What Is Directsearchapp.com Redirect
This is an article that has been made in order to explain what exactly is Directsearchapp.com and how you can get rid of this unwanted app from your computer.
Directsearchapp.com Virus
Directsearchapp.com is the name of a low-reputation type of software, whose main goal is to alter the settings on your web browser and after this is this to show you push notifications and ads. This unwanted application may only seem like its a new search engine recently set on your computer to help with your browsing experience in a good way. However, instead, it may cause you a lot of headaches and the primary reason for that is because it may flood your computer with ads that may make it sluggish and may even be risky for it.
The main idea for this is for Directsearchapp.com to lead you to multiple third-party websites as a result of the ads that are displayed to you and the outcome for this could be negative for you and even lead to malware infection with time passing by. This is the main reason why you should consider removing Directsearchapp.com from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | Directsearchapp.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Aims to change the settings of Safari and other web browsers installed on Macs and display a lot of third-party advertisements, some of which may be dangerous to users. |
| Symptoms | Slow and sluggish performance of the Mac. Changed browser settings. Different types of ads show uninvited. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundling or websites. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Combo Cleaner
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Directsearchapp.com. |
Directsearchapp.com – Description & Activity
Directsearchapp.com is the type of domain that is related to an app that may only seem like it is useful free software on your computer. THe main idea here however is to lead you to believe that it is helpful software that is added to your browsers tr PC. One very common way via which it could end up on your Mac could be if it is added by being downloaded from a freeware downloading site. Such sites often advertise software that is downloaded for free and tend to slither these apps. Another way of distribution apps, like Directsearchapp.com, may use is called software bundling. The install files of Directsearchapp.com may be included in another installer of software that may exist on your computer and when you installed this software, the app files may be advertised somewhere in the Custom or Advanced installation steps as a “free extra” or “optional offer” that is included to your current installation.
As soon as Directsearchapp.com finds its way in your computer system, it may begin to change your Web Browser settings. Such settings can include changing the home page and also the new tab of your browsers and these may be altered to show its own domain.
This domain may not have its own search database and may not even be HTTPS encrypted, so it is highly untypical for this search engine to show you results that are objective. It may show various ads that may not always lead to the places you wanted to visit.
Not only this, but the Directsearchapp.com site itself may use different types of tracking technologies, the main purpose of which could be to show different kinds of ads and collect information from you that reflects on those ads. The data that may be collected could be of the following types:
- What you type while on your browser.
- Which sites you have bookmarked.
- Sites you have visited.
- What you have searched.
- Where you click online.
This data may not only be taken from Directsearchapp.com, but from the ads that may be shown through the software that has set it as your default browser page as well. Such ads could be of the following types:
- Redirections.
- Pop-up ads.
- Banner adverts.
- Clickable highlighted text.
- Ad-supported search results.
The main risk that outlines Directsearchapp.com as a potentially unwanted program however is that it may lead you to various different types of websites that may conceal different dangers for your computer and information. Such sites could turn out to be:
- Scamming sites that may display pages that aim to trick you that your Mac is at risk.
- Websites that aim to convince users that they are legitimate, but may contain harmful software.
- Malicious redirects that may install more adware or directly infect your Mac with viruses.
- Phishing sites that pose as legitimate login pages for Google, Yahoo and other sites.
How to Remove Directsearchapp.com from Your Computer
Directsearchapp.com can be gotten rid of if you follow the steps for removal below. They have been made to make it easier for you to remove Directsearchapp.com either by yourself or automatically. Be advised that for maximum effectiveness during removal, it is strongly recommended that you remove such apps by downloading and running a scan of your computer with an advanced malware removal software. Such a program will make sure to get rid of apps, like Directsearchapp.com by scanning for their virus files and removing them plus protecting you against such unwanted apps in the future as well.
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.
Follow Me:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Directsearchapp.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Directsearchapp.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Directsearchapp.com 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 Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.com (Windows).
Get rid of Directsearchapp.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.com (Mac)
Remove Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.com will be removed.
Eliminate Directsearchapp.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".
Directsearchapp.com-FAQ
What Is Directsearchapp.com?
The Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.com Work?
Once installed, Directsearchapp.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.
Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.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 Directsearchapp.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.