Esurf.biz is the main web address for a browser hijacker. The hijacker redirects you from its main page buttons and when you do a search. You can land on a Yahoo search results page or that of another reputable search engine. Your search queries will go through SafeFinder, which is another browser hijacker. Esurf.biz can change the homepage, new tab and the search engine of each browser you have. A browser extension could be installed, too. To remove the hijacker and all of its files, you should read the article to the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | Esurf.biz |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | All browsers on your computer could be affected. The hijacker redirects you and filters your searches. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings that can be modified are the homepage, search engine and new tab, and possibly browser extensions as well. You might see sponsored content and advertisements. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Esurf.biz. |
Esurf.biz – Delivery Methods
Esurf.biz can utilize a couple of delivery methods. Third-party installations are usually to blame for the unwanted application of getting to your PC. Software that is in a bundle and some free programs too can place the hijacker on your computer. Freeware setups can have more components for installation by default. Different settings can get modified before you find out how the unwanted app tampered with your computer or browser. To avoid such installations is possible if you find Custom or Advanced options inside the installation.
Esurf.biz could use other methods to get the search engine to appear when you browse. One of these methods is via both advertisements and redirects on websites, like banners, pop-ups and the like. The hijacker might be distributed with the helping hand of dubious websites which are hosting redirect links. Such websites might be in a partnership or an affiliate program with Esurf.biz. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
Esurf.biz – Detailed Description
Esurf.biz is the primary web address for a browser hijacker. You can take a look at how this online address looks in the image below:
The Esurf.biz domain is composed of a search bar and multiple buttons, supposedly leading to notable social media sites. Some of the buttons lead to sponsored or targeted content while using redirects. That web page with the search engine will replace the search engine of your browsers, plus their new tab, and home page. Browser preferences could be modified, too. An extension might be set on top of that.
If an application connected to Esurf.biz is somewhere on your computer or browser, then you will certainly see changes made to your browsers’ settings. Applications such as that could get inside your computer with bundled software. Plugins, extensions, and add-ons, as well as other extra components, could all generate advertisements and spread redirects. The redirects could lead you to suspicious sites or ones with third party content. The owners of the pages could be partners or affiliates of Esurf.biz.
In the picture above, you can see how the search results of Esurf.biz look. As you can see, you can get redirected to the search results page of Yahoo. Redirection could lead you to other known search engines as well. Browser hijackers can use this as a trick to get you to trust them to use their search. But if you look closely, you will see how the search results from your queries go through this redirect:
Esurf.biz gets information about you and browsing habits from these search queries that go through the servers of the Safe Finder Hijacker.
Both search engines are associated in some way and probable affiliates. All obtained information from the search queries can be sent to them. You should be careful with any information you input in search bars of these sites, especially if you search for personal things. Read on, to see what data can be acquired from you by Esurf.biz.
Esurf.biz – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the Esurf.biz cannot be seen neither in the search results nor on the main page of this browser hijacker. As all of your searches go through the site of Safe Finder, it is sure that its policy is applied when you use the search. The policy is transparent and states that the site can collect personally and non-personally identifying information. If you read it, you will see that all information, which is gathered may be shared with third-parties.
You can view the Privacy Policy here:
According to the policy, the information which can be collected is:
- Browser (type and language)
- Operating System (type and language)
- Your name and address
- Geo location and IP address
- Date and time of access
- Your time zone
- Advertisements viewed
- Offers and services that interest you
- Default search
- VPN and Proxy services
- Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Interaction with social networks
- Screen Resolution
- Search quires and browsing history
- Pages browsed and content viewed
If you use any services of Esurf.biz or those of Safe Finder, including applications which are related to them, you automatically grant your consent for your personal information to be collected. In the policy, it is openly stated that cookies, web beacons even pixel tags or similar technologies are used for data accumulation.
Remove Esurf.biz Completely from Your PC
To remove Esurf.biz 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 and all of its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software 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 Esurf.biz from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Esurf.biz with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz (Windows).
Get rid of Esurf.biz from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz. 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 Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Esurf.biz, 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 Esurf.biz (Mac)
Remove Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz will be removed.
Eliminate Esurf.biz 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".
Esurf.biz-FAQ
What Is Esurf.biz?
The Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz?
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 Esurf.biz?
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 Esurf.biz Work?
Once installed, Esurf.biz 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.
Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Esurf.biz 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 Esurf.biz?
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 Esurf.biz threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.