Update August 2019. This article aims to help you by showing how to remove “MyWay” search redirect virus from your computer and your web browser completely.
MyWay search is the type of web page that you do not want set on your web browser. The search engine is associated with multiple browser hijacking programs, which are developed by the notorious Mindspark – a company known for regarding it’s own software as potentially unsafe. Any application that is associated with MyWay search virus is strongly believed to be indirectly harmful to your computer, display advertisements, change your browser settings and perform other activities on your computer. This is why if you have this MyWay search on your computer, it is strongly recommended to read this article and learn how to remove it from your computer system.
Threat Summary
| Name | MyWay Search "Virus" |
| Type | PUP – Ad-supported software. |
| Short Description | Hoax search engine that is associated with unwanted programs that are regarded as browser hijackers. |
| Symptoms | Changes your home page to the MyWay search page and then advertises third-party websites via pop-ups and other forms of ads. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundling, websites of fake helper programs and other methods. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MyWay Search "Virus". |
MyWay Search “Virus” – How Did I Get It
The MyWay Search engine can land on your computer as a result of multiple different ways. The main of those ways is known as bundling. Bundled free and paid software may install this browser hijacker on your PC alongside their original installations. Such installers could have added the program files of MyWay Search – related programs. So far, we have tracked the following of those seemingly helpful programs, but be sure to know that there are thousands of them out there:
These are just some of the many programs that are associated with MyWay search and most of those apps, appear to look helpful at first glance. During the installation of a program you may have downloaded online, you may find them being on one of the installation steps, appearing “as a free extra” to your current installation. Usually, In most cases those installation steps are located either in the Custom or Advanced installation options.
Another method by which those extensions could be added to your browser is visiting the suspicious site advertising them and each one of them has it’s own custom web page, which prompts you to install it’s own browser extension and as you can see from the image below, the similarity between them is staggering:
MyWay Search “Virus” – Further Information
When this suspicious browser extension is first added to your web browser, it may immediately change it’s settings and set MyWay search engine as the home page and default search engine of your web browser. Most MyWay related applications ask for the following permissions on your web browser:
Then, the corresponding toolbar of the suspicious program using MyWay is also added to your web browser. The main page may appear somewhat like the following:
The MyWay page also has numerous buttons under the search bar, linking to third-party sites and services and it also uses an extremely large amount of cookies:
Theses cookies and other tracking technologies used by MyWay search page may be used to obtain different information from your computer, such as the following:
- Your name.
- Your address.
- E-mail account name.
- Where you click online.
- Which sites do you visit most often.
- Your browsing history.
- System and network information from your computer.
And since MyWay is a search engine that is also supported entirely by Mindspark Interactive Network, it also uses it’s privacy policy:
In addition to this, MyWay search also does not hide in this privacy policy what it may do with your information:
We may allow third-parties, including our authorized service providers, IAC affiliates, advertising companies, and ad networks, to display advertisements or place ad tags or beacons on or via MS Services. These companies may use tracking technologies, such as cookies, to collect information about users who view or interact with their advertisements.
Furthermore, besides using cookies to track your movement, the MyWay search URLs are also not HTTPs protected which means that you are at risk of becoming a victim of information phishing sites eventually.
Furthermore, it is also important to know of the main purpose of all the suspicious programs, related to MyWay search virus and it is to display suspicious advertisements under different forms, the main of which is ad-support search results, after you search for something:
Pic
Since MyWay search does not have it’s own search database, it uses Google, however it adds advertisements to almost the whole first page of search results, like the image below displays. Besides conventional ad-supported results, MyWay “virus” may also cause:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Banners to change with it’s own ones.
- Other forms of ads.
Besides that these numerous advertisements may significantly slow down your computer system, they may also lead you to third-party websites that are not only suspicious but may also be outright dangerous for your PC and the information stored in it. These can be sites containing malware, phishing web pages and even direct links to infection URLs. This is the main reason why security experts consider MyWay and all related to it programs as potentially harmful and a low-level threat.
Remove MyWay Search “Virus” and Protect Your PC from Future Threats
In order for you to completely remove the MyWay search virus, you should bear in mind that you should follow the manual and the automatic removal instructions down below. Since manual removal cannot guarantee that all associated files and objects, created by the MyWay search “virus” are removed from your computer system, researchers advise to use an advanced anti-malware software for the removal as the best method to automatically and fully erase MyWay search virus files permanently. Using such software will also protect your computer against any future intrusions, related to MyWay search and other unwanted software as well as malware.
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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How to Remove MyWay Search "Virus" from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for MyWay Search "Virus" with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus" (Windows).
Get rid of MyWay Search "Virus" from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus". 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 MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus" files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MyWay Search "Virus", 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 MyWay Search "Virus" (Mac)
Remove MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus" will be removed.
Eliminate MyWay Search "Virus" 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".
MyWay Search "Virus"-FAQ
What Is MyWay Search "Virus"?
The MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus"?
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 MyWay Search "Virus"?
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 MyWay Search "Virus" Work?
Once installed, MyWay Search "Virus" 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.
MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus" Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MyWay Search "Virus" 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 MyWay Search "Virus"?
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 MyWay Search "Virus" threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.