An infection with the dangerous Gsearch IO Redirect leads to serious security issues. Victims can restore and protect their computers by following our complete removal guide.
Remove Gsearch IO Redirect and Restore PC
Manual Removal Guide
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Distribution of Gsearch IO Redirect
Users can get infected with the Gsearch IO redirect by downloading a malicious browser extension. They are usually made for the most popular applications: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Safari. Once the infection has taken place important settings are changed to reflect the browser hijacker instance ‒ default home page, search engine and new tabs page.
Such instances can be distributed using email campaigns that utilize file attachments or hyperlinks in the body contents. Social engineering strategies are employed to make the targets infect themselves.
Another option is the use of infected documents that contain scripts (macros) that upon activation by the users download the infection from a remote server. A similar strategy involves the use of modified software installers, they represent legitimate code that is altered to include the Gsearch IO redirect.
Hacker-controlled sites can be used to distribute instances of the redirect as well. This includes not only fake download portals, but also different kinds of web scripts, ad networks and pop-ups.
Impact of Gsearch IO Redirect
Once the Gsearch IO Redirect has infiltrated the victim’s browsers they will see that important settings are modified ‒ the default home page, search engine and new tabs page. The aim of the criminal operators is to make the users utilize the new option. It is operated by a company called ” AirFind Corp”.
The design of the page shows a Google logo, a search engine box that covers the whole width of the page. Below it there are three links to other malware sites operated by the company: Home Portal, Google Search and Bing Search.
Using the service the company collects sensitive information about the users by profiling each one of them and assigns unique user ID’s (UUID). Examples include: full name, email address, phone number, physical address, and contacts access.
In coordination with third parties the service may transfer or sell the data in large sets (whole databases). We warn victims of the hijacker as the service have the ability to track even third-party services such as social media networks and etc. The information can also be used for analytics use by the service themselves. The following types of browser and user data are extracted in real time as the victims utilize the site:
- Cookies
- Browser form data, bookmarks, settings, settings, account credentials and passwords
- Log file information
- Unique device identifiers
- Location Data
Remove Gsearch IO Redirect and Restore PC
WARNING! Manual removal of the Gsearch IO Redirect requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
Gsearch IO Redirect – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Remove Gsearch IO from Windows
Here’s a way to remove the program. This method will work regardless if you’re on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP. Simply selecting the program and pressing delete won’t work, as it’ll leave a lot of small files. That’s bad because these leftovers can linger on and cause all sorts of problems. The best way to delete a program is to uninstall it. Here’s how you can do that:
1. Hold the “Windows” button (It’s between CTRL and Alt on most keyboards) and press “R”. You’ll see a pop-up window.
2. In the textbox, type “appwiz.cpl”, then press“ Enter ”.
3. The “Programs and features” menu should now appear. It’s a list of all the programs installed on the PC. Here you can find the program, select it, and press “Uninstall“.
Remove Gsearch IO Virus From Your Browser
Before resetting your browser’s settings, you should know that this action will wipe out all your recorded usernames, passwords, and other types of data. Make sure to save them in some way.
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1. Start Mozilla Firefox. In the upper right corner, click on the Open menu icon and select “Add-ons“.
2. Inside the Add-ons Manager select “Extensions“. Search the list of extensions for suspicious entries. If you find any, select them and click “Remove“.
3. Click again on the Open menu icon, then click “Options“.
4. In the Options window, under “General” tab, click “Restore to Default“.
5. Select “Search” in the left menu, mark the unknown search engine and press “Remove”.
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1. Start Google Chrome. On the upper-right corner, there a “Customize and Control” menu icon. Click on it, then click on “Settings“.
2. Click “Extensions” in the left menu. Then click on the trash bin icon to remove the suspicious extension.
3. Again in the left menu, under Chrome, Click on “Settings“. Go under “On Startup” and set a new page.
4. Afterward, scroll down to “Search“, click on “Manage search engines“.
5. In the default search settings list, find the unknown search engine and click on “X“. Then select your search engine of choice and click “Make default“. When you are ready click “Done” button in the right bottom corner.
2. In the “Manage add-ons” window, bellow “Add-on Types“, select “Toolbars and Extensions“. If you see a suspicious toolbar, select it and click “Remove“.
3. Then again in the “Manage Add-ons” window, in “Add-on Types“, Select “Search Providers“. Chose a search engine and click “Set as default“. Select the unknown search engine and click “Remove and Close”.
4. Open the Tools menu, select “Internet Options”.
5. In the “General” tab, in “Home page”, enter your preferred page. Click “Apply” and “OK”.
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
