Is UpgradeSearchSystem a virus?

This is a new one.

   1. Remove unknown profiles if present.

      System Preferences > Profiles

      Open System Preferences,  select “General and click  the “Profiles” icon ( a checkmark on a gear) .

      When Profiles pane opens, select the unknown profile and click the minus button at the bottom.

      Section: Remove a configuration profile from your Mac

      Profiles: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/configuration-profiles-standardize-settings-mh35561/mac

  2. Remove unknown extensions:  Safari > Preferences > Extensions

      https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/use-safari-extensions-sfri32508/mac

   3. Check for adware.

       Run the latest release of Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware/adware, if installed on your Mac.

       For instructions: Install Malwarebytes for Mac v4      Uninstall Malwarebytes for Mac

       Click the “Scan Now” button. Once done, quit Malwarebytes for Mac.

       Restart the computer and relaunch Safari holding the shift key down.

       Scan for Malware again.

       Additional steps  if necessary

  4. Reset search engine:    https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/customize-your-search-ibrwe75c2a3c/mac

  5. Reset  Homepage.   https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/set-your-homepage-ibrw1020/mac 

  6. Check proxies. SOCKS?

      System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Proxies.

Deselect any proxies if selected.

   7. Restart your Mac. Relaunch Safari holding the Shift key down. 

You may have adware/malware installed. Try downloading this program which was written by Thomas R, a long time poster. The program will search for malware/adware. The program will do the work for you which makes it easy. It may be necessary to run more than one scan. After running the scans, restart the computer.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac 10.10 and later. https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac-download/

Web site for download https://www.malwarebytes.com

Malwarebytes uninstall