MountainBrowse(.)com is the web address for a browser hijacker that goes by the same name. The hijacker can redirect you, which usually happens when you do a search. You will end up on the search results page of SafeFinder, which looks almost exactly like the one of Yahoo. SafeFinder is a known browser hijacker and will filter your searches. MountainBrowse(.)com can switch the homepage, new tab and the search engine of the browsers you use.
To remove the hijacker and all of its files, you should read the article carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name | MountainBrowse(.)com |
| 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 changed are the homepage, search engine and new tab. You might see sponsored content and advertisements when you browse. |
| 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 MountainBrowse(.)com. |
MountainBrowse(.)com – Methods of Distribution
MountainBrowse(.)com has a few methods of distribution. The undesired platform can get onto your computer via third-party installations. Software, bundled with others or one which is freeware can deliver the hijacker on your computer system. Such setups usually have more components for installation, set by default. The hijacker can switch browser settings, and before you know it, your whole computer is affected, and your browsers have changed settings. To avoid similar installations is manageable if you find a Custom or an Advanced option menu inside the install setup.
MountainBrowse(.)com could use other methods to distribute its search engine to your browser applications. One of those could be through redirecting links and advertisements on various websites. Pop-ups, banners and similar types of ads might be used, as well. The hijacker could distribute itself with the help of websites pushing such redirects and ads. These websites might be affiliated or partnerned with MountainBrowse(.)com. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
MountainBrowse(.)com – Details
MountainBrowse(.)com is the domain of a browser hijacker which has the same name – Mountain Browse. You can see its main page in the screenshot below:
The MountainBrowse(.)com online page is very simple and consists of a picture of some mountain, a search bar with the name on top of it and a link to the Privacy Policy of the hijacker. That page will replace the new tab page, start page and the search engine for nearly all browsers you have. The hijacker can alter the preferences of browsers, as well.
There could be an extension and add-on related to the hijacker as well as additional components found on your personal computer, which can generate adverts and redirects. From the redirects, you might land on suspicious websites or others which deliver third party content. The owners of those websites might be partnered or affiliated with MountainBrowse(.)com.
In the image shown above, you can see the search results of MountainBrowse(.)com. You might think at first that it is the search results page of Yahoo but it only looks like it. In actuality, you get redirected to the search results of SafeFinder, which is another browser hijacker. The hijacker probably uses this imitation of a reputable search engine for trying to trick people and get them to trust it and continue using it.
MountainBrowse(.)com can obtain all sorts of information from you and your specific browser habits, including the searches you do. Servers of the hijacker and those of SafeFinder will collect that information. You can read more about the Safe Finder Browser Hijacker from the article on our blog.
The search engines are connected and probably affiliated. They acquire all information from your search queries. You should be careful with the information you provide with every search you do while using the hijackers’ search bars. Do not type out personal details. Continue to read and see what these privacy policies state and what data precisely MountainBrowse(.)com acquires from you.
MountainBrowse(.)com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the MountainBrowse(.)com site is present on its main domain on the bottom left. Because of the search queries going through the Safe Finder hijacker, too – its policy also applies here. From reading both policies, you find out that both platforms gather personally and non-personally identifying information. That information can be disclosed to third-parties.
You can see the Privacy Policies for both hijackers right here:
According to the Mountain Browse policy, information which can be collected is:
- The type of your browser
- The type of your device
- Language preferences
- Time stamps
- Clicks and visited pages
- Facebook Login, Google+, etc. data stored in such social media sites
- Email address
- Search logs
- Operating system
- Utilized internet service provider
- Other similar information
According to the policy of Safe Finder, 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 are using any services related to MountainBrowse(.)com or Safe Finder, including applications tied to them, you automatically give your approval for the collection of your data. The policies state that cookies, web beacons, pixel tags and similar technologies can be used for accumulating further data. In the case of merger, sale or bankruptcy of the MountainBrowse site, personal information can be sold and provided as an asset to another company.
Remove MountainBrowse(.)com Completely from Your PC
To remove MountainBrowse(.)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 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 MountainBrowse(.)com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for MountainBrowse(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall MountainBrowse(.)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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by MountainBrowse(.)com 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 MountainBrowse(.)com 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 MountainBrowse(.)com (Windows).
Get rid of MountainBrowse(.)com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall MountainBrowse(.)com 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 MountainBrowse(.)com. 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 MountainBrowse(.)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:
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 MountainBrowse(.)com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MountainBrowse(.)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.
Video Removal Guide for MountainBrowse(.)com (Mac)
Remove MountainBrowse(.)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.
Erase MountainBrowse(.)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.
Uninstall MountainBrowse(.)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.
Remove MountainBrowse(.)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 MountainBrowse(.)com will be removed.
Eliminate MountainBrowse(.)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.
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".
MountainBrowse(.)com-FAQ
What Is MountainBrowse(.)com?
The MountainBrowse(.)com 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 MountainBrowse(.)com?
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 MountainBrowse(.)com?
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 MountainBrowse(.)com Work?
Once installed, MountainBrowse(.)com 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.
MountainBrowse(.)com 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 MountainBrowse(.)com 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 MountainBrowse(.)com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MountainBrowse(.)com 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 MountainBrowse(.)com?
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 MountainBrowse(.)com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.