SurfSelf(.)com is a domain which serves as a search engine to a browser hijacker software. Once you have it on your computer machine, you will begin to notice changes in browsers, like the homepage, search engine, and new tab settings. Adverts and redirects could show up while you try to browse. A toolbar might be added as well. To remove this browser hijacker with all its files, you should read the article till the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | SurfSelf(.)com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The browsers on your PC will get their settings modified. Settings like the homepage, search engine and new tab can be changed. A toolbar might be added. |
| Symptoms | A browser extension might be installed in your browsers. The hijacker can redirect you and filter your search results. You might see third party content and advertisements when browsing. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SurfSelf(.)com. |
SurfSelf(.)com – Ways of Delivery
SurfSelf(.)com can be delivered by in a few ways. A very popular one is with the help of third-party installation setups. Bundled packages plus setups for free programs can put the hijacker inside your computer. Freeware installers have additional content chosen in the default installation. The unwanted program can enter your computer system and switch various settings before you become aware of that. To avoid such a program from installing, you should search for a Custom or an Advanced options menu, so you can deselect components.
Another way for delivering SurfSelf(.)com is from the Google Chrome Web Store, as you can see above. Banners, pop-ups or other advertisements might also distribute the hijacker. Suspicious websites which host redirects might also be used as a delivery way for the hijacker. Websites like that might be partners of SurfSelf(.)com. Browsers that can be affected are: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
SurfSelf(.)com – In Details
SurfSelf(.)com is the primary web domain and search engine for the browser hijacker program with the same name. You can see the main web page in the image below:
The SurfSelf(.)com page consists of a single search bar, and many different buttons. The buttons themselves use redirecting through the bit(.)ly URL shortener. In that way, the owners of the site make additional money. That same page is also filled with other various links and a toolbar. The page will replace your default search engine, new tab setting, and your homepage.
If any software that is tied to the hijacker is found on your computer device, then you will start seeing your browser apps being modified. Additional programs could be installed on your computer system, to provide assistance to the hijacker. Any extension might redirect you or show you adverts, and you can find yourself on unknown and unwanted web pages. Such websites could be partnered or affiliated with SurfSelf(.)com.
In the image depicted above, you can see the search results page of SurfSelf(.)com. You can see that Google’s Custom search is utilized, but the domain remains the same. Also, links and web pages will go through different redirects and URL shorteners as mentioned above.
SurfSelf(.)com can collect data from you by filtering your search queries. The search engine can send both personal and technical information to servers owned by the hijacker’s developers. Be careful about what you type in your searches.
The Privacy Policy of the SurfSelf(.)com site is shown in the screenshot above. The policy states openly that the SurfSelf hijacker is owned by the company Digi724 DMCC. It becomes clear that the website, plus any add-ons such as a toolbar and extensions, can all collect information about you. The information can be both personally and non-personally identifiable.
According to the Policy, the following information can be collected:
- Email address
- Your name (if you provide it)
- Internet protocol (IP) addresses
- Browser user agent
- Referring page
- Date and time stamp
- Cookies and web beacons
All of that information may be disclosed to third-parties in several situations. If you don’t your privacy to be invaded in such a way, and you have software connected to the search site, then it is advised to remove all unwanted files from your personal computer device.
Remove SurfSelf(.)com Completely from Your PC
To remove SurfSelf(.)com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of this hijacker and all related files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer secure.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove SurfSelf(.)com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for SurfSelf(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall SurfSelf(.)com and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
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 SurfSelf(.)com 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 SurfSelf(.)com 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 SurfSelf(.)com (Windows).
Get rid of SurfSelf(.)com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall SurfSelf(.)com 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 SurfSelf(.)com. 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 SurfSelf(.)com 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 SurfSelf(.)com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SurfSelf(.)com, 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 SurfSelf(.)com (Mac)
Remove SurfSelf(.)com 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 SurfSelf(.)com 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 SurfSelf(.)com 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 SurfSelf(.)com 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 SurfSelf(.)com will be removed.
Eliminate SurfSelf(.)com 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".
SurfSelf(.)com-FAQ
What Is SurfSelf(.)com?
The SurfSelf(.)com 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 SurfSelf(.)com?
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 SurfSelf(.)com?
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 SurfSelf(.)com Work?
Once installed, SurfSelf(.)com 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.
SurfSelf(.)com 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 SurfSelf(.)com 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 SurfSelf(.)com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SurfSelf(.)com 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 SurfSelf(.)com?
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 SurfSelf(.)com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.