notifications, tap on them and click "Clear & reset". This will remove permissions granted for these websites to deliver notifications. However, once you visit the same site again, it may ask for a permission again. You can choose whether to give these permissions or not (if you choose to decline the website will go to "Blocked" section and will no longer ask you for the permission).
Reset the Chrome web browser:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you find "Chrome" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.
Tap "MANAGE STORAGE", then "CLEAR ALL DATA" and confirm the action by taping "OK". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.
Delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.
Scroll down until you see "Clear private data" and tap it. Select data types you want to remove and tap "CLEAR DATA".
Disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser:
Visit the website that is delivering browser notifications, tap the icon displayed on the left of URL bar (the icon will not necessarily be a "Lock") and select "Edit Site Settings".
In the opened pop-up opt-in the "Notifications" option and tap "CLEAR".
Reset the Firefox web browser:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you find "Firefox" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.
Tap "CLEAR DATA" and confirm the action by taping "DELETE". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.
Uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see a potentially unwanted and/or malicious application, select it and tap "Uninstall". If, for some reason, you are unable to remove the selected app (e.g., you are prompted with an error message), you should try using the "Safe Mode".
Boot the Android device in "Safe Mode":
The "Safe Mode" in Android operating system temporarily disables all third-party applications from running. Using this mode is a good way to diagnose and solve various issues (e.g., remove malicious applications that prevent users you from doing so when the device is running "normally").
Push the "Power" button and hold it until you see the "Power off" screen. Tap the "Power off" icon and hold it. After a few seconds the "Safe Mode" option will appear and you'll be able run it by restarting the device.
Check the battery usage of various applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Device maintenance" and tap it.
Tap "Battery" and check the usage of each application. Legitimate/genuine applications are designed to use as low energy as possible in order to provide the best user experience and to save power. Therefore, high battery usage may indicate that the application is malicious.
Check the data usage of various applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Connections" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Data usage" and select this option. As with battery, legitimate/genuine applications are designed to minimize data usage as much as possible. This means that huge data usage may indicate presence of malicious application. Note that some malicious applications might be designed to operate when the device is connected to wireless network only. For this reason, you should check both Mobile and Wi-Fi data usage.
If you find an application that uses a lot of data even though you never use it, then we strongly advise you to uninstall it as soon as possible.
Install the latest software updates:
Keeping the software up-to-date is a good practice when it comes to device safety. The device manufacturers are continually releasing various security patches and Android updates in order to fix errors and bugs that can be abused by cyber criminals. An outdated system is way more vulnerable, which is why you should always be sure that your device's software is up-to-date.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Software update" and tap it.
Tap "Download updates manually" and check if there are any updates available. If so, install them immediately. We also recommend to enable the "Download updates automatically" option - it will enable the system to notify you once an update is released and/or install it automatically.
Reset the system to its default state:
Performing a "Factory Reset" is a good way to remove all unwanted applications, restore system's settings to default and clean the device in general. However, you must keep in mind that all data within the device will be deleted, including photos, video/audio files, phone numbers (stored within the device, not the SIM card), SMS messages, and so forth. In other words, the device will be restored to its primal state.
You can also restore the basic system settings and/or simply network settings as well.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "About phone" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Reset" and tap it. Now choose the action you want to perform:
"Reset settings" - restore all system settings to default;
"Reset network settings" - restore all network-related settings to default;
"Factory data reset" - reset the entire system and completely delete all stored data;
Disable applications that have administrator privileges:
If a malicious application gets administrator-level privileges it can seriously damage the system. To keep the device as safe as possible you should always check what apps have such privileges and disable the ones that shouldn't.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Lock screen and security" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Other security settings", tap it and then tap "Device admin apps".
Identify applications that should not have administrator privileges, tap them and then tap "DEACTIVATE".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit poshukach[.]com website?
Websites like poshukach[.]com usually endorse deceptive/dangerous content and collect visitor data - hence, cyber criminals generate revenue through such redirects.
Is visiting poshukach[.]com a threat to my privacy?
To a certain extent, yes. Sites like poshukach[.]com typically gather information about their visitors with the goal of selling it to third-parties.
How did poshukach[.]com promoting software infiltrate my Android device?
Software of this kind is primarily distributed through dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, fake updates, bundled installation setups, spam mail (e.g., emails, SMSes, PMs/DMs, etc.), drive-by downloads, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and malvertising.
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