What is MovieSearchBox?
MovieSearchBox is a potentially unwanted program detected to act like browser hijacker. It is an annoying browser infection that can change the main browser preferences to force the browser to show a hoax search engine. All unwanted activities may occur without your permission.
Using the suspicious services of bogus search engines is highly inadvisable because the results they display may trick you to visit questionable sites that expose the overall system security at risk. One more reason to get rid of the hoax MovieSearchBox hijacker is to prevent it from collecting certain details from the affected browser and system.
Furthermore, the presence of this hijacker in your browser may lead to intrusive ad generation. All annoying ads may lower your online security by linking to shady/corrupted sites. The sooner you check the security of your system and ensure that no suspicious or potentially harmful files are running on it, the better.
MovieSearchBox Summary
| Name | MovieSearchBox |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | An unreliable search engine that hijacks popular browsers and forces people to use its services in order to collect data and monetize its access to the browser. |
| Symptoms | Browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine redirect to the domain portal.moviesearchbox.com Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The unwanted program may start every time you start the operating system. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Website |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Why do you see MovieSearchBox hijacker on your browser?
As we noted, MovieSearchBox is a PUP that acts like a browser hijacker. It tries to push a questionable search engine in order to convince people to provide information about their searches and browsing behavior. The hijacker may be set to affect commonly used web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.
The most common problem that enables bogus search engines like MovieSearchBox to hijack some of the main browser preferences is the unnoticed installation of potentially unwanted programs. Such a program may have landed on your PC by being included in the installer of a program you have recently downloaded.
Nowadays, the web is full of various third-party applications that are presented as helpful but deliver all types of “extra apps” via their installers. Most of those apps can be obtained for free which makes them even more attractive. We all use free versions of different applications but it is of paramount importance that all of us practice caution when installing free apps.
Their installers may feature potentially unwanted apps that should be kept away from the system. Added extra apps may be installed by default by the setup. So, we recommend that you don’t skip reading the information listed in the Advanced/Custom configuration option as it may help you detect the presence of any undesired apps before you agree with their installation.
What a browser hijacker like MovieSearchBox can do when it obtains access to a computer system is a few changes that affect browser preferences. The homepage, the new tab page, and the default search engine may be all set to load the poorly secured site portal.moviesearchbox.com by the hijacker. As a result, you are forced to use the services of a bogus search engine that aims to record searches and make you more prone to click sponsored results.
By activating different tracking technologies, the hijacker may collect certain details, as well:
- Search queries;
- Type of used browser;
- Clicks on links;
- Browsing history;
- Operating system type;
- Geographic location;
- Internet protocol (IP) address;
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP).
Similar to other browser redirects/hijackers (Codingcaptcha.com, Underline Hijacker, X1.c.lencr.org), MovieSearchBox is likely to connect to a remote server and transfer all harvested details. Then its owners may use the data to set advertising campaigns that are close to your onlne interests.
MovieSearchBox may not be a virus but its presence on your PC may lead to serious issues that affect both system security and personal data privacy. To avoid unpleasant consequences, navigate to the removal instructions below and get rid of this undesired and potentially harmful program.
How to Remove MovieSearchBox from Affected Browser and Secure PC
To remove MovieSearchBox redirect along with all files established to support its activities, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you with both manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen PC security, we recommend that you combine the steps. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
Follow Me:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove MovieSearchBox from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for MovieSearchBox with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox (Windows).
Get rid of MovieSearchBox from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox. 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 MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MovieSearchBox, 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 MovieSearchBox (Mac)
Remove MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox will be removed.
Eliminate MovieSearchBox 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".
MovieSearchBox-FAQ
What Is MovieSearchBox?
The MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox?
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 MovieSearchBox?
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 MovieSearchBox Work?
Once installed, MovieSearchBox 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.
MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MovieSearchBox 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 MovieSearchBox?
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 MovieSearchBox threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.