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Defend Search Redirect — How to Remove It from Your Browser

how to remove Defend Search redirect stf

The Defend Search redirect is a recently discovered browser hijacker that has started infecting targets worldwide. It changes the default settings of the installed web browsers and can lead to many other infections. Our in-depth removal guide shows how victims can easily restore the infections.

Threat Summary

Name Defend Search
Type Browser Hijacker, PUP
Short Description The redirect can change the homepage, search engine and new tab on each browser installed on the compromised machine.
Symptoms Depending on the exact redirect configuration different behaviour patterns can be executed. The list includes user redirection, malware infections and etc.
Distribution Method Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

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Malware Removal Tool

User Experience Join Our Forum to Discuss Defend Search.

Defend Search Redirect – Distribution

Browser hijackers like the Defend Search redirect can be distributed using different methods. Depending on the intended scope of infections and target users the criminals behind it can utilize different strategies. A common method is the coordination of email spam messages that are usually made by following pre-existing templates. The hackers employ social engineering tricks that attempts to blackmail the users into getting infected. There are several types of messages that can be made:

  • Hyperlinks — The hackers can redirect the users to a site hosting the Defend Search redirect infections via links. They can be masked as password reset notifications, services and etc.
  • File Attachments — The hacker operators can directly attach the virus files to the messages. Usually they are disgised as software installers.
  • Infected Documents — Computer criminals can embed malware code in different types of documents: rich text documents, spreadsheets and presentations. As soon as they are opened a notification prompt appears which asks the victims to run the embedded scripts (macros). As soon as this is done the virus is downloaded from a remote server and executed on the infected systems.

Another technique bundles the malware code into software installers. The criminals usually obtain the installers from their official sources and then spreads the malware software packages to hacker-operated sites and file sharing apps like BitTorrent. In some cases the computer users may be able to disable the infections by unchecking certain options. The malware sites can also use various web scripts such as redirects, pop-ups and banners.

Defend Search Redirect – In Detail

The Defend Search redirect can impose a variety of malware activity on the targets depending on the preliminary hacker configuration. Usually the attacks begin with the basic browser changes. The criminals modify the default search engine, new tabs page and home page in order to redirect the victims to the malware site. The programmers tend to make the code compatible with the most popular applications: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, Safari, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge.

When the infection has complete the victims will find that every they open up their browser the Defend Search malware home page will be displayed. At the same time tracking cookies will be placed in the applications that track the victims every site interaction. The bulk of harvested information is relayed in real time to the hacker operators.

As the Defend Search redirect infections happen through the web browsers the computer criminals can access data stored in them. This includes the following: form data, bookmarks, history, preferences, passwords and account credentials.

In many cases redirects such as this one are operated as part of a larger network of connected sites that all pool the data and cross-reference it in order to create a complete profile of the targets. The extracted data can be categorized into two separate categories:

  • Anonymous Metrics — Such data creates a complete profile of the installed hardware components and software. This information is used for statistical purposes.
  • Personally-identifiable Information — This batch of information can directly expose the users identity. Example data includes names, addresses, phone numbers, nick names and etc.

If used with in conjunction with an advanced infection tactic the Defend Search redirect can be used to deliver additional threats to the victims. This effectively makes the hijacker a step in the multi-stage delivery of the various malware. Examples include ransomware and Trojans.

During the security investigation the experts discovered that the modular framework can allow for a malware server connection. Using it the hackers can institute a Trojan component that can allow the hackers to view the users desktop at any given time. They can also overtake control of the victim machines at any given time.

The Defend Search redirect home page is designed using a template that copies the way legitimate service are made. It is comprised of a top menu bar that holds several interactive elements.

A logo image is placed on the far left, next to it is the search engine box itself and underneath it are search type buttons. On the right the users can view the Login, Photos and Gmail shortcuts. By the looks of it the Defend Search redirect is a customized Google search instance.

