The article will aid you to remove GiffySocial completely. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions provided at the bottom of this article.
GiffySocial is a browser hijacker redirect developed by the MindSpark. Its website will redirect you to its search engine or another malicious site. While using its services, you can find yourself on pages with lots of adverts 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 machine.
Threat Summary
| Name | GiffySocial hijacker |
| 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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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss GiffySocial hijacker. |
GiffySocial Hijacker – Methods of Distribution
The GiffySocial browser hijacker infection can be acquired through various methods. One of the main ones is the use of SPAM email messages. They are designed to appear as legitimate notifications sent by well-known companies or services. In the body contents links to the hijacker can be sent alongside other web elements. Alternatively the file can directly be attached to the messages.
The criminals can also construct fake web pages which can be duplicates or hacker-created portals that resemble download sites or software presentation sites. Their aim is to coerce the users into thinking that they have accessed a real and saf to use site. To further make the sites belivable the developers can include security certificates, notices and forms that are widely used by companies as well.
A very popular method of spreading such threats is the use of infected payload carriers. There are two popular types that are widely used:
- Infected Documents — The criminals can embed virus delivery macros in all popular document types: presentations, rich text documents, databases and spreadsheets. Once they are opened by the users a notification prompt will be spawned which will request the execution of these scripts. If this is done the GiffySocial browser hijacker will be installed.
- Malicious Software Bundles — They are made by taking the legitimate setup files of popular software tools often downloaded by end users: creativity suites, utilities or productivity apps. When they are installed the hijacker will also be deployed to the system.
These files can also be spread through file sharing networks such as BitTorrent. They are used to spread both legitimate and pirate content. Often virus files are masked as counterfeit copies of expensive software or games.
We have detected that the GiffySocial Toolbar hijacker is uploaded to the repositories of the most popular web browsers. They are frequently positioned by adding fake user reviews and developer credentials. Once installed they will execute the built-in code which will lead to the infection. Upon installation the redirect will also request specific permissions. In the case of Google Chrome the prompt asks for privileges for the following:
- Read and change all your data on the website you visit
- Replace the page you see when opening a new tab
- Manage your downloads
- Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
GiffySocial Hijacker – In-Depth Description
The GiffySocial browser hijacker will start with the initial browser changes to the affected browsers. A primary aim is to change the settings in order to redirect the users to a hacker-controlled page. The usual settings that are changed include the default home page, search engine and new tabs page. After this step is complete every time the users open up their browser they will see the specified page.
The page itself is designed to look like any legitimate search engine and is made up of several components. The top menu bar shows a search engine box with links to photo-related services. The main search engine is placed underneath it and shows a larger search engine box with links to some of the most popular Internet services. Below it there are various interactive elements that are dynamically changed according to the collected users. In the bottom menu bar there are links to the various service documents such as the privacy policy.
The fact that the hijacker page can return search results means that it can lead to sites that contain sponsored data, fake software downloads, intrusive ads or even virus infections. In some cases the site will lead to other instances that are powered by the same network. This is done in order to acquire more data by the tracking cookies. The collected information is saved down in databases which can then be sold for profit to interested parties or used in malicious context.
The reason why users are drawn to this page is that the hijacker will impose tracking cookies which are used to collect all kinds of data. The gathered information can be categorized into two main groups:
- Private User Data — Data that can expose the identity of the victim users is collected during the execution of this module. Information includes the person’s name, address, phone number, location, interests and any stored account credentials.
- System Information — The data harvesting module can also be used to create a complete profile of all installed hardware components, user settings and certain operating environment variables.
If configured like a virus the GiffySocial browser hijacker may also set itself as a persistent threat. This means that it will create registry entries, boot menu values and other settings that make it to automatically start once the computer is powered on. In some cases this makes it impossible to enter into the recovery boot menus.
Other related measures include the set up of the browser hijacker in a stealth manner. This means that the infection engine will look out for security software such as anti-virus engines, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts. If any of them are found they can be disabled or completely removed.
A dangerous instance is the deployment of Trojan horse infections. They set up a local client instance which connects to a hacker-controlled server via a secure link. It allows the malicious operators to spy on the users in real time, as well as hijack user data. Using it the hackers can also overtake control of the target machines at any given time.
In some cases the operators behind the GiffySocial browser hijacker can program it to load malicious code such as cryptocurrency miners. A miner instance is a dangerous script which runs complex mathematical tasks and takes advantage of the available system resources. Whenever a task is reported the operators will receive digital cryptocurrency as an award. Another possibility is the deployment of ransomware viruses. They will encrypt target user data with a strong encryption algorithm and according to a built-in list of file type extensions.
GiffySocial Hijacker – Privacy Policy
The GiffySocial redirect and its associated website is operated by MindSpark which is a well-known creator of similar software. They are known for creating hundreds of services that are linked between themselves. Their privacy policy and terms of use reveals that it pervasively tracks the users identity and creates a database containing a profile of each victim. The use of various web tracking technologies captures additional information such as the following:
- Your name
- Your address
- Email address
- Number of your page views
- What links you clicked
- Telephone number
- Your login times
As stated in the Privacy Policy, Mindspark allows third-parties, including their authorized service providers, GiffySocial affiliates, advertising companies, and ad networks, to display advertisements or place ad tags or beacons on or via their Services. Thus, these companies could also obtain information about you and your online behavior. In case you do not want your private space to be invaded in this or any similar way, you should remove the unwanted software.
Remove GiffySocial Browser Hijacker
To remove GiffySocial 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.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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How to Remove GiffySocial hijacker from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for GiffySocial hijacker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker (Windows).
Get rid of GiffySocial hijacker from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker. 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 GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as GiffySocial hijacker, 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 GiffySocial hijacker (Mac)
Remove GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker will be removed.
Eliminate GiffySocial hijacker 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".
GiffySocial hijacker-FAQ
What Is GiffySocial hijacker?
The GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker?
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 GiffySocial hijacker?
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 GiffySocial hijacker Work?
Once installed, GiffySocial hijacker 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.
GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this GiffySocial hijacker 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 GiffySocial hijacker?
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 GiffySocial hijacker threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.