StartSearch.org is a Web page redirect, which can hijack your browser software. Settings which the hijacker can alter are the start page, search engine and new tab window of nearly all browsers you use. Every search query you make will be filtered and sent to servers tied to the hijacker. You will see advertising and redirect links in the search results. To remove this browser hijacker, you should read the article carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name | StartSearch.org |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Browser programs on your computer device could be affected. The hijacker redirects you and can show you sponsored advertising content. |
| Symptoms | The start page, search engine and new tab setting will be switched. You will get redirected from the search results each time you do a search, interact with a search bar or open a new tab. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss StartSearch.org. |
StartSearch.org – Distribution Ways
StartSearch.org can be distributed in a few different ways. One of them is through third-party installations of bundle applications and freeware. These installer setups might have been set by default to put additional components on your computer system. Without your awareness, the hijacker can secretly modify specific settings until you notice them. To prevent setups such as these, is manageable if you find Custom or Advanced settings. From them, you should be able to deselect unwanted content.
Another distribution way could utilize a browser add-on, extension or plug-in, and put it in your browsers. Distribution is also possible via banners, pop-unders, pop-ups and other advertisement types. This hijacker redirect might be spread by redirect links of other websites. Websites like those could be partnered or affiliated with StartSearch.org. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
StartSearch.org – Technical Information
StartSearch.org is the primary website page for a search engine. That same page will be placed as your default start page, new tab setting and search service. You can view how the page looks from the picture displayed down here:
The StartSearch.org page is made of a blank white background image, a search bar with a logo and name of the site and some buttons underneath. The buttons are in the form of big squares and host redirect links to famous websites – YouTube, Yahoo, eBay, Facebook, Amazon, AliExpress, Pinterest, and Instagram. There are also links providing contact details and one to the Privacy Policy or the service. That page replaces your default homepage, search engine, and new tab setting for the browser apps on your computer device.
In the screenshot below this paragraph, you can see an example of a search results page of StartSearch.org. No redirects happen, neither the URL address changes, but the results look almost exactly like those of Google’s search engine. Advertisements and targeted content appear inside the search results as it is evident in the picture.
Each one of your search queries will be filtered by the StartSearch.org search. Everything you input in whatever search bar of the service is going to be obtained and sent to servers of the website creators. Be wary if you are using the search or do not use it at all. It will invade your privacy and can track your browsing activity.
You should be careful with the information you provide on this service. Do not give out any account information, credentials, banking data or personal details. In-text links or additional redirect ones can be generated when you browse the internet. Information may also be acquired from the website through the aid of cookies as well as more related technologies. Read on to find out what the StartSearch.org website collects as data.
StartSearch.org – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the StartSearch.org is short but gives some insight about the intrusion of your privacy. Both personally and non-personally identifying information will be collected. In the policy, it is written that no personal information is automatically gathered unless you provide it, but this statement is contradictory as it also says that your IP address is collected upon visiting the site.
You can see the Privacy Policy in the image below:
Site owners state that their site automatically collects this information:
- Your IP address
- Browser type
- Internet service provider (ISP)
- Cookie information
- Webpage that you visit
- E-mail addresses
- Any information you personally provide
In the Policy, it is also stated that cookies are being used to gather further data which is statistical. Alas, there are also cookies which can obtain personally identifiable information as well. And at the end of the said Policy is it clearly written that in the event of a merger or a sale of the company, all personal information will be provided as an asset and a marketing strategy in such an event. So, be very careful in how you interact with the site and what you do on sites it lands you on.
If you dislike how your privacy is being invaded and all contradictory statements in the policy, then you should remove the browser hijacker and all of its related components.
Remove StartSearch.org from Your PC
To remove StartSearch.org 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 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 StartSearch.org from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for StartSearch.org with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org (Windows).
Get rid of StartSearch.org from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org. 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 StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as StartSearch.org, 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 StartSearch.org (Mac)
Remove StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org will be removed.
Eliminate StartSearch.org 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".
StartSearch.org-FAQ
What Is StartSearch.org?
The StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org?
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 StartSearch.org?
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 StartSearch.org Work?
Once installed, StartSearch.org 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.
StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this StartSearch.org 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 StartSearch.org?
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 StartSearch.org threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.