The article will help you to remove OnlineGames Search fully. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions given at the end of the article.
The OnlineGames Search redirect is a recently discovered browser plugin that can be used for hijacker purposes. Interaction with it can hijack personal data belonging to the victims. Our in-depth article explores some of the dangers associated with its presence on infected hosts.
Threat Summary
| Name | OnlineGames Search |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The hijacker redirect can alter the homepage, search engine and new tab on every browser application you have installed. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of all your browsers will be switched to OnlineGames Search. You will be redirected and could see sponsored content. |
| 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 OnlineGames Search. |
OnlineGames Search – Distribution Methods
The OnlineGames Search is a redirect that is mainly being distributed via plugin repositories that are used by computer users to download and install extensions. Like other similar threats it is made compatible with all popular web browsers. The relevant entries are posted under various names and often make use of fake developer credentials and user reviews, along with an elaborate description that promises to add useful additions to the software.
The other main delivery method is the use of email messages that can either directly attach the virus strains or hyperlink them in the body contents.
Browser hijackers like the OnlineGames Search may also be spread via fake download sites that are modeled after legitimate Internet sites. The criminals can also employ similar sounding domain names that are an additional measure used to confuse the users. File sharing networks like BitTorrent can be used along with email messages to spread infected payloads. Two of the most popular cases are the following:
- Application Installers — The hackers can integrate the virus code into software installers of popular applications such as system utilities, creativity suites and productivity programs.
- Documents — Using a similar mechanism the criminals can embed the virus code into files of various types: spreadsheets, rich text documents, presentations and databases.
OnlineGames Search – Detailed Description
Upon installation of the browser hijacker it may ask for the following permissions:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit.
- Display notifications
- Change your search settings to another site
As soon as the OnlineGames search redirect is installed on the target computer it starts to execute a built-in behavior pattern. The infections begin by changing the default settings of the affected browsers, usually the hackers program the hijacker to manipulate the default home page, new start page and search engine to point to the hacker-controlled page. This means that the next time the victims start their browser they will be shown a page that they didnd’t set up.
Further modifications to the computers can be caused by any components that are installed alongside the main plugin engine. An example is the use of an information gathering component that can harvest sensitive data about the users and their devices. This is useful to the criminals as it can be programmed to obtain strings that can reveal the users’s name, address, telephone number, location, interests and passwords. In addition a full hardware profile is generated which reveals useful information that is used to further optimize the attack campaigns.
In addition the OnlineGames Search redirect can serve as an intermediate step for activating a Trojan instance. The typical cases employ a small network component that establishes a secure connection with a hacker-controlled server. It is used to deploy additional threats, spy on the victims and take over control of the devices at any given time.
The security analysis reveals that the OnlineGames Search redirect can lead to several different links depending on several factors: the individual user characteristics, priority of the hacker-controlled sites and etc.
In a test evaluation upon installation of the redirect code it redirected our machine to a live sports information page. Upon closer inspection we discovered that the page installed intrusive scripts and tracking cookies that monitor all of the victim’s behavior on the site.
The site is designed using a common template and displays data about the world cup results. This is used as a decoy which aims to drive away the victim’s attention from the intrusive tracking it performs.
The fact that the redirect can be used to drive the victims to all kinds of sites means that they can include malicious sites as well. All of them can include some scripts such as the following: pop-ups, banners, redirects, in-line hyperlinks and etc. Furthermore websites such as these ones are among the primary mechanisms for spreading cryptocurrency miners.
OnlineGames Search – Privacy Policy
The OnlineGames Search redirect lists a privacy policy on the bottom menu bar that gives further information about the harvested data. According to the document the site starts to collect information about the victims and their devices as soon as the reelvant site is loaded into the browser. The following excerpts lists some of the example files:
- Usage Information — Browser type, operating system, device type, location, IP address, pages served, time, referral URLs and other related data.
- Statistics Data — All manners of metrics that are used to monitor the users activity.
- Tracking Cookies — Individually for each linked service or site. They are also used to personalize the advertising and promotional content.
- Log Files — All user interactions are logged to the servers.
- Pixels — This is a transparent graphic image that indicates if a certain section has been visited. It can also be used as a command to retrieve another element from a preset address.
The privacy policy reads that the obtained personal information can be disclosed to current or future affiliates, parent companies or subsidiaries for processing, marketing and other services.
Remove OnlineGames Search Browser Hijacker
To remove OnlineGames Search manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions given below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the browser hijacker entirely, you should search for and remove any leftover items with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software helps keep your computer secure in the future. We remind our readers that certain hijackers (most likely this one as well) are configured to harvest the information to a database shared with other similar threats.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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How to Remove OnlineGames Search from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for OnlineGames Search with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search (Windows).
Get rid of OnlineGames Search from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search. 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 OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OnlineGames Search, 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 OnlineGames Search (Mac)
Remove OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search will be removed.
Eliminate OnlineGames Search 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".
OnlineGames Search-FAQ
What Is OnlineGames Search?
The OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search?
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 OnlineGames Search?
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 OnlineGames Search Work?
Once installed, OnlineGames Search 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.
OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OnlineGames Search 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 OnlineGames Search?
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 OnlineGames Search threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.