Seeing PDFSearchHD Redirect in your browsers? PDFSearchHD is a suspicious domain as it can redirect and even trigger malicious actions in your browsers. PDFSearchHD can push advertisements and redirects, but can also land you on a page with a malicious script hidden inside.
PDFSearchHD Redirect Virus
PDFSearchHD 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 You could end up on scam pages stating that you have malware or an outdated program requiring an update.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 PDFSearchHD redirect might acquire personal information and even modify settings on your browser or PC.
PDFSearchHD Browser Redirect
Redirects such as PDFSearchHD take over primary browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, and others.
PDFSearchHD redirect Summary
| Name | PDFSearchHD redirect |
| 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 |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss PDFSearchHD redirect. |
PDFSearchHD Redirect – Why is it in My Browser Programs?
The PDFSearchHD redirect is a web-based threat that has been created by a hacking group. Its main purpose is to serve as a web redirect or be a dangerous web browser extension, alternatively called a hijacker. It is not known which is the criminal group behind it, or which are the target users. For this reason, we assume that hackers target users across the world. The most prevalent way through which infections are made is the installation of such plugins. Usually, these hacker-created extensions will be uploaded to the official repositories, download portals, and various sites by using fake or stolen credentials. The descriptions of these extensions will promise new features additions or performance optimizations.
The PDFSearchHD redirect as a virus threat can be embedded in various types of files carriers. They can be documents of popular office types. When they are run, they will prompt the users into activating the built-in scripts. This will lead to malicious deployment. The other popular technique is the creation of virus-infected program installers — they are of popular programs that are created by the hackers. The virus code is placed in them by taking the original setup bundles and adding them to them.
The virus-related data can then be distributed using various manipulation techniques — by using fake or stolen credentials the hackers can advertise the virus-infected files on social networks, file-sharing networks, and through email messages. Usually, they will impersonate companies or services that are well-known to do this.
When the browser plugin is loaded on a given web browser different types of changes will occur, commonly they are the default home page, search engine, and new tabs page. All of them will point to the hacker-controlled site. When it is first visited tracking cookies will be installed. They will serve to monitor the users behavior and report it back to the hackers.
Most of the web pages that are hosted on such pages will present phishing content — various elements that are designed to appear as coming from a company or services that is trusted by the visitors. As such they will manipulate the victims into disclosing account data and passwords. This is done to commit various types of identity theft. A related mechanism which is often evoked is the showing of intrusive advertising — this is the showing of ads under different forms: pop-ups, banners, text links, and etc. For every displayed instance the hackers will be rewarded with a small income commission.
Usually, web-based infections are designed to install other types of threats. The most common type is the cryptocurrency miner — a small script that is programmed to download and run complex, performance-intensive tasks. They will make use of the main hardware components: CPU, Memory, Graphics Card, and storage space. This means that the victim users will find it very difficult to interact with the computers.
Like with other web-based threats, this particular infection can be modified at any time and lead to other dangerous actions. This is why we recommend that detected infections are removed as soon as possible to prevent additional damage.
Remove PDFSearchHD Redirect
Read on how to remove PDFSearchHD 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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- Mac OS X
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How to Remove PDFSearchHD redirect from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for PDFSearchHD redirect with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect (Windows).
Get rid of PDFSearchHD redirect from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect. 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 PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as PDFSearchHD redirect, 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 PDFSearchHD redirect (Mac)
Remove PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect will be removed.
Eliminate PDFSearchHD redirect 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".
PDFSearchHD redirect-FAQ
What Is PDFSearchHD redirect?
The PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect?
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 PDFSearchHD redirect?
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 PDFSearchHD redirect Work?
Once installed, PDFSearchHD redirect 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.
PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PDFSearchHD redirect 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 PDFSearchHD redirect?
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 PDFSearchHD redirect threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.