An infection with the dangerous SecureSerch Redirect leads to serious security issues. Victims can restore and protect their computers by following our complete removal guide.
Remove SecureSerch Redirect and Restore PC
Manual Removal Guide
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Distribution of SecureSerch Redirect
SecureSerch is a new malware which has been reported in various attacks worldwide. At the moment the security experts have not been able to identify a single tactic that is being used to infect the targets. We presume that the hackers are using several of the most important methods to carry out the malicious campaigns.
A common way of setting browser hijacker attacks is the use of email spam messages. They may directly distribute malicious file attachments containing scripts that lead to an infection. Other cases can utilize complex social engineering tricks and hyperlinks that are specifically made to confuse the intended targets into infecting themselves. Two more scenarios that are used in combination with email messages rely on infected files used as payloads ‒ documents and software installers.
- Infected Software Installers ‒ The criminals craft malicious packages made out of legitimate software installers. They are taken from the official vendor download sites, modified and then posted on online sites or attached (either as file attachments) or linked in the email messages.
- Infected Documents ‒ They represent dangerous files that usually come in the form of some of the most popular document types: rich text documents, spreadsheets and databases. When the users open them up a notification prompt will ask them to enable the built-in scripts (macros). If this is done then the malware is installed on the victim computer.
The malware browser plugins can be uploaded to hacker-controlled sites and P2P networks like BitTorrent as well. The hacker operators frequently utilize template design, text and images to create portals that look like legitimate download sources. They may also use domain names that are very similar to legitimate sites and advertise them via pop-ups or ad networks.
The browser hijacker code associated with the SecureSerch Redirect can be found in numerous malware toolbars. They are usually made for the most popular web browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, Microsoft Edge. They can be distributed on such download sites or even on the browsers repositories (such as the Chrome Web Store for Google Chrome) using fake developer accounts.
Impact of SecureSerch Redirect
Computer security experts detected a browser hijacker known as the Secure Serch redirect. Its operators have taken advantage of the fact that many computer users may mispell “Search” and come across their sute. The word “secure” is among the most widely used keywords and using this combination the hackers hope to coerce computer usres into falling victim for the site. When the infections have complete the bundled malware instructions are triggered.
Like other similar hijackers the Secure Serch redirect aims to change the basic settngs of the web browsers. Usually the code is made compatible with the most popular applications: Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera and Microsoft Edge. The basic changes include the default home page, search engine and new tabs page. The malware engine can also take advantage of the fact that the intrusion comes from within the web browser and as such attempt to extract sensitive data including the following: cookies, history, bookmarks, site preferences, form data, settings, passwords and account credentials.
The victims will find that they are redirected to a hacker-controlled site that resembles legitimate Internet services. It is designed using a familiar layout which is composed of the following components:
- Top Menu Bar — It contains links to some of the most popular Internet services along with a mini search engine.
- Main Search Engine — It shows the main logo image of the Secure Serch redirect along with the main search engine box. Underneath it are placed links to other popular Internet services.
- Bottom Menu Bar — It links to service links like the privacy policy and terms of use documents.
One of the main objectives of these type of threats are to coerce the victims into using them as long as possible. Upon first launch it institutes multiple tracking cookies that are used to monitor the users interactions in real time. This information is relayed to the hackers in real time. The posted links are afiiliates and any purchase or click generates income for the operators. Furthermore any interaction with the search engine leads to sponsored or fake results. Their use may also lead to ads, pop-ups and malware infections.
The terms of use and privacy policy documents reveals that the site is operated by a company based in the USA called “Ur Web Wheels”.
The browser extension can collect information about the users that are generally categorized into two types:
- Anonymous Data — Information that focuses on the machine and set preferences such as hardware components can be relayed to the criminals behind the Secure Serch redirect.
- Personally-identifiable Information — Such data can expose the victim’s identity and is usually made up of information such as their name, address, telephone number, email and any harvested account credentials (including passwords).
Every individual user is assigned an individual unique victim ID which is a string made up of the gathered values. By having the software installed the user automatically agrees to allow any modifications and changes to their computer without their explicit consent. Effectively this gives the hacker operators the ability to install other third-party software or partner apps onto their machines which generates profit for them. This strategy can also be used to deliver dangerous virus infections to target victims. Any collected data can be shared with partners and other sites.
SecureSerch Redirect is a very dangerous threat that must be eliminated completely to prevent any privacy and security risks for the victim users. This is why we we recommend that all users remove the active infections by following our in-depth removal guide.
Remove SecureSerch Redirect and Restore PC
WARNING! Manual removal of the SecureSerch 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
SecureSerch 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 SecureSerch 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 SecureSerch 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
