MyStartPage1.ru is the search engine and main domain for a browser hijacker redirect. The hijacker has a logo which resembles the one of Google, as every letter is colored similarly. Nonetheless, the hijacker redirects to a custom Google Search results page. Sponsored content and advertisements display if you use MyStartPage1.ru or have it on your PC. The hijacker can change the homepage, new tab, and search engine for your browsers. To remove the hijacker, you should read the whole article.
Threat Summary
| Name | MyStartPage1.ru |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Every browser application on your computer could be affected. The hijacker can redirect you and show you various advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which can be modified are the homepage, the search engine and the new tab. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MyStartPage1.ru. |
MyStartPage1.ru – Ways of Delivery
MyStartPage1.ru may be delivered via different ways. One of those ways can be with third-party installation setups bundle programs and freeware. Such setups might have a default setting for installing additional components in your computer without prior notice. You might have installed a free media player or another program and realize you also have the hijacker installed. You can avoid some of these unneeded installations. All you need to do is find Custom or Advanced settings in a setup to deselect those added components.
MyStartPage1.ru could have more ways for delivering itself to your computer system and browser programs. Often, an extension or an add-on can be responsible for that, which is nested in your browser software. More delivery ways involve advertisements, like pop-ups and banners, plus redirecting links. Sponsored or targeted content on suspicious websites is not excluded to contribute for the hijacker’s delivery. Similar websites could be partners of MyStartPage1.ru. The following browsers can be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
MyStartPage1.ru – In-Depth
MyStartPage1.ru is the main online domain and the search engine of a browser hijacker. If you visit the main domain, you will see a page different from the search page, called Free Avatar Maker. On that page, you can upload images and resize them, but they will not be kept for more than a day. Its search page consists of a white page with no image, a logo, a search bar below it, and some advertisements. The search page can be found at the https://mystartpage1.ru/i/startm.html address. You can view it in the picture below:
MyStartPage1.ru might try to look like a reputable search engine or some side project of Google, but it is not. The hijacker will just redirect you to the search results page of other search engines – as in this case the one of Google’s custom search. Your search queries will go through the initial web address. The unwanted web page shown in the above picture will replace the homepage, new tab setting and default search for all possible browsers in use. A browser add-on is also possible to be circling the Web and serving the same purpose as the hijacker redirect.
In the image under this paragraph, you can see a prime example of a search which went through MyStartPage1.ru. As you see, you just get redirected to the search results page of Google’s Custom search. You will witness targeted advertisements, sponsored content and could also be redirected further. The main page will redirect you with its on-page adverts. Be aware that the hijacker will filter your search queries, and every bit of information will be stored on their servers. That may include data of how you interacted with the site, search results and ads.
Cookies are used in the accumulation of the information, which the hijacker wants to obtain from you. Analogous tracking technologies might be in play here, as well. Be very careful with the information you give with your searches, especially if they go through any page provided by MyStartPage1.ru. Avoid clicking on any tempting links and adverts as they might be targeted specifically to you.
MyStartPage1.ru – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the MyStartPage1.ru site is very short and can be accessed from the main domain for this browser hijacker. According to that policy, the site might also be referred to as Free Avatar Maker. Nothing specific is mentioned about information collection, but just that the site uses cookies and Google DART cookies are implemented, too.
Here is how the privacy policy page looks like:
MyStartPage1.ru can collect information from you from the search queries you make and from the advertisements you click on. As all that data, plus personally identifiable information can be disclosed to third parties, be careful with what you enter in the search bars of this browser hijacker.
The policy of MyStartPage1.ru explicitly says that you consent to it if you are on the site, whether you use it or not. A big part of the collected data is acquired through browser cookies and similar technologies.
Remove MyStartPage1.ru Completely from Your PC
To remove MyStartPage1.ru manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions written below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the hijacker and all of its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove MyStartPage1.ru from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for MyStartPage1.ru with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall MyStartPage1.ru and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by MyStartPage1.ru on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by MyStartPage1.ru there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for MyStartPage1.ru (Windows).
Get rid of MyStartPage1.ru from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall MyStartPage1.ru and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to MyStartPage1.ru. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove MyStartPage1.ru via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove MyStartPage1.ru files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MyStartPage1.ru, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for MyStartPage1.ru (Mac)
Remove MyStartPage1.ru from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase MyStartPage1.ru from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall MyStartPage1.ru from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove MyStartPage1.ru from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the MyStartPage1.ru will be removed.
Eliminate MyStartPage1.ru from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
MyStartPage1.ru-FAQ
What Is MyStartPage1.ru?
The MyStartPage1.ru threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of MyStartPage1.ru?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like MyStartPage1.ru?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does MyStartPage1.ru Work?
Once installed, MyStartPage1.ru can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
MyStartPage1.ru can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is MyStartPage1.ru Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the MyStartPage1.ru Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MyStartPage1.ru how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on MyStartPage1.ru?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the MyStartPage1.ru threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.