An infection with the dangerous moviesApp Search browser hijacker leads to serious security issues. Victims can restore and protect their computers by following our complete removal guide.
moviesApp Search Browser Hijacker Description
The moviesApp Search browser hijacker is a malicious addon for popular browsers like Google Chrome. It can compromise victim computers using different spread methods however the most likely way is by getting infected by a malicious browser plugin.
The computer criminals behind the threat have invaded the Chrome Web Store with fake add-ons that pose as being useful. In fact the instances aim to infect the computers by injecting virus code that redirects them to malicious sites.
The reported instance is called “moviesApp Search” and is being offered by a developer account “superappbox.com”. The plugin is rated only by a single user with no user reviews posted as of today. The team behind the browser hijacker has posted the following description:
This extension configures your Default Search in Chrome browser to provide these features.
Add moviesApp Search and get more from your browser.
Just type ‘m’ then TAB then search the query and get the results you’re searching.
moviesApp Search provides you with a better web search experience.
It allows you find the exact information that you’re looking for, with no extra effort needed.Looking for information about movie actors, movies, images, video clips and more?
Add moviesApp Search and you can have it all.Please read carefully: By clicking the “ADD TO CHROME” button in the top right hand corner and installing the moviesApp Search extension, you agree to install this extension, and you agree to the End User License Agreement and the Privacy Policy and to receiving any future updates and upgrades. You can uninstall the extension at any time.
Terms of use
hxxp://www.superappbox.com/terms.phpPrivacy Policy
hxxp://www.superappbox.com/privacy.phpHow to remove our extension from Chrome browser:
1) Click on the three horizontal lines icon in the upper right-hand corner of your Chrome browser.
2) Go to “Settings”.
3) In the menu that appears click on “Extensions”.
4) From the list of installed Extensions, find the name of the extension you wish to uninstall.
5) Click on the trash can icon to the right of “Enable” (for the extension you wish to uninstall).
6) Our extension should be removed from your Chrome browser.Help
hxxp://www.superappbox.com/help.phpFor assistance from our customer service team, please contact us here:
hxxp://www.superappbox.com/contact.php
Similar versions can be made for other web browsers as well including Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Microsoft Edge and Opera. Whatever the case the end result will always be the redirect to a malicious-controlled site. Other popular distribution methods include the inclusion of the malware code in infected software installers, a method also known as “bundles”. The hackers take legitimate installers of popular software and manipulate the free or trial versions with the browser hijacker. They are then distributed on hacker-controlled portals, sites, ad networks and P2P sites like BitTorrent.
Upon infection with the moviesApp search browser hijacker the victims will find that important settings have been changed ‒ default search engine, new tabs page and the homepage. The victims will find that not only the redirect page will be able to install tracking cookies, other malicious actions can occur. One of the most prominent traits of all browser hijackers is their ability to invade the privacy of the victims by tracking all of their actions using cookies.
As the moviesApp Search redirects are caused by the browser hijacker infections the hackers can obtain private information from the computers as well: passwords, account credentials, bookmarks, history, settings and form data. Note that the malicious extensions are used with fake developer profiles. The current instance available on the Chrome Web Store can be duplicated on other repositories or under different names.
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
Possible Updates To The moviesApp Search Browser Hijacker
There are various types of browser hijackers. Depending on the type of malware a future update can include any of the following features:
- Rogue Application Presentation – Some types of browser hijackers create counterfeit notification prompts which aim to scare the victims into thinking that their computer has been infected by viruses. The hijackers redirect them to a product page or download portal where they are offered a solution.
- Endless Redirection – Browser hijacker typically redirect the users to hacker-controlled sites for various reasons. However some of them do this in a way which makes browsing practically impossible. Examples of such strains process all user queries through non-existent sites. As a result it is impossible to browser any site.
- Stealth Installation Hijackers – These hijackers attempt to show no sign of infection and attempt to hide themselves from the users as much as possible. They change the application settings to pass traffic through hacker-controlled sites however no obvious preferences are modified.
- Information Stealing Trojan Browser Hijackers – Advanced forms of browser hijacker can include code that is able to harvest sensitive information from the victims. This includes not only their stored account credentials, browsing history, cookies, preferences, saved form data and etc., but also files from their computers.
- Additional Payload Delivery – The malicious extension can be used to deliver viruses to the infected computer.
- Obtrusive Ads – The browser hijacker can directly display ads in various forms (text, graphics, in-page, hybrid and etc.) of paying customers. This tactic generates revenue for the hijacker operators based on the amount of infected victims and frequency of interaction with the advertised service.
- Performance Impact – Other types of malware can cause delibrate performance issues. This can include anything from slow-downs to application crashes and even operating system boot up problems.
- Security Software Bypass – Advanced hijackers are found to disable the installed security solutions. This means that the hijackers can be used as a first-stage infection in a complex malware installation attempt. This is particularly useful for ransomware.
- Persistent Installation – The virus can achieve a persistent state of execution which makes removal possible with the use of a quality anti-spyware solution.
- Identity Spoofing – A notable example of such behavior was a particular strain of browser hijackers which stole cookies that were used to conduct malicious activities. The hijacker used the cookie to install malicious Android app onto the user’s phone without their consent.
Using a quality anti-spyware solution Internet users can defend themselves against possible virus installations. All active threats can be removed using only a few mouse clicks.
Protect Yourself From Hijackers like moviesApp Search
To completely eliminate the threat we suggest that all infected users use a quality anti-spyware tool as it can both delete active infections with only a few mouse clicks and provide strong protection against all kinds of threats.
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
moviesApp Search Removal Guide
Manual removal of moviesApp Search requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removal of any important data can lead to permanent system damage. You could prevent this troublesome effect and delete moviesApp Search browser hijacker with SpyHunter malware removal tool.
STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the browser hijacker so they will be removed efficiently.
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1) Hit 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
Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”
STEP II: Remove moviesApp Search 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:
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1) Hold the “Windows” button (It’s between CTRL and Alt on most keyboards) and press “R”. You’ll see a pop-up window.
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2) In the textbox, type “appwiz.cpl”, then press“ Enter ”.
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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“.
STEP III: Remove moviesApp Search 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“.
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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“.
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3) Click again on the Open menu icon, then click “Options“.
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4) In the Options window, under “General” tab, click “Restore to Default“.
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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“.
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2) Click “Extensions” in the left menu. Then click on the trash bin icon to remove the suspicious extension.
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3) Again in the left menu, under Chrome, Click on “Settings“. Go under “On Startup” and set a new page.
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4) Afterward, scroll down to “Search“, click on “Manage search engines“.
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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.
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1) Start Internet Explorer. Go to the “Tools” menu and click on “Manage add-ons“.
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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“.
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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”.
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4) Open the Tools menu, select “Internet Options”.
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5) In the “General” tab, in “Home page”, enter your preferred page. Click “Apply” and “OK”.
STEP IV: Remove Completely moviesApp Search Browser Hijacker Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
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
STEP V: Repair Windows Registry
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1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) 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
Further help for Windows Registry repair
STEP VI: Preventive Security Measures
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1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.
