Remove Incognito Searches Browser Extension

by Gergana Ivanova | August 2, 2018 | 0 Comments browser extension, how to remove, PUP

Threat Summary Incognito Searches – Spread Techniques Incognito Searches – More Details About the Infection How to Remove Incognito Searches Browser Extension

This article aims to help you with the removal of Incognito Searches extansion from affected browser and system. Follow the detailed guide at the end to get rid of this annoying website in full.

Incognito Searches browser extension is considered to be a potentially undesired one as many users notice it in their browsers without remembering of ever installing it. It could be also treated as a harmful program due to the fact that it is designed to spy on your online activities and keep a record off them on its servers. In case of infection, the extension could alter some basic browser settings which in turn may result in changed homepage, new tab page and default search engine.

Threat Summary

Name	Incognito Searches
Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP
Short Description	A questionable browser extension that alters main browser settings without your knowledge. It collects sensitive details and send them to connected servers.
Symptoms	An icon added by the extension appears next to the browser Browser slowdowns occur due to increased number of online ads.td>
Distribution Method	Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss Incognito Searches.

Incognito Searches – Spread Techniques

As a typical potentially unwanted program Incognito Searches browser extension invades computer browsers and systems with the help of various shady techniques of distribution. So the reasons that might have caused its appearance in the browser are recently installed free app, downloaded torrent file, visited corrupted web page, clicked dubious ad, and installed browser extension.

Bad actors often use the attractiveness of free third-party apps as an exploit of human psychology. It is a well-known fact that many users prefer to download and install free apps without paying the needed attention during their installation process. And that’s why many malicious intenders incorporate the installation code of potentially undesired programs like Incognito Searches into their installers and then release them across the web.

To make it trickier they usually set the extras to install by default by keeping their hidden. So if you often choose to follow the regular configuration steps instead of the Advanced or Custom ones you might have missed the existence of the undesired program and install it unintentionally. In case that you want to avoid the installation of PUPs like Incognito Searches always choose the Advanced or Custom setup approach. By doing it you will be able to unmark all that you don’t need before you proceed further with the installation.

Frequently used web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, Opera and Safari could be affected by Incognito Searches nasty extension.

Incognito Searches – More Details About the Infection

Once Incognito Searches obtains access to a target browser it automatically receives the following permissions:

Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
Change your search settings to: feed.incognitosearches.com
Manage your apps, extensions, and themes

When Incognito Searches receives all these permissions it becomes able to alter main browser settings and push its deceptive services during each browsing session. Some of the changes may affect your preferred browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine. They may be all set to display the main page of any nasty browser hijacker that provides rogue search engine and search results full of ads.

One of the main purposes of Incognito Searches for sure is data collection. By obtaining certain details from affected browsers and sending them to its servers it enables its owners to configure their advertising campaigns in a way responds to your interests. Once you become an object of their aggressive advertising campaigns based you may start to experience significant browser slowdowns and even browser crashes. You need to be extra careful with all ads that appear in the browser as some of them may land you on compromised web pages that install severe malware infections directly on your PC.

How to Remove Incognito Searches Browser Extension

In order to remove the undesired and potentially harmful Incognito Searches and all associated files from your PC make sure to complete all the steps listed in the removal that follows. The guide presents both manual and automatic removal instructions that combined will help you to remove this undesired program in full. The automatic approach guarantees maximum efficiency as a scan with an advanced anti-malware tool reveals the exact location of all malicious files and objects created by Incognito Searches. The results enable you to access and remove all harmful files from the infected PC. Have in mind that files associated with this PUP may be detected with different names than Incognito Searches.

In case that you have further questions or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via email.

Gergana Ivanova

Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.

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Guide 1: How to Remove Incognito Searches from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of Incognito Searches on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove Incognito Searches in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase Incognito Searches from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall Incognito Searches from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove Incognito Searches from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate Incognito Searches from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable Incognito Searches Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

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

How to Remove Incognito Searches from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Incognito Searches

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

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

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.

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

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

Step 2: Uninstall Incognito Searches 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:

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

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

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.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Incognito Searches on your computer.

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 Incognito Searches there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

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

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

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.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for Incognito Searches with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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.

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

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

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.

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

Get rid of Incognito Searches from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Incognito Searches and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

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

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Incognito Searches:

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

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

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

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

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 Incognito Searches 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 Incognito Searches. 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.

Step 2: Scan for and remove Incognito Searches files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Incognito Searches, 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 Incognito Searches:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

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

Remove Incognito Searches 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.

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

Erase Incognito Searches 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.

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

Uninstall Incognito Searches 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.

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

Remove Incognito Searches 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 Incognito Searches 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.

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

Eliminate Incognito Searches 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.