NetGuideSearch redirect is a malware threat designed to infect end users via dangerous browser extensions. As soon as it is installed on a given computer it will change the default settings to show hacker-controlled content. This can have a devastating impact on the computers, leading to further virus infections and intrusive ads.
Threat Summary
| Name | NetGuideSearch Redirect |
| 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 NetGuideSearch Redirect. |
What Is NetGuideSearch Redirect?
The NetGuideSearch redirect is a recently discovered malware threat that is distributed to the target end users via the combination of a malware browser plugin and a hacker-created website. They are used to impersonate a legitimate service bearing the same name. Computer users should not confuse the malware with the legitimate website which is operated by a real-world company.
Victims can get infected easily by it by downloading the relevant infected files — when they are run on the local machines the infections will start automatically. The most notable example is the browser hijacker itself, a dangerous plugin that is compatible with all popular web browsers. They are often uploaded to their relevant extension repositories or posted to special sites, landing pages and other types of online presence that can be controlled by the criminals. Fake identities, user reviews and elaborate descriptions are often the norm as they add in a layer of authenticity. File carriers can also be use to implant the threat — they can be software installers or documents among the most popular ones. All of these files can be uploaded to file-sharing sites where the users commonly upload both pirate and legitimate files. In the case of viruses like this one the hackers can also post the data on various online communities, for example web forums, social networks and chat rooms.
As soon as an NetGuideSearch Redirect infection is made we expect that the most popular actions will be undertaken. This includes the modification of the browser settings which is designed to redirect the users to a hacker-controlled page. Values that are modified include the default home page, search engine and new tabs page. Alongside this stored browser data can be hijacked: cookies, history, bookmarks and passwords.
The victims will be redirected to a hacker-controlled site that is designed to look like an ordinary portal page. When it is first opened it is very likely that tracking cookies will be installed on the affected systems. They are used to constantly monitor the user interactions with the site and report it to the hacker controllers.
Browser hijackers and the resulting website redirects are used for a variety of malicious tasks that can vary from device to device. Common consequences are the following:
- Phishing Content — The redirect can lead to various login prompts and design that imitates well-known companies and services. This is used to scam the users into entering data into the fields which will be forwarded to the hackers.
- Additional Malware Delivery — Active NetGuideSearch redirect infections can be the source of multiple virus infections ranging from file encrypting ransomware down to computer controlling Trojans.
- Related Hacker-Controlled Threats — The websites owners can also attach affiliate links that are used to push bundle deals and manipulate the users into paying for them. Intrusive ads are also a common concern as they can include not only text, but also pop-ups, banners and hover images.
We remind our readers that at any time the infection scenario may change and implement other actions.
Remove NetGuideSearch Browser Hijacker
To remove NetGuideSearch 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.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: How to Remove NetGuideSearch Redirect from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of NetGuideSearch Redirect from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove NetGuideSearch Redirect from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase NetGuideSearch Redirect from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall NetGuideSearch Redirect from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove NetGuideSearch Redirect from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate NetGuideSearch Redirect from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove NetGuideSearch Redirect from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove NetGuideSearch Redirect
Step 2: Uninstall NetGuideSearch Redirect 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 3: Clean any registries, created by NetGuideSearch Redirect on your computer.
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 NetGuideSearch Redirect 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.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of NetGuideSearch Redirect from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall NetGuideSearch Redirect and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 NetGuideSearch Redirect 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 NetGuideSearch Redirect files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as NetGuideSearch Redirect, 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove NetGuideSearch Redirect 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase NetGuideSearch Redirect 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall NetGuideSearch Redirect 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove NetGuideSearch Redirect 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 NetGuideSearch Redirect will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate NetGuideSearch Redirect 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.
