The article will help you to remove Beam-search.com fully. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions given at the end of the article.
The Beam-search.com redirect is a dangerous browser hijacker that has been uncovered in a recent attack campaign. It can be used to distribute virus payloads and cause various system changes to the infected hosts.
Threat Summary
| Name | Beam-search.com |
| 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 Beam-search.com. You will be redirected and could see sponsored content. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Beam-search.com. |
Beam-search.com – Distribution Methods
The Beam-search.com redirect in the form of a browser hijacker and its accompanying site can infect target computers using common methods. Its important for computer users to know that the installation of the associated code can be done using either one of these tactics or another similar mechanism.
The browser redirect associated with the Beam-search.com can be distributed over email messages that may either attach the files directly or hyperlink them in the body contents. They are also the primary mechanism for spreading infected payloads, two of the most common ones are the following:
- Infected Software Installers — The criminal operators behind the Beam-search.com can embed the malicious code into popular application installers. Often used software are targeted: creativity suites, productivity apps, system utilities and etc. They are made by taking the legitimate files from the official vendors and modifying them with the virus code.
- Infected Documents — In a similar way the hackers can utilize a similar principle with documents of all types: rich text documents, spreadsheets or presentations. The infections are caused by scripts (macros) and are the primary mechanism for activating the virus infections. Once the relevant files are opened by the victims a notification prompt is opened which asks the victims to enable them. If this is done the infection follows.
The dangerous files can also be uploaded to counterfeit download portals. They use templates that are modeled after the legitimate ones including similar-sounding domain names. In the last few years there has been an increase in the spread of virus files through file sharing networks like BitTorrent.
The Beam-search.com redirect infection can be acquired from the relevant plugin repositories. The criminals use social engineering tricks in order to persuade the intended targets into installing the relevant plugin. The most widely used web browsers are affected and consequently their respective plugin download sites. The criminals use fake developer credential and user reviews along with an elaborate description.
Beam-search.com – Detailed Description
Once the beam-search.com redirect has been installed on the target’s computer it will start to track the user’s movements via intrusive cookies. When this is done using a browser hijacker plugin it modifies the default settings: home page, search engine and new tabs page.
The browser-based hijacker code can access the stored information which can be combined with a data harvesting component. It can retrieve sensitive data that can expose the victim’s data. The same information can be used to directly reveal the victim’s personal identity and their private passwords and account credentials. When the data includes any online banking services it can use it to facilitate any financial crimes.
If the hackers have programmed it so the browser redirect can modify the Windows Registry. This can lead to overall performance issues or the inability to start certain app functions. Other system modifications include the boot options — the malware engine can disable the startup recovery menu and make the virus engine start automatically once the computer is started.
The site itself is modeled after a typical search engine template. It shows a logo image above a search engine box. A bottom menu bar is also included which provides a link to the privacy policy and terms of use documents.
We remind our readers once again that any interaction with the search engine may redirect them to malicious sites. Browser hijackers like this one are also knwon for being used for intrusive ads and presenting scripts such as pop-ups, banners, in-line links and etc. They can also present ads and affiliates that generate additional income for the hacker operators.
Beam-search.com – Privacy Policy
The Beam-search.com redirect is governed by the rules specified in the privacy policy and terms of service documents. They state that once the site is visited a tracking cookie is registered in the web browser and identifies each user. This tracking technology is also used by any advertising or third-party sites.
The privacy policy reads that if the users consent to the data release. Some of the information that is collected may include the following:
- Personal Information
- IP Addresses
- Interests
- Location Data
Browser hijackers like the Beam-search redirect are often used in large-scale campaigns. They may operate at the same time and pool the obtained data in databases.
Remove Beam-search.com Browser Hijacker
To remove Beam-search.com 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 Beam-search.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Beam-search.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Beam-search.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 Beam-search.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 Beam-search.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 Beam-search.com (Windows).
Get rid of Beam-search.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Beam-search.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 Beam-search.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 Beam-search.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 Beam-search.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Beam-search.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 Beam-search.com (Mac)
Remove Beam-search.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 Beam-search.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 Beam-search.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 Beam-search.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 Beam-search.com will be removed.
Eliminate Beam-search.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".
Beam-search.com-FAQ
What Is Beam-search.com?
The Beam-search.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 Beam-search.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 Beam-search.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 Beam-search.com Work?
Once installed, Beam-search.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.
Beam-search.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 Beam-search.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 Beam-search.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Beam-search.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 Beam-search.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 Beam-search.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.