Seeing Magnifier Search Redirect in your browsers? Magnifier Search is a suspicious domain as it can redirect and even trigger malicious actions in your browsers. Magnifier Search can push advertisements and redirects, but can also land you on a page with a malicious script hidden inside.
Magnifier Search Redirect Virus
Magnifier Search is a domain connected with redirecting URLs of websites. The landing pages may contain spam, advertisements, and some sort of malicious scripts. You could end up on scam pages stating that you have malware or an outdated program requiring an update. Also, one more click could end up redirecting you, while your browser goes through loops, where a pay-per-click scheme is active. The Magnifier Search redirect might acquire personal information and even modify settings on your browser or PC.
Magnifier Search Browser Redirect
Redirects such as Magnifier Search take over primary browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, and others.
Magnifier Search Summary
| Name | Magnifier Search |
| Type | Redirect, Adware, Malicious Domain |
| Short Description | Each browser application on your computer could get affected. The redirect can land you on dozens of unknown web pages and you might see a lot of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | You will see a lot of redirects, scams, advertisements and even malicious content such as scareware trying to force you to buy a product you don’t actually need. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Magnifier Search. |
Magnifier Search Redirect – Why is it in My Browser Programs?
The discovery of the Magnifier Search redirect attack campaign shows that unknown hackers are actively running. It appears to copy down the behavior of other similar threats of this category and is very likely to follow in their model of distribution and interaction. By definition, redirects are hacker-controlled sites that are designed to appear as legitimate search engines or portal landing pages. They are often distributed in what is called web browser hijackers — malware-infected browser plugins that when run will lead to the displaying of these pages.
Distribution of these hijackers can be done by uploading them to official repositories of the software. The hackers typically use fake or stolen credentials and other manipulative tactics to make believe the users that they are downloading a safe and useful extension. Such social manipulation tactics can also be used to create malicious files carriers — data that when started will lead to the virus deployment. Common examples are macro-infected documents and application installers. They are easily created by modifying existing legitimate files and adding in the necessary virus code. All virus-related files can be sent through email messages and other types of redirects, thus creating a hacker-controlled advertising network.
When the Magnifier Search redirect site is visited for the first time typical malicious actions will start. They will vary according to the current hacker configuration, but in most cases, it will install tracking cookies that are configured to monitor the behavior of the users as they browse the site.
NOTE: This guide has been created for the malicious sites that have been confirmed to be created by hackers. There may be a legitimate and safe to use a site called Magnifier Search which should be differentiated.
Usually, if the infections are caused by the installation of a virus-created extension for web browsers, it is expected that various system or web browser changes can occur. Some of the consequences can be the following:
- Information Harvesting — Using scripts and the locally-installed plugins data harvesting can be done. This is usually done to hijack both personal user’s information and system files information. This can be used to profile individual users and create individual identifiers for their computers. Personal users’ data can be used to carry out crimes like identity theft.
- Operating System Changes — The locally installed agents can modify important values of the operating system. This can lead to consequences such as severe performance issues, the inability to run certain services, and even unexpected errors that can lead to data loss.
- Additional Virus Infections — Such infections are particularly useful for carrying out complex malware installations. This particular category of threats will usually lead to other popular web-based viruses, often they are cryptocurrency miners. These are scripts that are run from within the browsers and programmed to download and run performance-intensive tasks. For every completed and reported one the criminals will be rewarded with digital cryptocurrency.
Usually, websites and redirects like Magnifier Search are used to display manipulative content — the main goal of such sites is to trick the visitors into thinking that they can input sensitive information such as account data to social media and banks. The pages may also show intrusive advertising that can take many forms: pop-ups, banners, text links, and etc. For every displayed instance the criminals will be awarded a small commission fee.
At any time the behavior can change and other mechanisms can be inserted in the pages.
Remove Magnifier Search Redirect
Read on how to remove Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Magnifier Search with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search (Windows).
Get rid of Magnifier Search from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search. 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 Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Magnifier Search, 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 Magnifier Search (Mac)
Remove Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search will be removed.
Eliminate Magnifier Search 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".
Magnifier Search-FAQ
What Is Magnifier Search?
The Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search?
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 Magnifier Search?
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 Magnifier Search Work?
Once installed, Magnifier Search 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.
Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Magnifier Search 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 Magnifier Search?
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 Magnifier Search threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.