Remove GalacticaGames(.)com Browser Hijacker Efficiently

by Berta Bilbao | August 3, 2016 | 0 Comments ad-supported application, browser extension, browser hijacker, redirects

Threat Summary GalacticaGames(.)com – Spread GalacticaGames(.)com – In Depth GalacticaGames(.)com – Privacy Policy Remove GalacticaGames(.)com Completely from Your PC

GalacticaGames(.)com serves as a download page for a browser hijacker. The hijacker redirects you and pops a Yahoo page for search results. All of your search queries will go through the servers of another hijacker – SafeFinder. GalacticaGames(.)com changes a browser’s homepage, new tab, and search engine. A browser extension of a sort could appear as well. Advertisements and targeted content can show from redirects. To remove the hijacker and its files, you should read the whole articlе.

Threat Summary

Name	GalacticaGames(.)com
Type	Browser Hijacker, PUP
Short Description	All browsers on your PC might be affected. The hijacker can redirect you and filter your searches.
Symptoms	The homepage, search engine and new tab, as well as browser extensions are settings that can be changed around your browsers. You could see third party content and advertisements.
Distribution Method	Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss GalacticaGames(.)com.

GalacticaGames(.)com – Spread

The GalacticaGames(.)com platform can use multiple ways to spread. The most common one may be via third-party installations. Programs in a bundled package, along with other freeware, can spread the hijacker onto your computer. Freeware setups can have more components prepared for a default installation. Lots of settings can be modified until you notice changes in your browsers. Preventing unneeded installations can be done if you find a Custom or an Advanced menu in the setup for deselection of the extra components.

GalacticaGames(.)com can use other ways to spread its search engine. One of the ways is shown on the above image – a direct download page for the hijacker on its official site. Another one of those is through adverti on websites, be it banners, pop-ups or additional advertising content. The hijacker might also be injected to your PC with the aid of suspicious websites, hosting redirects. Said websites could be in an affiliated program with GalacticaGames(.)com. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.

GalacticaGames(.)com – In Depth

GalacticaGames(.)com is the main page of the domain and functions as a direct download page for the browser hijacker in question. Once active, the hijacker will set your search engine, along with the new tab and home page to Home.GalacticaGames(.)com:

The Home.GalacticaGames(.)com web address consists of a search bar, toolbar, and multiple buttons, which are all some redirects or pushing targeted or ad content. That page replaces the browser pages and settings and is what is shown whenever you try doing a search. Browser preferences could be modified, and an extension could be installed.

From there, if you click on anything placed in the toolbar, you will get redirected to the “Play” section of the platform, consisting of many games and ads. That is on the web address https://play.galacticagames(.)com/. You can see a picture of the page below:

If a program related to GalacticaGames(.)com enters your PC, like a browser add-on, for instance, then you will see further modifications made to your browsers. Some of these modifications are the following:

Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
Communicate with cooperating websites
Change your search settings to: search.galacticagames(.)com

The above changes are found in Google’s Chrome Web Store, so that is another temporary way of distribution (Google should remove the extension from their store). You could witness lots of redirects, which could land you on web pages with a low reputation. These pages could be affiliated or even partnered in a way with GalacticaGames(.)com.

In the image above, you can see search results of GalacticaGames(.)com. Obviously, that is Yahoo, because the hijacker redirects you to the search results page of that reputable search engine. It might redirect different users to different search engine sites. The hijacker is probably doing that to try and trick you into trusting it. In actuality your searches go through this redirect:

With the redirect in place, the GalacticaGames(.)com platform collects information about you and all other users which have it, willingly or unwillingly. Your search queries will go through servers of Search.SafeFinder(.)com.

The search engines are associated in a way and possibly their owners are business partners. All of the gathered information from your queries can be disclosed between the sites. You should be careful of what you type in search bars, especially if it is personal. Do not click on buttons found in Search.GalacticaGames(.)com, because the redirects may also gather some information or redirect you. Read further to find out what data can be obtained from you from the hijacker.

GalacticaGames(.)com – Privacy Policy

The Privacy Policy of the GalacticaGames(.)com can be seen on https://www.galacticagames.com/privacy and is not in written form, but just an image. Since the site redirects and goes through the Safe Finder platform, probably they are affiliates and share obtained information. Both policies state that personally and non-personally identifying information is collected and both are very similar in what they say. From reading, we see that SafeFinder also collects the information that GalacticaGames(.)com does, even a bit more.

You can view the Privacy Policy of SafeFinder here:

The policy states that the information collected by the hijacker is:

Browser (its type and language)
Operating System (its 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

Using the services of GalacticaGames(.)com or those of Safe Finder, including toolbars or applications connected to them automatically gives your consent for personal information collection. The policy informs that cookies, web beacons, pixel tags and similar technologies can be used in the process of data gathering.

Remove GalacticaGames(.)com Completely from Your PC

To remove GalacticaGames(.)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 and all its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer secure in the future.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

Guide 1: How to Remove GalacticaGames(.)com from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of GalacticaGames(.)com on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove GalacticaGames(.)com in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase GalacticaGames(.)com from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall GalacticaGames(.)com from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove GalacticaGames(.)com from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate GalacticaGames(.)com from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable GalacticaGames(.)com Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove GalacticaGames(.)com from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove GalacticaGames(.)com

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall GalacticaGames(.)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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by GalacticaGames(.)com on your computer.

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 GalacticaGames(.)com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for GalacticaGames(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of GalacticaGames(.)com from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall GalacticaGames(.)com and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to GalacticaGames(.)com:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to GalacticaGames(.)com. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. 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 GalacticaGames(.)com. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 GalacticaGames(.)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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as GalacticaGames(.)com. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 GalacticaGames(.)com files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as GalacticaGames(.)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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for GalacticaGames(.)com:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove GalacticaGames(.)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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase GalacticaGames(.)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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall GalacticaGames(.)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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove GalacticaGames(.)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 GalacticaGames(.)com will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate GalacticaGames(.)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.