The article will help you to remove CryptoPriceSearch fully. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions given at the end of the article.
The CryptoPriceSearch is made by Mindspark, a company well-known for creating whole networks of threats. This particular redirect seems to be made in order to promote a web service. Read more about it in our detailed overview below.
Threat Summary
| Name | CryptoPriceSearch |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The CryptoPriceSearch browser hijacker represents a malicious web browser plugin that is used to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled page. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of all your browsers will be changed to CryptoPriceSearch. In addition viruses and other malware can be installed during the initiation process. |
| 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 CryptoPriceSearch. |
CryptoPriceSearch – Distribution Ways
The CryptoPriceSearch redirect can be intalled onto target devices using various methods. One of the most popular ones relies on the upload of entries on the official plugin repositories for the most famous web browsers. One of the example versions of the threat have been found posted on the Chrome Web Store used by the Google Chrome and Chromium web browsers. The developers use elaborate descriptions, user reviews and credentials in order to lure as much potential users as possible.
The other popular method used with the CryptoPriceSearch redirect relies on the creation of email spam messages using various social engineering tactics. Depending on the actual infection strategy the criminals can take text and graphics obtained from legitimate sites and web services. This is made in order to confuse the victims that the messages are sent from well-known senders. This method can also be used in combination with payload carriers. Two distinct delivery tactics are the following:
- Malware Documents — They can be of different types such as spreadsheets, rich text documents and presentations. Once they are opened by the users a notification message will be spawned that asks them to enable the built-in scripst (macros). When this is done the malware instance is downloaded from a remote server and the infection is triggered.
- Malware Installers — The operators of the CryptoPriceSearch redirect may integrate the code into software setup files downloaded from the vendors. The target software can range from computer games to system utilities, creative suites and more.
The CryptoPriceSearch redirect infections can also be delivered through various web scripts that can be found even on legitimate sites. Examples include the likes of banners, pop-ups and text links.
CryptoPriceSearch – In-Depth Information
Once the CryptoPriceSearch redirect has been placed on the target computer it will instantly change the default settings of the affected browsers. Such threats are made compatible with the most popular web browsers including the following: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari and Microsoft Edge.
The browser hijacker then installs several tracking components that can capture a lot of personal data. It is classified into two separate categories:
- Personal Data — This type of information can effectively reveal the victims identity by harvesting their names, addresses, telephone numbers, location data, passwords and account credentials.
- Anonymous Data — It is made up of metrics that are used by the operators to judge how effective their campaign is.
In addition the redirect site can be used to deploy additional malware to the infected machines. This can be used as a more complex virus delivery mechanism. The malware engine contained within can also be used to cause a variety of system changes that can lead to a persistent state of execution. This may make it impossible to remove the infection using manual methods. Example may include Windows Registry modifications that can lead to the inability to start certain applications or system services. Changes to the boot options can make it impossible to enter into the recovery menu.
The site itself follows a template design that is made to include the following components:
- Top Menu Bar — It includes a full horizontal search engine that takes advantage of the harvested data and shows the current weather conditions. It contains links to a service presumably operated by the same company.
- Main Search Engine — It is placed in the center of the page and attempts to lure in computer users into using the customized Google search engine. All target users should know that any interaction with this search engine may lead to results that do not represent the best possible results. In certain cases the engine may be programmed into showing affiliate or sponsor links a well. Every click generates income for the hacker operators.
- Hyperlinks — The criminals can embed links to popular services. Like the search engine the provided links can lead to affiliate links that can generate income for the hacker operators. The danger here is that when this is the case with social networks the operators can choose to embed phishing links. They are used to hijack the users credentials.
- News Articles — Sponsored news content is displayed here.
- Bottom Menu Bar — It contains links to the privacy policy and terms of use documents.
CryptoPriceSearch – Privacy Policy
The CryptoPriceSearch redirect and its associated website is operated by MindSpark which is a well-known creator of similar software. They are known for creating hundreds of services that are linked between themselves. Their privacy policy and terms of use reveals that it pervasively tracks the users identity and creates a database containing a profile of each victim. The use of various web tracking technologies captures additional information such as the following:
- Your name
- Your address
- Email address
- Number of your page views
- What links you clicked
- Telephone number
- Your login times
As stated in the Privacy Policy, Mindspark allows third-parties, including their authorized service providers, CryptoPriceSearch affiliates, advertising companies, and ad networks, to display advertisements or place ad tags or beacons on or via their Services. Thus, these companies could also obtain information about you and your online behavior. In case you do not want your private space to be invaded in this or any similar way, you should remove the unwanted software.
Remove CryptoPriceSearch Redirect
To remove CryptoPriceSearch 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.
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.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: How to Remove CryptoPriceSearch from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of CryptoPriceSearch from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove CryptoPriceSearch from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase CryptoPriceSearch from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall CryptoPriceSearch from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove CryptoPriceSearch from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate CryptoPriceSearch from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove CryptoPriceSearch from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CryptoPriceSearch
Step 2: Uninstall CryptoPriceSearch and related software from Windows
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 3: Clean any registries, created by CryptoPriceSearch on your computer.
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 CryptoPriceSearch 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.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of CryptoPriceSearch from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall CryptoPriceSearch and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 CryptoPriceSearch 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 malware from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove CryptoPriceSearch 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase CryptoPriceSearch 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall CryptoPriceSearch 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove CryptoPriceSearch 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 CryptoPriceSearch will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate CryptoPriceSearch 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.
