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Remove MySocialShortcut Browser Hijacker by MyWay

STF-hp-myway-com-my-way-mindspark-interactive-hijacker-mysocialshortcut-download

MySocialShortcut is a new browser hijacker application developed by the Mindspark Interactive Network. You can directly download its browser extension from the site of the same name or Google’s Chrome web store. If you have the extension or any other unwanted program on your computer your homepage, search engine and new tab will be changed to Hp.myway(.)com. A toolbar could appear and search results could mislead you and show ads and targeted content. To see how to remove this hijacker and reverse the changes it made, you should read the article to its end.

Threat Summary

Name MySocialShortcut
Type Browser Hijacker, PUP
Short Description All browsers on your computer could be affected. The hijacker can redirect you and filter your search queries.
Symptoms Browser settings which are changed are the homepage, search engine, new tab, and browser extensions. A toolbar can be added, too. You can see targeted content and advertisements.
Distribution Method Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

Download

Malware Removal Tool

User Experience Join Our Forum to Discuss MySocialShortcut.

MySocialShortcut – Delivery

The Hp.myway(.)com page of MySocialShortcut uses the usual methods for delivery. It can be delivered with the help of third-party installations. Bundled software, along with free programs, can install the hijacker on your PC. Freeware setups could have more components to be added set as a default install. Lots of settings can get changed or modified until you notice you have the hijacker on your computer. Preventing unwanted programs from installing is doable when you find Custom or Advanced settings in a setup.

STF-hp-myway-com-my-way-mindspark-interactive-mysocialshortcut-com-social-shortcut-google-chrome-web-store-download

As you can see in the picture above, Hp.myway(.)com can use alternative methods to spread its search engine and tamper with your search settings. The method shown above is by using an extension downloadable at the Chrome Web Store. Another is by using advertisements on websites, such as pop-ups, banners, and any additional advertisement content or redirects. Such websites could be partners or affiliates with Mindspark. The following browsers can be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer/Edge, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.

MySocialShortcut – Information

MySociaShortcut(.)com is the main download page of the browser hijacker application of the same name. MyWay, owned by Mindspark Interactive Network has developed the hijacker, as many other ones, like TestForSpeed. If you have any application associated with it on your PC, the search engine, start page and new tab of your browsers will change to Hp.myway(.)com.

You can view the below image to see how the changed page looks like:

STF-hp-myway-com-my-way-mindspark-interactive-hijacker-main-page

The Hp.myway(.)com web page consists of a search bar, with many links in the form of buttons. The buttons redirect to popular social media sites, but can be changed in a way to display advertisements and targeted content. That page will replace your search engine and settings of all browsers you have, including the new tab setting and home page. Browser extensions could be added as well as a toolbar.

An extension associated to the hijacker does the following:

  • Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
  • Read and change your browsing history
  • Manage your downloads
  • Manage your apps, extensions and themes

If any application related to Hp.myway(.)com or MySocialShortcut(.)com enters your PC system, you will notice a lot of changes when you are browsing. Your computer might become affected by such apps with the aid of bundled software. You can see various sponsored content or targeted advertisements in the search results. The address that your searches go through is int.search.myway(.)com/search/:

STF-hp-myway-com-my-way-mindspark-interactive-hijacker-emma-roberts-search-results

As you can see when you use Hp.myway(.)com your searches get filtered by the search engine of MyWay. You can get redirected to search.myway(.)com and also see lots of pop-up ads related to the hijacker, such as the following one:

STF-hp-myway-com-my-way-mindspark-interactive-hijacker-continue-button

As Mindspark is a big company, notorious for their many browser hijackers, you should be very careful with what you type in searches. Do not click on the social buttons of MySocialShortcut, because the links might be modified to redirect or show you targeted content when the page loads. Read below to find out what information can be gathered from you.

MySocialShortcut – Privacy Policy

The Privacy Policy of MySocialShortcut redirects you to Mindspark’s general EULA and Policy page found at https://eula.mindspark.com/privacypolicy/. The policy has not been changed in a long time as you can see from the below image:

STF-hp-myway-com-my-way-mindspark-interactive-hijacker-privacy-policy

According to the Policy, information is still collected, even personally identifiable one, including:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Email address
  • Telephone number
  • Number of your page views
  • What links you clicked
  • Your login times

The following excerpts quoted from the policy, are important as they are indicative of Mindspark:

Mindspark, its Affiliates, or Service Providers may transfer information that we collect about you, including personal information across borders and from your country or jurisdiction to other countries or jurisdictions around the world.

