Seeing StreamSpotSearch redirect in your browsers? StreamSpotSearch is a suspicious domain as it can redirect and even trigger malicious actions in your browsers. StreamSpotSearch can push advertisements and redirects, but can also land you on a page with a malicious script hidden inside.
StreamSpotSearch Redirect Virus
StreamSpotSearch is a domain connected with redirecting URLs of websites. The landing pages may contain spam, advertisements, and some sort of malicious scripts. You could end up on scam pages stating that you have malware or an outdated program requiring an update. Also, one more click could end up redirecting you, while your browser goes through loops, where a pay-per-click scheme is active. The StreamSpotSearch redirect might acquire personal information and even modify settings on your browser or PC.
StreamSpotSearch Browser Redirect
Redirects such as StreamSpotSearch take over primary browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge and others.
StreamSpotSearch Summary
| Name | StreamSpotSearch |
| Type | Redirect, Adware, Malicious Domain |
| Short Description | Each browser application on your computer could get affected. The redirect can land you on dozens of unknown web pages and you might see a lot of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | You will see a lot of redirects, scams, advertisements and even malicious content such as scareware trying to force you to buy a product you don’t actually need. |
| 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 StreamSpotSearch. |
StreamSpotSearch Redirect – Why is it in My Browser Programs?
The StreamSpotSearch redirect is a recently discovered threat which can present itself both as a hacker-created website or a dangerous web browser extension. The criminals behind it seek to make the users believe that they are accessing a legitimate and safe online service. The most common way of doing so is to link the malware site and create malicious plugins for all modern web browsers used by computer users today.
These hacker-created extensions will be presented to Internet users as useful plugins that will add new features and performance enhancements. All virus-related data can be uploaded to file-sharing networks (a popular option used by many is BitTorrent), download portals, and other hacker-controlled sites. The criminals will use fake or stolen credentials and “push” the virus files on various online communities, including social networks, chat rooms, forums, etc.
The criminals behind the StreamSpotSearch redirect can alternatively depend on phishing strategies to manipulate the recipients into interacting with the shown contents and thus infecting themselves. This includes email messages sent in bulk and specially-created landing pages hosted on similar-sounding domain names to well-known services. The virus files are either directly attached and offered as downloads or linked in the contents.
The virus installation code can be placed in various file carriers, which will lead to the StreamSpotSearch redirect deployment when they are run. One of the popular examples is the use of the macro-infected documents, which are created in all popular office formats. When they are run, a dialog prompt will be shown to the victims who will ask them to enable the built-in scripts. An alternative is the creation and distribution of virus-infected application installers of popular computer programs and games.
When the redirect code and browser hijacker is found on a computer, there are some common symptoms of infection, which can be observed by the victims. Many of the redirect sites will show a portal page that is designed just like well-known search engines. These sites can be hosted on their own domains and even include self-signed security certificates.
Such sites will present intrusive advertising and phishing messages that can make the visitors enter their account credentials to important services. As a consequence, hackers can steal their login information and abuse it. In almost all cases tracking cookies will be installed, which will monitor the behavior of the victims and report it to the hackers.
The StreamSpotSearch redirect can be programmed to install other types of malware. As this is primarily a web-based threat, it is possible that cryptocurrency miners will be deployed. These are scripts that will download and run performance-intensive tasks, which will make the computers completely unusable. For every reported and completed job, the controller hackers will receive a small commission.
The locally installed scripts can be used for information gathering of sensitive users and machine data. This includes data gathered from the installed applications, which can lead to the exposure of their personal data and online accounts.
Other modules can be added by the hackers in forthcoming campaigns. Follow the instructions in our article to attempt recovery.
Remove StreamSpotSearch Redirect
Read on how to remove StreamSpotSearch 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 redirect 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 safe in the future.
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 StreamSpotSearch from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for StreamSpotSearch with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch (Windows).
Get rid of StreamSpotSearch from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch. 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 StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as StreamSpotSearch, 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 StreamSpotSearch (Mac)
Remove StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch will be removed.
Eliminate StreamSpotSearch 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".
StreamSpotSearch-FAQ
What Is StreamSpotSearch?
The StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch?
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 StreamSpotSearch?
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 StreamSpotSearch Work?
Once installed, StreamSpotSearch 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.
StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this StreamSpotSearch 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 StreamSpotSearch?
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 StreamSpotSearch threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.