Home.ClearWebSearch.net is the sub-domain of a search engine. An unwanted program setup which installs the browser hijacker Clear Web Search is hosted on the main domain – Clearwebsearch(.)net. Other ways exist for the delivery of the hijacker program. An intrusive browser extension can also be installed in your browser applications.
The unwanted software changes individual browser settings, such as the homepage, search engine, and the new tab of most browsers. Other features as a toolbar might be installed to your browsers, too. Third party content and advertisements can be displayed when you surf the internet. To remove the browser hijacker along with all of its files, you should read the article to the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | Home.clearwebsearch(.)net |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The browsers found on your computer get their settings modified. Settings like the homepage, search engine and new tab. |
| Symptoms | A browser add-on or extension can be set in your browsers. The hijacker can redirect you and filter all your search queries. You might see third party content and adverts put by partners of the hijacker site. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Home.clearwebsearch(.)net. |
Home.ClearWebSearch.net – Delivery
Home.clearwebsearch can be delivered in many ways. Usually, that happens via third-party installation setups. Bundle packages or some free program setup might get the hijacker on your computer. Freeware installers have additional contents selected for installation that can be out of plain view. The unwanted application may install on its own and modify settings before you notice. To prevent unneeded installations of such programs, you should be able to find a Custom or an Advanced setting menu, from which to deselect components.
As you can see in the above picture, a browser extension of the same name, related to the hijacker is present on the Google Chrome Web Store. That is another popular way for Clear Web Search to get into your computer, as the extension also has browser hijacking capabilities.
Another method in which the Home.clearwebsearch hijacker can be delivered is through advertisements, like pop-ups and/or banners. Visiting suspicious websites, which host redirects can distribute the hijacker further. Such websites could be partnered with Home.ClearWebSearch.net. Browsers that can be affected are: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
Home.ClearWebSearch.net – Description
Home.ClearWebSearch.net is a search engine for the browser hijacker Clear Web Search. An installation setup is hosted on the main domain, which is Clearwebsearch(.)net.
In the above picture you can see the Home.ClearWebSearch.net which is the main website page of the browser hijacker. You can land on that page from many different places, and it will be used as your homepage and the new tab, too. If there are programs associated with the hijacker on your personal computer, then you will begin noticing modifications in your browsers. Settings like the homepage, new tab, and the search engine will get changed in most browsers you have. A sidebar or some toolbar may be added as additive content in your browser programs.
The browser add-on connected to Home.clearwebsearch can be installed as well. More applications may be installed on your computer, helping the hijacker, but the Clear Web Search extension featured on the Chrome Web Store is probably the most widespread one. Extensions can use ads or redirects to link you to various websites which can be partners or affiliates of Home.ClearWebSearch.net. Here is what the hijacker’s extension can do:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Communicate with cooperating websites
- Change your search settings to search.clearwebsearch(.)net
- Detect your physical location
Continue reading to see what other things the extension does, described in the Privacy Policy section.
In the picture displayed above, you can see an example search results page of Home.clearwebsearch. You can see that is actually a Yahoo search page. But you might not see that upon loading that page a redirect shows briefly, which leads to another search engine, which is the FindWide(.)com Browser Hijacker.
Below you can see a snapshot of the redirect in action:
Home.ClearWebSearch.net and Services.Findwide(.)com will both collect data from you as they will act as filters for every search query you make. The search engines will send information to be stored on their servers, each time you type something and execute a search. Data about your browsing habits, as well as personal and technical information, can be acquired. So, be wary about what you input in a search bar and what inquiries you make.
When browsing you might get redirected or see lots of different targeted third party content or advertisements in the form of hyperlinks, pop-ups, and balloons.
Home.ClearWebSearch.net – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of Home.ClearWebSearch.net is located on the main domain of the hijacker and consists of just a picture. You cannot easily navigate through the policy or to copy text since it is an image. The website owners collect, store and share all kinds of information about you – both personally and non-personally identifying. Below you can see in what circumstances and exactly what data is gathered.
Here is a snapshot of the Privacy Policy page:
Information which you provide, which is also collected upon contact with the site owners:
- Full name
- Physical address and country code
- Email address
- Telephone Number
Information collected when you simply have the extension in your browsers:
- Your IP address
- Your device type
- Country code
- Unique Identifier number
- Hardware and software
- Configuration and Usage patterns
- Operating System information
- The type of your browser
- Capability and performance
Information collected from browsing the website:
- Your IP address
- Country code
- Unique identifier number
- Hardware and software
- Configuration and what is your browser
- Operating System information
- Your language
- Access times
- Content of previously accepted cookies
- Usage Patterns
- The duration of the session
- The number of clicks you made
- Referrer URL
Cookies (including session cookies and persistent cookies), Adobe Flash, pixels, beacons, iFrames, JavaScript,web and DOM storage data, third party APIs and other tracking technologies collect:
- Your IP address
- Device type
- Country code / geolocation
- Hardware and software
- Configuration and OS information
- What is your browser
- Usage patterns
- Unique identifier number
- Capability and performance
- Web pages viewed
- Features and content you have accessed
- Advertisements you have seen
- Search queries you have run
- Referral URL information
- Links you have clicked on
- Specific products, services or content you used or viewed
The Privacy Policy openly states that by browsing the Clearwebsearch(.)net domain, all sub-domains or using any related applications grants your consent for the collecting of your personal data. As you see above, cookies and many other technologies are used for tracking by this hijacker.
The hijacker may disclose your information to third parties as well as their parent, subsidiary or affiliate companies without restriction. The collected data can be used and shared in ways to help the website owners and third parties, which are their affiliates, and also to monetize the extension. If you do not approve of all of the above information to be collected from you and the way it is used, you should remove the hijacker and everything related to it.
Remove Home.ClearWebSearch.net Totally from Your PC
To remove Home.ClearWebSearch.net 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 all of its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers (including all cookies) with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer safe in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Home.clearwebsearch(.)net from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Home.clearwebsearch(.)net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net (Windows).
Get rid of Home.clearwebsearch(.)net from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net. 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Home.clearwebsearch(.)net, 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net (Mac)
Remove Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net will be removed.
Eliminate Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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".
Home.clearwebsearch(.)net-FAQ
What Is Home.clearwebsearch(.)net?
The Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net?
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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net?
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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net Work?
Once installed, Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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.
Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Home.clearwebsearch(.)net 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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net?
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 Home.clearwebsearch(.)net threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.