The article will aid you to remove Mysearchency completely. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions provided at the bottom of this article.
Its website will redirect you to its search engine or another malicious site. While using its services, you can find yourself on pages with lots of adverts and sponsored content that go through this hijacker. The hijacker will change the start page, new tab, and search settings for the browser applications you have on your computer machine.
Threat Summary
| Name | Mysearchency |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Each browser application on your computer could get affected. The hijacker can redirect you and will display lots of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which are altered are the homepage, search engine and the new tab. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Mysearchency. |
Mysearchency Hijacker – Methods of Distribution
The Mysearchency hijacker can infect victims by using various methods depending on the target group. We anticipate that most of the popular methods will be used in the ongoing attacks. So far the reported infections are low in number which doesn’t give out the main tactic.
Most campaigns typically rely on browser hijackers that are uploaded to the relevant repositories of the most popular web browsers. These strains are uploaded using fake developer credentials and user reviews. The offered descriptions will present promises of new features or performance optimizations. If the users in the end install them the Mysearchency redirect will be launched.
The scripts can also be carried through email phishing messages in the rich media content found within social engineering scams. The messages will be made in a way that resembles famous companies or services that the users might use. In some cases the hijacker install code can also be placed in an attached file, usually the case is a infected payload carrier. There are two many types:
- Infected Documents — They can be any of the popular document types: text files, spreadsheets, databases and presentations. When opened a notification prompt will appear asking for the users to enable the built-in scripts. This will trigger the Mysearchency Hijacker infection.
- Application Installers — Modified setup files of popular software can lead to the browser hijacker infection. Usually they are made by taking the legitimate files from the original vendors and download pages and adding in the necessary code. All widely used types of software may become potential carriers: productivity applications, creativity suites, graphics design software and system utilities.
These payload carriers can also be spread on file-sharing networks such as BitTorrent which are used to spread both official and pirate content.
Mysearchency Hijacker – In-Depth Description
As soon as the Mysearchency Hijacker is installed on the victim systems the built-in execution pattern will be started. It can change over time according to the specific instructions. In most cases the action which will take place is the changing of the default browser settings: home page, new tabs page and search engine. This means that as soon they are started the users will be redirected to the associated page.
The site itself is modeled after well-known Internet portals and search engines. This is intentional as to not raise any suspicion about the malicious consequences. While visiting the main domain may not have dire consequences, any use of the malware plugins and code can lead to the dangerous behavior. Some of the consequences of accessing such pages are the following:
- User Tracking — The imposed tracking cookies and optional data collection scripts can expose sensitive data. If configured so the engine will search for strings that can expose the identity of the victim users — their names, address, phone number, location, interests and even stored account credentials. If installed locally on the machine the scripts can search the local hard disk contents, memory and Windows Registry. Another set of data that can be accessed is the one necessary to appoint an unique infection ID to the machines. This si done by using a built-in algorithm that computes it using information gained from the installed hardware components and certain user settings.
- Sponsored Content — The hackers behind the malicious copies of the Mysearchency redirect page may distribute ad content using various forms: search results, banners, pop-ups and redirects. This is done as every user interaction (cick) will generate a small income for them.
- Cryptocurrency Miners — These scripts will make use of the available hardware resources in order to carry out complex calculations. This will have a heavy impact on the CPU, GPU, memory and hard disk space. Once a task is complete and reported the operators will receive a reward in the form of digital currency (usually Bitcoin or Monero) which will be wired directly to their digital wallets.
What’s more dangerous about these infections is that they can also access and change both system configuration files and the Windows Registry. This can cause both system services and third-party installed applications to fail or behave improperly. The overall performance is also affected which can lead to the inability to use the computer.
Advanced browser hijackers may install themselves as persistent threats — this means that the hijacker will be very difficult to remove using manual removal options. As such only a quality anti-spyware solution may be the only option to remove active infections. If a Trojan instance is included it will establish a connection with a hacker-controlled server. This will allow the hackers to spy on the victims, steal their files and also take over control of the infected machines.
Remove Mysearchency Browser Hijacker
To remove Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Mysearchency with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency (Windows).
Get rid of Mysearchency from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency. 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 Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Mysearchency, 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 Mysearchency (Mac)
Remove Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency will be removed.
Eliminate Mysearchency 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".
Mysearchency-FAQ
What Is Mysearchency?
The Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency?
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 Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Mysearchency?
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 Mysearchency Work?
Once installed, Mysearchency can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mysearchency 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 Mysearchency?
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 Mysearchency threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.