SearchInVietnam(.)com the main web page of a browser hijacker. Imali Media Ltd. is the company that developed the unwanted software. Each of your search queries will go through another hijacker application named SafeFinder. The hijacker will change your browser settings like the homepage, search engine, and new tab to Search.SearchInVietnam(.)com and could add a toolbar or a plugin. Targeted content and advertisements can appear while you are browsing. To remove the hijacker and all files tied to it, you should read the article in full.
Threat Summary
| Name | SearchInVietnam(.)com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | All browsers on your computer could be affected. The hijacker can redirect you and filter each of your searches. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which are altered are the homepage, search engine and new tab, as well as browser plugins and a toolbar. You could see third party content and advertising. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SearchInVietnam(.)com. |
SearchInVietnam(.)com – How Did I Get It?
You can get SearchInVietnam(.)com inside your browsers in several ways. Mostly that happens via third-party installations. Bundled software, along with free program install setups, can get this hijacker on your computer. Such setups can have additional content set for a default installation. Many settings may be modified without notification and the unwanted application to be residing in your computer. Avoiding similar installations is doable if you find Custom or Advanced options in the setup to deselect additive components.
SearchInVietnam(.)com can get in your personal computer through the use of advertising content, such as banners, pop-ups or other various ad types. The hijacker might even be pushed with the help of dubious websites hosting redirect links. These websites could very well be partners or affiliates of SearchInVietnam(.)com. Browsers that can be affected are: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
SearchInVietnam(.)com – What Does It Do?
SearchInVietnam(.)com is the primary web address and a search engine for the browser hijacker called Search in Vietnam. That might have initially been intended for the Vietnamese people, but everybody could fall victim to this unwanted program. The company developer is the known Imali Media Ltd., which has made other browser hijacker software in the past. A recent example is the Funcybertabsearch(.)com Hijacker.
You can see a preview of the main page right here:
The SearchInVietnam(.)com page is constructed of a search bar, and multiple redirecting links, some of which have been wrapped as buttons below the said search bar. Many of the buttons redirect to reputable websites, but some of them can redirect to sponsored and targeted third-party content. The page in the showcase above is the one which will replace the search engine of your browsers, plus the new tab setting, and the home page. On top of the page, there will be a toolbar present.
If additional apps related to SearchInVietnam(.)com enter your personal computer, such as a browser plugin, then you will see more alterations made to your browsers. Additional programs like that could install on your computer with bundled setups. Extensions, add-ons, and even plugins could generate advertisements, display more third-party content and redirect you. From the redirects, you could land on web pages with low reputation. These pages could be affiliated with SearchInVietnam(.)com.
From the image above, you can view the search results page of SearchInVietnam(.)com. It is not the same page as you are redirected to Yahoo. Redirects to various other reputable search engines are also possible. The redirecting trick is used to gain your trust is used many times by hijackers and still effective to this day. When you look closely, you can see how every search query you do goes through the following redirect:
In this way, SearchInVietnam(.)com can gather additional data about you through the Safe Finder service.
The search engines are connected in a way and can trade and disclose all information related to your searches to one another, particularly if they are affiliates. You should be very careful around those search sites and try your best not to give personal information in whatever search engine you use. On the SearchInVietnam(.)com page is advised not to click on any buttons. The toolbar has a multitude of redirects, as well.
SearchInVietnam(.)com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the SearchInVietnam(.)com is that of Imali Media Ltd. Take note that the policy of the Safe Finder platform is applied as well, especially about the information collection. Both platforms explicitly state that automatic information collection is granted by you if you use their websites. SearchInVietnam(.)com collects both personally and non-personally identifying information. Third parties may receive the information, too.
Screenshot of the privacy policy of Imali Media:
According to the Privacy Policy, there are certain types of information collection.
Information, collected by Imali Media from this hijacker for all users:
- Your IP (internet protocol) address
- The type of browser you use
- The time at which you visited the site
- Which pages you visited throughout the site
Information you provide that can be collected:
- Your name
- Your email address
- Country of origin
- Your nickname
- Telephone number
- Website
- Company
- Job title
Information collected, in case you download and install the plugin:
- Demographic information
- Your gender
- Your age
- Occupation
- Household income
- Zip code
- Your country
- Mobile telephone number
- Your E-mail address
Information can also be gathered upon completion of a questionnaire, subscription form or a contest entry form.
Information collected automatically from the plugin:
- Searches you perform using Imali Media domains
- The ways in which you use various features
- Pages you view on those domains
- Page view count
- Impressions and clicks
The last type of information will be obtained automatically when your web browser accesses the site and when you use the plug-in. That information is gathered by cookies.
Finally, take a closer look at this particular excerpt from the policy, which is about external links:
Our Site includes links to other third party Web sites (such as Google, Facebook, Youtube etc.) whose privacy practices may differ from those of Browsing Product. Our service may also be linked to sites or services operated by the Browsing Product affiliates or third parties, and may carry advertisements or offer content, functionality, games, rewards programs, newsletters, contests or sweepstakes, or applications developed and maintained by third parties including, any online store.
The owners of Imali Media basically claim that whatever link, redirect or additional content you interact with, through their browser hijacker, the privacy policy of Imali Media will not be the only active one. Like, other sites will be responsible for that interaction. So, be careful around these websites and don’t click everything you find interesting, and careful what you type in their search engines. Be aware that the Safe Finder platform also accumulates information about you.
Remove SearchInVietnam(.)com Completely from Your PC
To remove SearchInVietnam(.)com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided down here. 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 software 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 SearchInVietnam(.)com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for SearchInVietnam(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)com (Windows).
Get rid of SearchInVietnam(.)com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)com (Mac)
Remove SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)com will be removed.
Eliminate SearchInVietnam(.)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".
SearchInVietnam(.)com-FAQ
What Is SearchInVietnam(.)com?
The SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)com Work?
Once installed, SearchInVietnam(.)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.
SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)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 SearchInVietnam(.)com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.