What Is Magna Search (MagnaSearch.org)?
MagnaSearch.org is a browser hijacker owned and operated by MagnaEngine. On its own page – MagnaSearch.org – the browser hijacker tries to persuade you to download a browser extension with the same name (Magna Search).
If you download it, your default search provider will be changed to Microsoft Bing. Despite being a legal search provider, Bing is often used by browser hijackers which fail to provide their own search functionality. Another side effect of downloading Magna Search and interacting with its services is extensive data collection. You can read more about this in the following article, which will also provide information on removing Magna Search and all its components.
Short Overview
| Name | Magna Search also known as MagnaSearch.org (previously MagnaSearch.com) |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUA |
| 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 |
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How Did I Get Infected by Magna Search Browser Extension?
We believe Magna Search is a rogue browser extension that displays suspicious behavior and could be detrimental to your browsers and operating system. The extension is most likely distributed through software bundles or fake software update prompts.
However, the extension is also available for download on its own website – MagnaSearch.org – where it is presented as useful and benign. If you have been tricked into downloading it, your default search provider has also been changed to Bing.com. Going back to your default search engine and browser settings may turn out to be challenging, due to the intrusive nature of the extension.
As you may have discovered yourself, this hijacker can cause various issues, such as slowing down your computer, redirecting your browser, replacing your default search and new tab page, and injecting unwanted ads. The end goal is collecting your personal information and using it in suspicious ad campaigns and other, unknown ways.
What Does Magna Search Do?
The browser extension will take over your browser and redirect your searches via Bing.com. Each search you enter will be captured by Magna Search’s operators. Other details they collect, as per their privacy policy, include the following:
Online Identifiers: User Agent, IP address, User ID, Operating System
Usage Information: Page served, time, referring URLs
Geolocation: Geographic location associated with your IP address
Others: Search queries
Here is a screenshot taken from the website on April 25, 2024:
The extension can also slow down your computer and tamper with your normal browsing. In a nutshell, the extension can perform the following actions:
- hijack your web browser and redirects you to unwanted websites.
- lead you to the installation of unwanted adware, toolbars, and other potentially unwanted programs.
- significantly slow down your internet browsing experience.
- track your online activities and collect your personal data.
Is Magna Search a Computer Virus?
By definition, suspicious browser extensions do not belong to the family of computer viruses.
A computer virus is the type of program that replicates itself upon execution by modifying other programs and inserting its own code. Once the replication happens, the affected areas become “infected” with the computer virus. The extension does not have these properties, but could redirect you to malicious pages that download malware onto the computer. So, it is still considered a threat.
Is It Dangerous?
Magna Search is a browser hijacker that can be dangerous if it is not removed in a timely manner. It can redirect your web searches to unwanted websites and can install malicious software on your computer, as well as collect private information including your IP address, search terms, and even financial information. If you find that it has infected your computer, consider removing it immediately. The longer it stays installed on your system, the more vulnerable it becomes to other online threats.
How to Protect My Computer from Magna Search?
Here are a few easy tips you can follow to avoid installing unwanted extensions:
- Don’t download programs from Internet ads, banners, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites and other unreliable sources.
- Opt-out of the setting hidden in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections when you’re installing a program. You can deselect most PUPs from there.
- Avoid installing programs you don’t need.
- Keep an eye out for any excessive or unusual Internet advertising. These ads can be brought on by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read the terms and conditions of use when you install any programs.
- Check your installed software regularly and uninstall any applications you do not want or need.
- Install an anti-malware program that also has the ability to detect and remove potentially unwanted programs.
Steps to Remove Magna Search from Your Browser and Computer
If you want to keep your system safe, removing Magna Search from your browser and computer is a necessary step. To get rid of the hijacker, uninstall any related programs. Then, use an anti-malware program to scan your system and remove any remaining malicious files. Finally, reset your browser settings to their original defaults.
Following the steps below the article will guide you through the process of getting rid of this browser hijacker.
Manual Versus Automated Removal Methods
Manual detection offers a hands-on way to check for adware and browser hijackers, but it may miss components that are deeply embedded within the system. Automated methods, like those provided by antivirus programs, offer a more thorough approach by scanning all files and memory for known adware signatures and behaviors.
This ensures that all unwanted software is accurately identified and removed. For a dependable solution to adware issues, SpyHunter proves to be an excellent tool against threats like Magna Search, ensuring your device remains secure and performs optimally.
If you are a tech-savvy individual, you may opt for the manual removal of Magna Search. However, you should perform the removal process carefully, as it involves modifying system settings and registry entries.
Why Choose an Anti-Malware Program for the Removal?
Using a professional adware removal tool is essential for efficiently and safely removing unwanted programs that cause redirects to Magna Search.
SpyHunter is designed to quickly detect, isolate, and eliminate intrusive software, ensuring complete removal of all traces. Unlike basic antivirus software, it provides a comprehensive scan to uncover hidden adware, offering a clean slate for your device.
SpyHunter is a crucial ally in the fight against adware and browser hijackers. Its thorough scanning process can identify adware elements that standard antivirus programs might miss. With its tailored approach, SpyHunter can effectively neutralize adware threats. Its user-friendly interface makes the removal process easy for users of all technical levels. Adding SpyHunter to your security measures not only cleans your computer of current adware infections but also strengthens its defenses against future attacks, safeguarding your personal information.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Magna Search from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Magna Search with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Magna Search 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 Magna Search 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 Magna Search 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 Magna Search (Windows).
Get rid of Magna Search from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Magna Search 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 Magna Search. 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 Magna Search 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 Magna Search files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Magna Search, 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 Magna Search (Mac)
Remove Magna Search 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 Magna Search 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 Magna Search 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 Magna Search 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 Magna Search will be removed.
Eliminate Magna Search 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".
Magna Search-FAQ
What Is Magna Search?
The Magna Search 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 Magna Search?
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 Magna Search?
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 Magna Search Work?
Once installed, Magna Search 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.
Magna Search 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 Magna Search 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 Magna Search Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Magna Search 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 Magna Search?
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 Magna Search threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.