SimilarSites(.)com is the search page of a browser hijacker. The hijacker acts as a useful site to show you websites similar to the ones you search. Instead, it shows targeted ads and sponsored content and sites, which are not similar to your searches. SimilarSites(.)com can change the homepage, new tab, and the search engine your browsers. A browser extension exists that can be added to browsers, too. To remove the hijacker and its components, you should read the article to the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | SimilarSites(.)com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Browser software on your computer could be affected. The hijacker can redirect you and show you advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which can be changed are the homepage, search engine and new tab. An extension could be set as well. You could see sponsored content. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SimilarSites(.)com. |
SimilarSites(.)com – Ways of Distribution
SimilarSites(.)com has a few ways in which it distributes. Third-party install setups are one of the primary ways that the unwanted program uses for distribution. Bundled programs and freeware can put the hijacker inside your computer. The freeware installers could have more components set to be installed, by default. Lots of settings could already be altered before you become aware of them and the hijacker’s existence. To prevent installations of unwanted software like that, can be achieved if you find Custom or Advanced settings, so to deselect components.
SimilarSites(.)com might use other ways of distribution to appear in your browser applications. One of the ways is with the help of a browser extension shown in the picture above. Here, it’s in the form of a pop-up ad, but it might be in Google’s Chrome Web store. Another way is through adverts, such as banners and pop-ups. The hijacker could be spread with redirects and targeted content hosted on suspicious sites. Such websites could be affiliated somehow with SimilarSites(.)com. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
SimilarSites(.)com – In Detail
SimilarSites(.)com is the main page for a browser hijacker. You can view how the web page looks like in the picture shown right here:
The SimilarSites(.)com main website page consists of a search bar to search for supposedly related sites. Also, it is filled with numerous links to other sites and possible advertising content. The extension related to the website can replace the search engine, new tab, and home page of your browsers and show different data on pages you visit. The said browser extension does the following:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
You can see below, in the screenshot, how the search results page of SimilarSites(.)com looks. You will see advertisements and targeted content and websites which are not exactly similar to the ones you seek. Probably the algorithm is strange and not updated, and that’s why the sites are not so similar in actuality.
After you click on a website suggested by SimilarSites(.)com the URL might be modified and show the hijacker’s name in it. That is because the unwanted software collects various types of information from its users. Cookies and other tracking technologies are used as well for further data gathering. Be careful with the information you input in searches and on what you click, because it might be disclosed to third parties. Continue to read, and find out what data can be acquired from you by SimilarSites(.)com.
SimilarSites(.)com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the SimilarSites(.)com can be found on the site of the same name. There you can find details about what kind of information is collected, in what ways and to whom it may be disclosed. If you read the policy, you will find out that both personally and non-personally identifying information is obtained.
You can see the Privacy Policy in the image below:
Read the excerpt that follows quoting the Policy, about third-party advertising to gain a better idea about it:
We may use third-party advertising companies in order to serve advertisements on our Website. Such parties may use cookies and/or other technologies placed on users’ computer in order to adjust the advertisements presented on to them on a certain third parties’ website.
Referring to the policy, the following information can be collected:
- Personal information you yourself submit
(when you commence communications with the developers) - Advertisements viewed
- Pages browsed
- Search inquiries
- Offers and services that interest you
- The type of browser you are using
- Your IP address
- The URL you have come from
- Time spent at that URL
- Information from cookies
- Your domain type and server
According to the Policy, by using any software or services connected to SimilarSites(.)com you automatically grant your consent for the collection of information from you and your PC. Cookies, web beacons, pixels and other technologies are used in the data collection process as well. All of your personal information may be shared with subsidiaries or joint ventures of the owners of this hijacker and in the case that it is required by a court order.
Remove SimilarSites(.)com Completely from Your PC
To remove SimilarSites(.)com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the hijacker and all its files effectively, 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 SimilarSites(.)com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for SimilarSites(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)com (Windows).
Get rid of SimilarSites(.)com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)com (Mac)
Remove SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)com will be removed.
Eliminate SimilarSites(.)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".
SimilarSites(.)com-FAQ
What Is SimilarSites(.)com?
The SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)com Work?
Once installed, SimilarSites(.)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.
SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)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 SimilarSites(.)com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.