The users may be fooled into thinking that it is safe to use the service, however in many cases the results can be altered to inclue sponsored or affiliate links.

How to Remove Defend Search Redirect

The detailed guide below shows how to remove Defend Search redirect from all affected browsers and from the PC. In some cases, the manual removal may not be enough to eliminate completely the hijacker. So be advised to run a scan with an advanced anti-malware tool. It will locate all leftovers so you can easily delete them with a few mouse clicks. Furthermore, an active anti-malware tool on the system guarantees its protection from future malware infections.

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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  • Windows
  • Mac OS X
  • Google Chrome
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Safari
  • Internet Explorer
  • Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove Defend Search from Windows.


Step 1: Scan for Defend Search with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1.1 Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


1.2 After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

SpyHunter Install and Scan for Viruses Step 1


1.3 After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

SpyHunter Install and Scan for Viruses Step 2


1.4 After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

SpyHunter Install and Scan for Viruses Step 3

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.


Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode

2.1 Hold Windows key + R


2.2 The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
boot your pc in safe mode step 1


2.3 Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

boot your pc in safe mode step 2

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


2.4 When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
boot your pc in safe mode step 3


2.5 You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
boot your pc in safe mode step 4


Step 3: Uninstall Defend Search 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:


3.1 Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

boot your pc in safe mode step 5


3.2 In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

boot your pc in safe mode step 6


3.3 This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
boot your pc in safe mode step 7Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.


Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Defend 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 Defend Search there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

4.1 Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
clean malicious registries step 1


4.2 When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

clean malicious registries step 2


4.3 You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

clean malicious registries step 3 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 Defend Search (Windows).


Get rid of Defend Search from Mac OS X.


Step 1: Uninstall Defend Search and remove related files and objects

1.1 Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
uninstall virus from mac step 1


1.2 Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

uninstall virus from mac step 2


1.3 In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Defend Search:

uninstall virus from mac step 3

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

uninstall virus from mac step 4


1.4 Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.


1.5 In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Defend Search. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

uninstall virus from mac step 5


1.6 Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.

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 Defend Search. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.


1.7 Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

  • 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 Defend 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

uninstall virus from mac step 6

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

uninstall virus from mac step 7

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Defend Search. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

uninstall virus from mac step 8

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 Defend Search files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Defend 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.


Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Defend Search:


Download

SpyHunter for Mac


Video Removal Guide for Defend Search (Mac)


Remove Defend Search from Google Chrome.


Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Google Chrome removal guide step 1


Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Google Chrome removal guide step 2


Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Google Chrome removal guide step 3


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 Defend Search from Mozilla Firefox.


Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:

Mozilla Firefox removal guide step 1


Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Mozilla Firefox removal guide step 2


Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Mozilla Firefox removal guide step 3


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 Defend 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.

Edge Browser removal guide step 2


Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Edge Browser removal guide step 3


Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Edge Browser removal guide step 4


Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

Edge Browser removal guide step 5


Remove Defend 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".

Safari browser removal guide step 3


Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

Safari browser removal guide step 4


Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.


Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

Safari browser removal guide step 5

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Defend Search will be removed.


How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Eliminate Defend 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'

Internet Explorer browser removal guide step 2


Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Internet Explorer browser removal guide step 3


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'.

Internet Explorer browser removal guide step 4


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.

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 2

Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 3

Step 4: Open “Notifications”:

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 4

Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 5

Remove Push Notifications on Firefox

Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.

Mozilla Firefox - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":

Mozilla Firefox - Disable Push Notifications Step 2

Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”

Mozilla Firefox - Disable Push Notifications Step 3

Stop Push Notifications on Opera

Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.

Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.

Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 2

Step 3: Open Notifications:

Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 3

Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):

Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 4

Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari

Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.

Safari Browser - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".

Defend Search-FAQ

What Is Defend Search?

The Defend 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 Defend 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 Defend 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 Defend Search Work?

Once installed, Defend 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.

Defend 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 Defend 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 Defend Search Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Defend 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 Defend 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 Defend Search threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.

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