SecureSearch.co is an online page, which is also a browser hijacker. Settings which the hijacker can alter are the search engine, new tab setting and the home page of your browser programs. If you make search queries, you will get redirected. Search results look almost the same as Google’s. You might see advertisements and targeted content when browsing. To remove the hijacker and its redirects you should read the article carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name | SecureSearch.co |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Browser applications on your computer machine may be affected. The hijacker redirects you and can show you advertisements and sponsored content. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, search engine and new tab setting will be changed. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SecureSearch.co. |
SecureSearch.co – Distribution Methods
SecureSearch.co can be distributed using various methods. One of these is through third-party installations of bundle applications or freeware. Installers like that could be set by default to add extra components to your computer. Without knowing that, you will notice that the hijacker could have switched certain settings. Avoiding such setups from installing is manageable. You have to find Custom or Advanced settings to deselect the unneeded components.
Another distribution method may use a browser add-on, extension or plug-in, set inside your browser applications. Distribution can happen via advertisements, like banners and pop-ups. The hijacker program might get distributed by redirecting links spread across other websites. Such websites might be affiliated with SecureSearch.co. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
SecureSearch.co – More About It
SecureSearch.co is the main domain of a search engine. The search engine on the site is presented to promise enhanced security, to favor “Do Not Track” requests by browsers and similar features. The description on the site also boasts that the service provides the most advanced private security engine. That is not true, as it behaves differently than presented. It will set the SecureSearch.co page as your homepage, new tab setting and default search. You can view that page from the screenshot displayed down here:
The SecureSearch.co page mainly consists of a white background image, a search bar with a padlock logo on top of it. Links to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of the service are on the bottom right corner. That exact page replaces the default search engine, start page, and new tab setting of every browser located on your personal computer.
In the screenshot provided underneath this paragraph, you can see the results page of a conducted search on the SecureSearch.co website. It does not redirect you, but the design of the search results is nearly 100% identical as that of Google. The site is not in any way affiliated with Google, and that is the first giveaway sign for this site not being legitimate. Of course, adverts and targeted content may appear in the results or on the main page. Your search queries will get filtered by this proprietary service. No information is given on who the providers of the service are. Data that goes through their search will be obtained and sent to unknown servers.
Be wary with what information you share on the Internet and what sites and services you trust with it. Do not give out any personal details or credentials on suspicious-looking sites. There could be in-text links or even additional redirects being generated while you surf the Web. Information obtained by the site might be gathered with the aid of cookies or other related technologies, despite that the policy claims that you won’t be tracked. Continue reading and find out in the Privacy Policy section, exactly why the SecureSearch.co site is not to be trusted.
SecureSearch.co – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the SecureSearch.co can be found on the website but is rather short and lacks detail. If you read it, you may find strange inconsistencies about what data is collected, and what is done with it.
We do not collect personal information from visitors of our site.
From the phrasing, we can conclude that personal information will not be acquired by simply visiting the site. The implied meaning is that using the same rule applies to the search engine found on the site. But see the following two excerpts mentioned later in the policy:
If you email us or otherwise contact us, then we may have your email address or other contact information.
and
All sensitive/credit information you supply is encrypted via Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology.
In other words, information that you enter in search queries and that you provide, will be in the hands of the owner of the SecureSearch.co service. So, that information is probably stored on servers tied to the website.
Further below, there is a statement that tries to reassure people:
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your personally identifiable information.
If the information is not in any way disclosed to outside parties, it does not necessarily mean that business partners of SecureSearch.co do not have access to it.
Finally, check this quotation about third party links:
Occasionally, at our discretion, we may include or offer third party products or services on our website. These third party sites have separate and independent privacy policies. We therefore have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites.
Tread carefully, when using this site or other sites which you landed on from it. Do not provide any information that is personal or can identify you.
Remove SecureSearch.co from Your PC
To remove SecureSearch.co 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 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 secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove SecureSearch.co from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for SecureSearch.co with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall SecureSearch.co 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 4: Clean Any registries, Created by SecureSearch.co 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 SecureSearch.co 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 SecureSearch.co (Windows).
Get rid of SecureSearch.co from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall SecureSearch.co 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 SecureSearch.co. 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 SecureSearch.co 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 SecureSearch.co files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SecureSearch.co, 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 SecureSearch.co (Mac)
Remove SecureSearch.co 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 SecureSearch.co 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 SecureSearch.co 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 SecureSearch.co 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 SecureSearch.co will be removed.
Eliminate SecureSearch.co 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".
SecureSearch.co-FAQ
What Is SecureSearch.co?
The SecureSearch.co 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 SecureSearch.co?
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 SecureSearch.co?
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 SecureSearch.co Work?
Once installed, SecureSearch.co 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.
SecureSearch.co 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 SecureSearch.co 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 SecureSearch.co Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SecureSearch.co 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 SecureSearch.co?
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 SecureSearch.co threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.