QuicklookPI

QuicklookPI is classified as a browser hijacker and a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). The application targets Mac users and uses deceptive marketing tactics to spread such as bundling. In this distribution method, the PUP's installation is hidden several layers deep into the installation options of another more popular freeware application. As result, in most cases, users do not install PUPs suck as QuicklookPI intentionally.

Once inside the computer, QuicklookPI doesn't waste any time and assumes control over certain browser settings such as the homepage, new tab page and the default search engine. All of the settings will be modified to open a link provided by the application. The goal is to drive artificial traffic towards the sponsored address. More than likely, the link will be for a fake search engine. Lacking the most basic functionality for a search engine, the promoted one will take all search queries conducted by the user and redirect them through a legitimate engine such as Yahoo, Google or Bing.

The biggest risk when it comes to browser hijackers, however, is that they all possess at least a certain degree of data-harvesting capabilities. It is not unusual for the user's browsing and search history, as well as clicked URLs to be logged by the application. The most threatening applications of this type go far deeper and will try to extract sensitive card and banking details from the browser. It is strongly recommended to remove applications such as QuicklookPI from your computer as soon as you notice the first signs of their presence.