This article will help you to remove 12startpage.com in full. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions given at the end of the article.
12startpage.com is a browser hijacker redirect. The website will redirect you and push advertisements on pages. While using its services, you can find yourself on both popular search engines and unfamiliar pages with lots of pop-ups and sponsored content that go through this hijacker. The hijacker will change the start page, new tab, and search settings for the browser applications you have on your computer system.
Threat Summary
| Name | 12startpage.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Each browser application on your computer could get affected. The hijacker can redirect you and will display lots of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which are altered are the homepage, search engine and the new tab. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss 12startpage.com. |
12startpage.com – Distribution Techniques
12startpage.com might be distributed through various techniques. One of those techniques is via third-party installations. Those installer setups come from bundled applications and freeware that could be set to install additional content by default on your computer system. Usually, that could happen without any notification. You might have tried installing a media player or free software and got your browser settings modified by the hijacker. To avoid unwanted programs from affecting your PC is doable if you find Custom or Advanced settings. There you should be able to deselect what you don’t want.
12startpage.com could be distributed via other methods, like add-ons or browser extensions which install on your browser. Other distribution ways use advertisements, such as banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, and redirect links. Sponsored advertisements, including targeted content on suspicious websites could distribute the hijacker, too. These websites might also be partners or affiliates of the 12startpage.com website and services. These browsers could be affected: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
12startpage.com – Technical Insight
12startpage.com is the search URL address of a browser hijacker redirect. At first glance it seems okay, but many users have reported it being installed on their machines without their permission. You will get redirected when you are using its services, from links, ads and pages that may load from the search results. The main domain page can be viewed from the screenshot given below:
The page displaced above can replace the homepage, new tab and default search of every browser that you have installed. 12startpage.com browser hijacker will redirect you if you use its services and interact with links, ads and other content from its search pages.
Take note that each search that you do on its pages will be sending information to servers connected to the Trovi.com hijacker. Below you can see how you are redirected to Trovi, every time you make a search query:
The photo that you see under this paragraph shows a clear example of what the results of a search query look like when they go through the 12startpage.com and Trovi.com. Here the search results that you end up on are from Bing, but other popular search engines could be used. Every query in the search will get filtered and sent to servers connected to that of the hijacker and Trovi. Thus, everything that you give out as information will be gathered by the browser hijacker and its partners in question.
The 12startpage.com website can push advertisements and heaps of redirects that can put browser cookies on your computer system, and they can track your online activity. Other, more advanced tracking technologies could have been used, especially from Trovi. Be wary of the information you provide on such search pages, especially on ones, associated with 12startpage.com and Trovi.com. Refrain from clicking on suspicious advertisements and links that can show up.
12startpage.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy page of the 12startpage.com site is accessible from a hyperlink, located at a sub-menu on the bottom left of its main page. The Policy provides some information about the data collection done by this browser hijacker. Below, you can see that information which is to be gathered from you when you are using the 12startpage.com service.
You can see the Policy page from the screenshot right here:
The following information can be collected by the hijacker:
- the IP address of the requesting terminal device
- the date and time of access
- the name and URL of the file called up
- the website from which the file is accessed
- the operating system of your terminal device
- the browser you are using
- the name of your internet access provider
- the date and time of the installation of your OCS-Product
- the version no. of your OCS-Product
- the name and URL of the file called up
- gen. geo-marketing data (city, country-id)
- your search keyword
- the date and time of your search query
- any unique identifiers from any cookies used by Microsoft or Yahoo or others
- the the search- and browser settings of your browser
- your browser’s language-settings and type of browser
There is also data collected by Trovi, according to the policy of Trovi.com which can be divided into a few information types:
Technical Information
- Your browser type
- Type, name and version of Operating System
- Type, name and version of other software
- Your ISP (Internet Service Provider)
- Your physical location
- Your Internet protocol (IP) address
- Anonymous user identifiers
- Device configuration and identifiers
- The version, configuration and settings of their Software
Usage Information
- Your use and interaction with your device
- When and how you use their software
- How you use your internet browser and internet search related applications
- The web pages you visit and the content you see
- Your interactions with offerings and advertisements that you view
- Your search queries
- The time and date of your searches
Social Networks Information
- Your interactions on social networks via their software
- Friends or contact lists
- Notes
- Updates
- Photos
Registration Related Information
- Information you provide when you register for their software
- Your name
- Home or work addresses
- Your E-mail address
- Telephone and fax numbers
- Your birth date
- Your gender
Support Related Information
- Your email address
- Your name
- Any information voluntarily submitted by you
Information that may be collected by the site “unintentionally”
- Social security numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Login information
Cookies connected to the browser hijacking site and services of 12startpage.com are also dropped by them to acquire more information related to your internet activity and habits. The 12startpage.com service could collect even more data with which you could be identified.
In conclusion, you should be wary of what information you give out to search engines and websites. In case you do not like the idea of any information to be acquired about you by this browser hijacker or its services, you should consider removing it.
Remove 12startpage.com Redirect
To remove 12startpage.com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the hijacker redirect and its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer safe in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove 12startpage.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for 12startpage.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall 12startpage.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 12startpage.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 12startpage.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 12startpage.com (Windows).
Get rid of 12startpage.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall 12startpage.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 12startpage.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 12startpage.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 12startpage.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as 12startpage.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 12startpage.com (Mac)
Remove 12startpage.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 12startpage.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 12startpage.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 12startpage.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 12startpage.com will be removed.
Eliminate 12startpage.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".
12startpage.com-FAQ
What Is 12startpage.com?
The 12startpage.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 12startpage.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 Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like 12startpage.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 12startpage.com Work?
Once installed, 12startpage.com can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
12startpage.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 12startpage.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 12startpage.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 12startpage.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 12startpage.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 12startpage.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.