This article reveals how to remove Mysearch.com from Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari browsers and the computer.
Mysearch.com is the domain of a hoax search engine that hijacks commonly used browsers. It aggressively forces affected users to utilize its services by replacing the homepage, the new tab page and the default search engine with its domain address. After the infection, it may install the associated browser extension MySearch D3-3 to increase its persistence and control over the hijacked browser.
Threat Summary
| Name | Mysearch.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The redirect can install browser extension and then hijacks the homepage, search engine and new tab on every browser application you own. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of all your browsers will be switched to Mysearch.com. You will be redirected and could see sponsored content. |
| 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 Mysearch.com. |
Mysearch.com – Distribution Methods
An infection with Mysearch.com redirect is possible after the installation of a free application on the PC. A variety of freeware offers can be found on P2P networks, file sharing platforms, torrent websites, and social media channels. Sadly many developers of freeware utilize the so-called bundling practice. It allows them to include additional components in the installation setups and enable their automatic installation. The good news is that there is an option to prevent this unexpected side effect by selecting the Advanced/Custom settings provided in the configuration panel. Usually, there all unwanted components can be unmarked so they cannot sneak into the system.
Another way for Mysearch.com browser hijacker distribution is via other potentially unwanted programs like MuzikFury, MuzikTrak and Screen Dream. They all add suspicious browser extensions that alter essential browser settings, so it gets hijacked by the hoax search engine Mysearch.com. Like other hijackers, they can be found on Google Web Store.
The analyses reveal that Mysearch.com redirect is a pervasive threat that can affect browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, and Safari.
Mysearch.com – More Details
Mysearch.com redirect hijacks the browser due to its capability to modify browser settings. After infection, it forces you to use its dubious search engine as it is set to be the default one. The domain address Mysearch.com or Search.mysearch.com appears on the homepage and each new tab page. So each time you open the affected browser you can see the homepage of Mysearch.com redirect:
All entered searches are displayed in the same tab by the customized Mysearch.com search engine. Beware that the results are likely to differ those of the trustworthy service providers like Google and Bing so you may see limited and not enough relevant results. Additionally, the sponsored results may exceed the organic ones which restrict you from receiving the most relevant content.
After infection Mysearch.com can cause constant redirects during your browsing sessions and flood your browser with a lot of advertisements. As a result, you may witness slowdowns and even browser crashes.
It appears that Mysearch.com redirect is associated with a dubious browser extension named MySearch D3-3 that may appear on the affected browser without your consent. Once installed the MySearch D3-3 extension grants the permission to:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Read and change your browsing history
- Change your search settings to: search.mysearch.com
- Manage your downloads
- Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
Mysearch.com – Privacy Policy
Below we will reveal details obtained in the Privacy Policy section of the company owner of Mysearch.com hijacker APN. The section can be found on the bottom navigation menu of the hijacker’s homepage. It unveils that Mysearch.com obtains both personally and non-personally identifying information. The bad news is that all acquired information may be disclosed to third-parties, like affiliates and partners of the browser hijacker platform who can then use it for shady advertising practices. In the policy it is stated that the following information is collected:
- Your machine name
- Computer user name
- IP address
- Operating system information
- Machine/user permissions
- Browser type
- Browser version
- Your clicks including clicks on ads
- The URL of the web sites you visit
- New tab page and/or default search settings
- Your search queries
- The address of the web pages you previously visited
By using any services or programs associated with Mysearch.com is considered that you automatically give your consent for the collection of the information mentioned above.
Remove Mysearch.com Redirect
The detailed instructions below show how to get rid of Mysearch.com redirect so you can take over the control of your online security. Have in mind that the most efficient results are possible only if all steps are completed. The guide is applicable to all Windows system versions and all commonly used browsers.
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.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Mysearch.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Mysearch.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Mysearch.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 Mysearch.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 Mysearch.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 Mysearch.com (Windows).
Get rid of Mysearch.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Mysearch.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 Mysearch.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 Mysearch.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 Mysearch.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Mysearch.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 Mysearch.com (Mac)
Remove Mysearch.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 Mysearch.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 Mysearch.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 Mysearch.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 Mysearch.com will be removed.
Eliminate Mysearch.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".
Mysearch.com-FAQ
What Is Mysearch.com?
The Mysearch.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 Mysearch.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 Mysearch.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 Mysearch.com Work?
Once installed, Mysearch.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.
Mysearch.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 Mysearch.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 Mysearch.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mysearch.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 Mysearch.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 Mysearch.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.