This article will aid you to remove RapidSerach.com fully. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions given at the end of the article.
RapidSerach.com is the primary domain for a browser hijacker. Stepitapp is the company that created the program. Imali Media might be involved. An extension related to this hijacker can be found on the Web. Every search query you make will be filtered by the redirect. The hijacker can change your browser settings, such as the homepage, search engine, and new tab to Search.RapidSerach.com. Advertisements can appear while you browse.
Threat Summary
| Name | RapidSerach.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | All browsers on your PC could be affected. The hijacker can redirect you and filter your every search query. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which are altered are the homepage, search engine and new tab. Browser plugins and a toolbar could be added. You could see third party content and adverts. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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RapidSerach.com – Delivery Ways
RapidSerach.com can use a multitude of delivery ways. One of which is via third-party installations. Bundled software and freeware install setups, could put the hijacker inside your system. These setups could have additional components set for installation by default. Settings on your browsers will be changed without notice, so the undesired program can invade your computer machine without you knowing. Preventing installations like those is doable if you find a Custom or an Advanced menu with deselect settings.
RapidSerach.com can be delivered to your computer system through advertising content, such as banners, pop-ups or adverts of different types. The hijacker might also be delivered by suspicious websites which are hosting many redirect links. The owners of those websites might be affiliated with the ones of RapidSerach.com. Browsers that can be affected are: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
RapidSerach.com – Closer Inspection
RapidSerach.com is the primary online domain and search engine of a browser hijacker which bears the same name Rapid Serach. The company Stepitapp is stated as the developer for it, although the product looks exactly like many other programs with browser hijacking capabilities made by Imali Media Ltd.
Below, you can see a snapshot showing the main web page:
The RapidSerach.com page is comprised of a search bar, a big amount of links redirecting to many, different websites. Many of those links are wrapped in drop-down menus on the toolbar on top or as buttons below the search bar. That is seen in the screenshot above this paragraph. Note that this page will be placed as the search engine of all browsers you have on your PC, and will also modify the new tab setting and home page.
In case any software related to RapidSerach.com finds its way to your computer, or you have a related extension set inside your browsers, then you will see many changes to settings. The extension also spreads advertisements, displays more sponsored third-party content and could land you on unknown websites. Websites which you can be redirected to might be affiliated or partnered up with RapidSerach.com.
In the above image you see the search results page of RapidSerach.com. Apparently, you get redirected to the “services” of another browser hijacker – PlusNetwork. Also, every search query you make will send data to servers of the hijackers’ owners.
That data contains information about you which can also be sent to affiliates or partners of both browser hijacker makers. You should be very careful with such websites and what search engines you use. Stay on high alert and do not provide personal data about you on websites like those ones.
RapidSerach.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the RapidSerach.com site is exactly like that of Imali Media. That is not at all surprising, since hijackers developed by Imali Media have had the same design, links, pages, positioning etc.
Information is collected from you since you are interacting with the website. At least that is what the website considers as automatically giving your permission for data collection, according to the said policy. RapidSerach.com obtains both personally and non-personally identifying information. Business partners and third parties can also receive that data.
You can view the Privacy Policy of RapidSerach.com down here:
According to that Policy, various types of information are collected.
Information, collected by Stepitapp from each visitor:
- 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 when 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
As written inside the policy, part of the information may also be acquired if you complete or fill a subscription form, questionnaire or any contest entry form.
Information collected automatically from the plugin:
- Searches you perform using Stepitapp domains
- The ways in which you use various features
- Pages you view on those domains
- Page view count
- Impressions and clicks
All of the information which is listed above is also automatically obtained and kept on servers of the Stepitapp Company. It could easily get disclosed to their partners and affiliates. The information will be gathered, when you enter the site of the hijacker from your browser program and if you have the plug-in related to it. Cookies acquire this type of information.
Check the below quotation, taken from the policy. It’s about external links hosted on the site:
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.
From the above quotation, it becomes clear that Stepitapp says that whatever link, redirect or extra content you come across, via their hijacker, is not their fault. In such a case, the privacy policies of the sites that host the specific content will be in play. So, these websites will have the sole responsibility for the content, if we believe that the statement from the quote is true and that the developers of RapidSerach.com have no control over what is displayed or linked from their hijacker’s pages.
Do not be clicking on anything suspicious or related to any similar search engines. Be careful when you use such, and about the information you provide in their search bars. Information about you and your browsing activity may be collected at all times.
Remove RapidSerach.com Fully
To remove RapidSerach.com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal guide provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the hijacker redirect completely, you should search for and remove any leftover items 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 RapidSerach.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for RapidSerach.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.com (Windows).
Get rid of RapidSerach.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.com (Mac)
Remove RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.com will be removed.
Eliminate RapidSerach.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".
RapidSerach.com-FAQ
What Is RapidSerach.com?
The RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.com Work?
Once installed, RapidSerach.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.
RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.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 RapidSerach.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
Looking at the website now it seems like Imali Media created it after all. I’ve been looking into these guys for a week or so now after finding out that they were affiliated with Axel Division, another company that makes browser hijackers which I found is likely owned by Chameleon Advertising Technologies Ltd. along with several others.