What is igHome.com Virus?
The igHome.com Virus is a term used to describe a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and browser hijacker associated with the igHome.com search engine. If you have noticed that your default home page, new tab page, or search engine has been replaced with igHome.com without your explicit approval, your system may be affected. Read this article to find out how the igHome.com Virus operates, what risks it poses to your computer, and how you can effectively remove it to restore your browser’s security.
Although igHome.com may appear to be a legitimate search engine offering quick access to web search and customizable widgets, cybersecurity researchers classify it as a risky search engine. This is due to its behavior of modifying browser settings and delivering ad-supported search results that may expose users to malicious domains, phishing pages, and other malware threats.
igHome.com Short Overview
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A suspicious website and rogue search engine that hijacks your browsers and causes redirects. |
| Symptoms | Unwanted pop-ups may start appearing while you are browsing the web. A browser hijacker may be downloaded without your knowledge. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
| Removal Tool |
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In many cases, the igHome.com Virus is not a traditional virus in the strict sense. Instead, it acts as a browser hijacker that alters critical browser configurations to redirect web traffic through its own search infrastructure. These changes are typically made without clear user consent and are often bundled with other freeware applications.
Why igHome.com is Considered Unsafe
The primary concern surrounding the igHome.com Virus stems from its aggressive advertising techniques and potential to expose users to harmful content. Once installed, it may:
- Modify browser settings such as homepage, new tab, and default search engine.
- Inject sponsored content and advertisements into search results.
- Track browsing behavior and collect user data.
- Redirect searches to third-party engines through affiliate networks.
- Increase the risk of exposure to malware-hosting websites.
While the search engine itself may not directly distribute malware, its advertising network and sponsored results can act as gateways to dangerous websites. These sites may promote fake software updates, rogue security programs, phishing scams, or exploit kits.
How Did I Get It?
The igHome.com Virus typically infiltrates systems through software bundling. This is a common distribution technique used by developers of potentially unwanted programs. When users download and install free applications from third-party websites, additional components may be included in the installation package.
These bundled components are often pre-selected for installation and hidden within advanced or custom setup menus. If users choose the “Quick” or “Recommended” installation option, they may unknowingly allow the igHome.com browser hijacker to modify their browser settings.
Common Distribution Methods
Security analysis indicates that igHome.com-related hijackers can spread through several vectors:
- Freeware and shareware installers from unofficial download portals.
- Deceptive pop-ups advertisements prompting browser updates.
- Fake download buttons on torrent and streaming sites.
- Malicious attachments or embedded links.
- Compromised or low-quality software repositories.
In addition to bundling, social engineering techniques may be employed to convince users that igHome.com is a beneficial or necessary search enhancement tool. The installer may present it as a feature that improves browsing speed or search accuracy, masking its true purpose.
Once installed, the hijacker may create registry entries, scheduled tasks, or browser extension components to maintain persistence. This ensures that even if users attempt to manually revert their browser settings, the unwanted configuration may reappear.
What Does It Do?
The igHome.com Virus primarily functions as a browser hijacker and traffic redirector. After gaining access to a system, it modifies browser configurations to force traffic through its own search engine. This allows the operators to monetize user activity through pay-per-click advertising and affiliate marketing schemes.
Browser Configuration Changes
One of the first noticeable symptoms of infection is the unauthorized change of browser settings. Affected browsers may include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and others. The hijacker may:
- Replace the default homepage with igHome.com.
- Set igHome.com as the default search provider.
- Alter new tab behavior to load its own interface.
- Install suspicious browser extensions.
These changes are designed to ensure consistent user interaction with the igHome.com search platform, thereby increasing advertising impressions and click-through rates.
Ad-Supported Search Results
The search results delivered by igHome.com often contain sponsored links and advertisements that are not clearly distinguished from organic results. This can mislead users into clicking on potentially unsafe pages.
Ad-supported search results may redirect to:
- Phishing websites designed to harvest credentials.
- Rogue security software landing pages.
- Fake technical support scams.
- Websites distributing Trojan malware or ransomware.
Such redirections increase the overall attack surface of the affected system. Even a single click on a malicious sponsored result can result in drive-by downloads or credential compromise.
Data Tracking and Privacy Concerns
Another significant issue associated with the igHome.com Virus is data tracking. Browser hijackers frequently incorporate tracking technologies such as cookies, web beacons, and scripts to monitor user behavior.
Collected data may include:
- Search queries entered into the search engine.
- Visited URLs and browsing history.
- IP address and approximate geolocation.
- Browser type and operating system details.
This information can be used to build detailed user profiles for targeted advertising. In some cases, aggregated data may be shared with third-party partners, increasing privacy risks.
Although the collected information may be presented as “non-personally identifiable,” combining multiple data points can potentially lead to user identification. This raises legitimate concerns regarding digital privacy and data security.
How to Remove It
Removing the igHome.com Virus requires addressing both the visible browser modifications and any underlying components that maintain persistence. Because browser hijackers often install additional files, registry entries, and scheduled tasks, simply resetting the homepage may not be sufficient.
A thorough removal approach should involve identifying suspicious applications installed around the time of the hijack and examining browser extensions for unfamiliar or unwanted add-ons. It is also important to check system configuration areas that may allow the hijacker to restore its settings after reboot.
Advanced users may inspect:
- Installed programs within the operating system control panel.
- Browser extension managers for unknown entries.
- Startup items and scheduled tasks.
- Registry keys associated with browser policies.
However, manual removal can be complex and time-consuming. Some hijacker components may be deeply embedded within the system, making them difficult to detect without specialized tools. Incomplete removal may result in recurring browser redirects and continued exposure to unsafe search results.
Using a reputable anti-malware solution is often recommended to scan the entire system for malicious or potentially unwanted components linked to the igHome.com Virus. Such tools can detect hidden files, malicious scripts, and unwanted registry value modifications, ensuring comprehensive system cleanup.
After removal, restoring default browser settings and clearing cached data can help eliminate residual tracking elements. Regularly updating your browser and operating system further reduces the likelihood of similar threats in the future.
What should you do?
If your browser has been affected by the igHome.com Virus, it is essential to act quickly to minimize security and privacy risks. Do not ignore unauthorized homepage changes or suspicious search redirects, as they may expose you to more severe malware infections. Carefully follow the removal instructions provided below this article to fully eliminate the igHome.com Virus and secure your system against future browser hijackers.
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 igHome.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for igHome.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall igHome.com 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 igHome.com 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 igHome.com 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 igHome.com (Windows).
Get rid of igHome.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall igHome.com 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 igHome.com. 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 igHome.com 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 igHome.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as igHome.com, 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 igHome.com (Mac)
Remove igHome.com 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 igHome.com 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 igHome.com 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 igHome.com 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 igHome.com will be removed.
Eliminate igHome.com 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".
igHome.com-FAQ
What Is igHome.com?
The igHome.com 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 igHome.com?
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 igHome.com?
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 igHome.com Work?
Once installed, igHome.com 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.
igHome.com 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 igHome.com 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 igHome.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this igHome.com 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 igHome.com?
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 igHome.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.