By downloading, registering for and/or using Mindspark’s Services, you consent to the transfer of information to the U.S. or to any other country in which Mindspark, its Affiliates or Service Providers maintain facilities and the use and disclosure of information about you as described in this Privacy Policy.

The services of Hp.myway(.)com and Mindspark, including all toolbars and applications related to them gives your approval for automatic information collection. All data that is gathered may be disclosed to third parties. You should remove this unwanted program as soon as possible.

Remove MySocialShortcut Completely from Your PC

To remove Hp.myway(.)com and anything associated to MySocialShortcut 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 safe in the future.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

More Posts

  • Windows
  • Mac OS X
  • Google Chrome
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Safari
  • Internet Explorer
  • Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove MySocialShortcut from Windows.


Step 1: Scan for MySocialShortcut with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1.1 Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


1.2 After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

SpyHunter Install and Scan for Viruses Step 1


1.3 After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

SpyHunter Install and Scan for Viruses Step 2


1.4 After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

SpyHunter Install and Scan for Viruses Step 3

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.


Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode

2.1 Hold Windows key + R


2.2 The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
boot your pc in safe mode step 1


2.3 Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

boot your pc in safe mode step 2

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


2.4 When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
boot your pc in safe mode step 3


2.5 You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
boot your pc in safe mode step 4


Step 3: Uninstall MySocialShortcut 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:


3.1 Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

boot your pc in safe mode step 5


3.2 In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

boot your pc in safe mode step 6


3.3 This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
boot your pc in safe mode step 7Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.


Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by MySocialShortcut 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 MySocialShortcut there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

4.1 Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
clean malicious registries step 1


4.2 When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

clean malicious registries step 2


4.3 You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

clean malicious registries step 3 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 MySocialShortcut (Windows).


Get rid of MySocialShortcut from Mac OS X.


Step 1: Uninstall MySocialShortcut and remove related files and objects

1.1 Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
uninstall virus from mac step 1


1.2 Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

uninstall virus from mac step 2


1.3 In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to MySocialShortcut:

uninstall virus from mac step 3

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

uninstall virus from mac step 4


1.4 Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.


1.5 In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to MySocialShortcut. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

uninstall virus from mac step 5


1.6 Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.

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 MySocialShortcut. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.


1.7 Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

  • 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 MySocialShortcut 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

uninstall virus from mac step 6

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

uninstall virus from mac step 7

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as MySocialShortcut. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

uninstall virus from mac step 8

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 MySocialShortcut files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MySocialShortcut, 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.


Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for MySocialShortcut:


Download

SpyHunter for Mac


Video Removal Guide for MySocialShortcut (Mac)


Remove MySocialShortcut from Google Chrome.


Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Google Chrome removal guide step 1


Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Google Chrome removal guide step 2


Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Google Chrome removal guide step 3


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 MySocialShortcut from Mozilla Firefox.


Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:

Mozilla Firefox removal guide step 1


Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Mozilla Firefox removal guide step 2


Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Mozilla Firefox removal guide step 3


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 MySocialShortcut from Microsoft Edge.


Step 1: Start Edge browser.


Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

Edge Browser removal guide step 2


Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Edge Browser removal guide step 3


Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Edge Browser removal guide step 4


Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

Edge Browser removal guide step 5


Remove MySocialShortcut 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".

Safari browser removal guide step 3


Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

Safari browser removal guide step 4


Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.


Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

Safari browser removal guide step 5

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the MySocialShortcut will be removed.


How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Eliminate MySocialShortcut 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'

Internet Explorer browser removal guide step 2


Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Internet Explorer browser removal guide step 3


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'.

Internet Explorer browser removal guide step 4


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.

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 2

Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 3

Step 4: Open “Notifications”:

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 4

Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 5

Remove Push Notifications on Firefox

Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.

Mozilla Firefox - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":

Mozilla Firefox - Disable Push Notifications Step 2

Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”

Mozilla Firefox - Disable Push Notifications Step 3

Stop Push Notifications on Opera

Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.

Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.

Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 2

Step 3: Open Notifications:

Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 3

Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):

Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 4

Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari

Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.

Safari Browser - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".

MySocialShortcut-FAQ

What Is MySocialShortcut?

The MySocialShortcut 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 MySocialShortcut?

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 MySocialShortcut?

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 MySocialShortcut Work?

Once installed, MySocialShortcut 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.

MySocialShortcut 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 MySocialShortcut 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 MySocialShortcut Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MySocialShortcut 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 MySocialShortcut?

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 MySocialShortcut threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.

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