FindQuest Extension Virus – Removal Guide

Is a browser extension called FindQuest creating issues with your browsing? This article is here to help you by providing you with a solution. To remove all components of the extension, refer to the last, removal part of the guide.

What Is FindQuest?

You may come across FindQuest, extension, also known as the Iambest.io browser hijacker while browsing the web. The extension creates issues by generating intrusive redirect loops and pop-up ads.

It looks like your machine is infected with adware or a potentially unwanted program. If such is the case, apply a reliable malware removal tool to remove all the detected threats.

FindQuest is a malicious browser hijacker. Unlike conventional malware aiming to stealthily damage or steal, browser hijackers like FindQuest overtly reshape your browsing experience, generally in undesired ways. It infiltrates web browsers – mostly Google Chrome, – to manipulate settings, which results in a shift in how you interact with the internet. Once it takes hold, it can change your homepage, redirect your searches through questionable engines, and clutter your browsing with unwelcome ads. Currently, the extension is available for download on Chrome Web Store:

What sets FindQuest apart is its method of asserting control over your browser settings, often displaying a “Managed by your organization” message that effectively locks you out from reverting changes easily. This level of persistence underscores the aggressive nature of FindQuest, highlighting its major aim: to profit from redirects and advertisements at the user’s expense.

How Does FindQuest Affect Your Online Experience?

The implications of a FindQuest infection are several, including both visible changes of the browser as well as changes of its settings. Users will notice several disruptive changes:

• Homepage and Search Engine Alteration: FindQuest sets a new default homepage and redirects searches through engines that prioritize revenue over relevant search results.
• Unwanted Advertisements: Expect an uptick in ads, including pop-ups and banners on websites that typically don’t barrage you with such content.
• Search Redirects: Links and search queries often lead to unfamiliar websites, some of which can be potentially harmful, exposing users to further security risks.
• Slower Browser Performance: With the addition of unwanted toolbars and extensions, the browser may run noticeably slower, hampering everyday online activities.

The culmination of these effects can drastically diminish the quality of your online experience. Beyond the immediate annoyance and inconvenience, the lingering presence of FindQuest exposes users to a higher risk of encountering more dangerous threats by redirecting to malicious sites or facilitating the download of unsafe content unwittingly. As such, understanding and addressing this threat is crucial.

When dealing with such issues, using reputable security software like SpyHunter can be invaluable. SpyHunter’s ability to detect and remove malicious software like FindQuest ensures that your online experience remains both productive and enjoyable, untainted by unwanted alterations and risks.

Detecting FindQuest on Your System

Determining whether your computer has been compromised by FindQuest involves recognizing various symptoms that disrupt your normal browsing experience. These indicators are often subtle yet significantly affect your system’s performance and your online security. Understanding these signs is the first step toward safeguarding your information and restoring the integrity of your web browser.

Signs Your Browser Is Hijacked by FindQuest

FindQuest, a notorious browser hijacker, leaves a distinct trail of disruptions within your web browser. Initially, you may notice your homepage and search engine change without your consent. This is one of the most apparent signs that FindQuest has taken over your browsing settings. Following this, you might encounter incessant pop-up ads and redirects to unfamiliar websites, often leading to pages filled with more advertisements or even malicious content.

Another telling sign is the degradation of your browser’s performance. If your browser becomes noticeably slower, crashes frequently, or displays websites incorrectly, it could indicate that FindQuest or similar unwanted software has made modifications. Additionally, you may find new toolbars, extensions, or plugins installed without your knowledge, further hinting at a browser hijacker’s presence.

Quick Checklist to Confirm FindQuest Presence

• Changed Homepage/Default Search Engine: Your browser directs you to a different homepage or uses an unfamiliar search engine.
• Unwanted Pop-Up Ads: Excessive pop-up ads appear, disrupting your browsing experience, even on websites that normally don’t show many ads.
• Slow Browser Performance: Your web browser runs much slower than usual, indicating potential unwanted background activity.
• Unfamiliar Browser Add-Ons: The appearance of toolbars, extensions, or plugins that you did not voluntarily add to your browser.
• Redirection to Suspicious Sites: Clicking on links redirects you to different sites than expected, often leading to more advertisements or phishing pages.

If you recognize any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to take immediate action to remove the FindQuest browser hijacker from your system to protect your online security and privacy.

Step-by-Step Guide: Removing FindQuest from Your Browser and OS

Browser extensions can be helpful, but when they turn malicious, like FindQuest, removing them becomes a priority. Follow the straightforward steps in the guide below the article grouped by browser type and OS and tailored to remove the FindQuest extension effectively.

Using SpyHunter to Detect and Remove FindQuest

SpyHunter stands out as a robust security tool, particularly when it comes to tackling browser hijackers like FindQuest. This solution performs an in-depth system scan to identify and remove threats efficiently. Here’s why opting for SpyHunter might be beneficial:

• Comprehensive scans: SpyHunter digs deep into your system, identifying malicious files and programs that could be hidden or difficult to detect manually.
• Real-time protection: Beyond just removal, it offers ongoing protection to prevent future infections by blocking malicious programs before they can cause harm.
• User-friendly: Designed with simplicity in mind, it caters to both tech-savvy individuals and those less familiar with malware removal processes. Its interface is straightforward, making it accessible to a wide audience.
• Regular updates: SpyHunter is continually updated to address the latest threats, ensuring your device remains safeguarded against new variations of malware and viruses.
• Expert support: Should you encounter stubborn malware or have specific concerns, SpyHunter provides access to their support team for personalized assistance.

Using SpyHunter to remove FindQuest and similar threats offers a safer and more efficient approach compared to manual removal. It reduces the chances of user error and ensures that all components of the infection are thoroughly eradicated from your device. This peace of mind, combined with the ease of use and comprehensive protection it offers, makes SpyHunter a recommended solution for keeping your device free from malware.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

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

How to Remove FindQuest from Windows.

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Step 1: Scan for FindQuest with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode

2.1 Hold Windows key + R

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2.2 The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

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

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.

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2.4 When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

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2.5 You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

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Step 3: Uninstall FindQuest and related software from Windows

Uninstall Steps for Windows 11

1 Go to the search bar and type "Add or Remove Programs" and then click it.

2 Locate the software that you want to uninstall click on the three dots and click "Uninstall" to begin the process.

3 Follow the uninstall steps until the software has been effectively removed from your computer

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:

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

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

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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" Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

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

4.1 Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

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

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

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.

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Video Removal Guide for FindQuest (Windows).

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Get rid of FindQuest from Mac OS X.

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Step 1: Uninstall FindQuest 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:

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1.2 Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

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

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

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

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

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

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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 FindQuest 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:

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

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

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.

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Step 2: Scan for and remove FindQuest files from your Mac

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

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

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

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Video Removal Guide for FindQuest (Mac)

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Remove FindQuest from Google Chrome.

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Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

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

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

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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.

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Erase FindQuest from Mozilla Firefox.

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

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

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

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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.

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Uninstall FindQuest from Microsoft Edge.

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Step 1: Start Edge browser.

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Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

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

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

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

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Remove FindQuest from Safari

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Step 1: Start the Safari app.

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Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

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Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

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

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

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Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

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

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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 FindQuest from Internet Explorer.

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Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

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Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

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Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

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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'.

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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

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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".

FindQuest-FAQ

What Is FindQuest?

The FindQuest 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 FindQuest?

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 FindQuest?

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 FindQuest Work?

Once installed, FindQuest 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.

FindQuest 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 FindQuest 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 FindQuest Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FindQuest 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 FindQuest?

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 FindQuest threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.