Greenet(.)xyz is the main web page for the browser hijacker Uportal. Copyrighted by ESOffers Network Co., Limited, that is the company which is believed to be behind it. The hijacker can redirect you and also shows you a Yahoo page for its supposed search results. Before showing the Yahoo page, all of your search queries will go through the SafeFinder hijacker. Greenet(.)xyz changes the homepage, new tab and search engine of ll your browsers.
To remove the hijacker and its files, you should read the whole article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Greenet(.)xyz |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | All browsers on your computer can be affected. The hijacker can redirect you and filter your search queries. |
| Symptoms | The browser settings which can be modified are the homepage, search engine and the new tab, as well as browser add-ons. You might see third party content and advertisements. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Greenet(.)xyz – Delivery Ways
Greenet(.)xyz is primarily delivered through third-party installations. Bundle packages and freeware can put the hijacker on your computer machine. Freeware install setups can have additional components compiled as a default installation. Various settings can get changed until you begin to notice them affecting your browsing. Avoiding undesirable installations like that can be done if you find a Custom or an Advanced options for deselecting in the setup.
Greenet(.)xyz can use different ways for delivery as well. It might push its search engine through advertising on websites, by putting banners, pop-ups or other sponsored content. The hijacker could also be delivered using the helping hand of suspicious websites which host redirect links. All those websites could be partnered or in affiliation with Greenet(.)xyz. These are the mostly affected browsers: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
Greenet(.)xyz – Technical Information
Greenet(.)xyz is the main domain of the browser hijacker Uportal. The hijacker is believed to be developed by the company ESOffers Network Co., Limited. The company’s copyright is listed at the bottom of that main web page. You can see how the website looks like in the picture below:
As you can see the Greenet(.)xyz page consists of a search bar, and lots of on-page adverts, which redirect you to websites with low popularity and related to targeted marketing. That same page will be put in the place of your browsers’ search engine, new tab setting, and the starting home page as well. Do not click on any of the advertisements as they are typical redirect links.
When any Greenet(.)xyz related program is inside your computer, then you will see how your browsers will get modified settings. Applications which do that sort of changes can install on your computer system via bundled software. All types of extensions and apps could generate advertisements, and show more targeted content and redirect you while you browse. The redirects will probably send you to sites filled with ads. These pages could be affiliates or even partners of Greenet(.)xyz.
In the picture above, you can clearly see where the searches via Greenet(.)xyz lead. You are being redirected to the search results page of Yahoo each time you search. It is not excluded for you to get redirected to different reputable search engines. The browser hijacker uses this as a tactic to get you to trust it. If you look closely, you will see how just before that every search query you make will go through the following redirect:
That way, Greenet(.)xyz can acquire additional information about you and your browsing habits, while the search queries go through Safe Finder servers.
The two search engines are probable affiliates. Every bit of information acquired from your search queries can be shared between them. You should be very careful of what information you enter in search bars. Continue to read and see how much data can be obtained from you and by which sites.
Greenet(.)xyz – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the Greenet(.)xyz is short and transparent. It says what kind of information the site collects and what third parties can also obtain information from you through its services. The redirects from the new tab, home page and the searches of Greenet(.)xyz always go through Safe Finder. The website collects personally and non-personally identifying information. Reading it will prove to you that all of that information, which is collected, may be disclosed to third-parties.
You can see the Privacy Policy right here:
Information which is gathered by Greenet(.)xyz is the following:
- Your name
- Your E-mail address
- Your IP address
- Click-through data
- Type of browser you are using (e.g., Chrome, Internet Explorer)
- Type of operating system you are using (e.g., Windows or Mac OS)
- Domain name of your Internet service provider (e.g., America Online, Earthlink)
As we already mentioned above – all of your searches go through the SafeFinder domain, so its Privacy Policy should apply here as well.
Information which is gathered by SafeFinder(.)com is the following:
- 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 queries and browsing history
- Pages browsed and content viewed
An important quote from the Greenet(.)xyz policy is this:
Some of the web search services provided herein are provided by Trovi Search and powered by Trovi search partners. For information on the web search services data collection, please visit https://info.trovi.com/Privacy, and the search provider’s privacy policy, as applicable.
So Trovi services are involved, and that is not a good sign, head over to the web address given in the above quote if you want to read their policy as well. Surely, all Trovi partners might be involved, so basically a lot of different information can be gathered from you. So be extremely careful about what you search and what information you provide to these services.
Using any services of Greenet(.)xyz or those of its partners and affiliates, including toolbars, extensions, add-ons, or applications tied to them will automatically grant your consent for your information to be acquired. In the policy, it is written that cookies or other tracking technologies are used in the data collection process.
Remove Greenet(.)xyz Completely from Your PC
To remove Greenet(.)xyz 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 secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Greenet(.)xyz from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Greenet(.)xyz with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz (Windows).
Get rid of Greenet(.)xyz from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz. 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 Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Greenet(.)xyz, 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 Greenet(.)xyz (Mac)
Remove Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz will be removed.
Eliminate Greenet(.)xyz 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".
Greenet(.)xyz-FAQ
What Is Greenet(.)xyz?
The Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz?
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 Greenet(.)xyz?
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 Greenet(.)xyz Work?
Once installed, Greenet(.)xyz 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.
Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Greenet(.)xyz 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 Greenet(.)xyz?
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 Greenet(.)xyz threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.