This article aims to help you with the removal of Search.openpdf.pro hijacker from affected browser and system. Follow the detailed guide to get rid of this annoying website completely.
Search.openpdf.pro is the domain of a suspicious website that pushes hoax search engine. It could land on computer systems along with another freeware programs. Due to its ability to alter basic browser settings Search.openpdf.pro is classified as a browser hijacker. Once it has access to your browser it replaces the homepage, new tab page and default search engine with its domain address and starts to appear during each browsing session. In addition, the hijacker is known to use various tracking technologies to harvest certain details from affected browsers.
Threat Summary
| Name | Search.openpdf.pro |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Search.openpdf.pro is a suspicious website that replaces the homepage and new tab page in your browser without your consent. Its rogue search engine replaces the default one. |
| Symptoms | The homepage and new tab page of affected browsers display the main page of Search.openpdf.pro hijacker. Many advertisements flood the browser and make it sluggish. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Search.openpdf.pro. |
Search.openpdf.pro – Methods of Distribution
Search.openpdf.pro could land unnoticeably on your system being a part of a software bundle. Many vendors of free third-party apps incorporate potentially unwanted programs like Search.openpdf.pro into their software installers in order to monetize their projects. By tricking users to install these potentially unwanted programs they got paid by the owners of those apps. Luckily, in some cases you can prevent the installation of all undesired extras by choosing the Advanced or Custom configuration options. The information presented by these options may inform you about the existence of additional apps that you may not need. Once you know about them you could opt out their installation and keep your system secure.
Search.openpdf.pro is likely to hijack frequently used web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari.
Search.openpdf.pro – More About Its Impact
As stated on the main page of Search.openpdf.pro it provides a convenient option to all of you who need to remove passwords and restrictions from secured PDF files. Actually, the banner redirects to another website sodapdf.com that is presented as PDF’s password remover. However, in case that you want to keep your files safe and private it is better to avoid using the services of this dubious website.
Mainly Search.openpdf.pro is presented as a search engine and its design resembles a lot the design of some reputable search engines. In fact, it is a hoax search engine that is set to redirect each search query to Google search results. Its primary purpose is to obtain the data you enter and the websites you visit so it could be easy for its owners to achieve their advertising purposes.
Once this nasty website gains access to your browser it could flood it with lots intrusive ads that attempt to trick you into visiting the websites they promote. By utilizing this aggressive advertising approach, Search.openpdf.pro’s owners aim to gain revenue. For each your click they got paid by the advertisers whom they are working with. Be careful with all the ads you see in the affected browser as some of them may land on compromised web pages that are set to deliver malware infections directly on your PC.
Search.openpdf.pro – Privacy Policy
The privacy policy of Search.openpdf.pro is available on the bottom of its main page. The policy associated with this hijacker reveals that the company Clever App, S.L is the company owner. And as reported by our team, yet another nasty hijacker associated with the same company is Findgofind.com.
Clever App, S.L acknowledges that all their products and services as well as all affiliated services can collect personal information from your browser. On top of that by using their servicces your permission is taken for granted. Unfortunately, the site does not specify all the collected details. But based on our research experience we suspect that once Search.openpdf.pro hijacker has access to the following data:
- Web browser version
- Operating system type and version
- Search queries
- Search queries on the visited web pages
- IP Address
- Your Internet service provider (ISP)
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
- Names, email or mailing addresses
- And other data that can identify you and your interests
The privacy policy does not reveal how the company handles the data neither how they plan to use it. Eventually, it may share it with third parties or use it for advertising purposes. So based on the harvested information and the search queries you could start to see a lot of ads that are supposed to be of your interest.
Remove Search.openpdf.pro Browser Hijacker
The steps listed below will help you to remove Search.openpdf.pro hijacker completely from affected Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, and Safari browsers. In the guide that follows, you will also find how to remove this nasty program from your Windows system. There are two removal approaches – manual and automatic. In case that after the manual removal you still experience redirects to Search.openpdf.pro, you need to scan the system for some leftovers. With the help of an advanced anti-malware tool, you can easily locate and eliminate all leftovers.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Search.openpdf.pro from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Search.openpdf.pro with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro (Windows).
Get rid of Search.openpdf.pro from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro. 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 Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.openpdf.pro, 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 Search.openpdf.pro (Mac)
Remove Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro will be removed.
Eliminate Search.openpdf.pro 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".
Search.openpdf.pro-FAQ
What Is Search.openpdf.pro?
The Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro?
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 Search.openpdf.pro?
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 Search.openpdf.pro Work?
Once installed, Search.openpdf.pro 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.
Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.openpdf.pro 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 Search.openpdf.pro?
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 Search.openpdf.pro threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.