SafeSearch.net is the website for a browser hijacker named SafeSearch. Read the whole article carefully to see how you can remove it. This hijacker can change the new tab, homepage, and add an extension to your browsers. The search engine of your browsers will be modified. You might get redirected while browsing. Search results can show advertisements or try to mislead you.
Threat Summary
| Name | SafeSearch.net |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The homepage, the new tab, and search engine of your browsers are modified. |
| Symptoms | Your browsers can have their homepage, new tab, and search engine changed. A browser extension could be added. Search results may be incorrect or show ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installers, Bundle Packages, Chrome Web Store |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SafeSearch.net. |
SafeSearch.net – Distribution Ways
A common distribution way for SafeSearch.net is from third-party installation setups. Without your awareness, the hijacker can get inside your PC. It can hide in freeware installs and bundled packages. More components are chosen for installation by default in such packages. The components are often hidden, so SafeSearch.net can install. Checking for a Custom or an Advanced menu in the setup is a good way of preventing unwanted installations.
Above you can see a browser extension connected with SafeSearch.net. It is available at Google Chrome’s Web Store. Another way for distribution of this hijacker is from advert clicks or visiting untrusted sites. Websites with an unknown reputation could be partnered with the hijacker’s creators. Affected browsers are: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari.
SafeSearch.net – Description
SafeSearch.net is the main web page for a browser hijacker bearing the same name. If it is found on your PC, your browser settings will be changed. All of your browsers might have their homepage and new tab modified. The search engine will be modified as well. This hijacker claims to keep you safe by setting up website protection for your browsers. No such thing happens.
A browser extension associated to SafeSearch.net can be installed. The name is the same, just without the domain extension – SafeSearch. One of the available locations for it is the Google Chrome’s Web Store. The extension might have come bundled with other free software on your PC. You can experience multiple redirects sites of the hijacker or ones related to it. And except redirects, targeted advertisements might show while you browse.
The browser extension does this:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Display notifications
- Change your search settings to: safesearch.net
Everything inputted into the SafeSearch.net address will be filtered by it. Do not enter any personal information, or the hijacker will collect it. The search results of the untrusted program might be misleading. There could also be advertisements and links on the results page. You can see an example in the picture down here:
Another possibility is that the hijacker can set a search engine that at least at first glance looks exactly like Bing. It is possible that this is a tactic to trick you that the hijacker is a reputable program.
Redirects might appear with the hijacker installed on your PC. Not only the browser extension can redirect to SafeSearch.net, but also the homepage, new tab or clicking on adverts. Message notifications, pop-unders, pop-ups, text links or banners can display on pages as ad content. The redirects could be with the aim of getting more traffic to affiliated sites of the hijacker, by using pay-per-click.
The Privacy Policy of SafeSearch.net found on the same site, claims that both personally and non-personally identifiable information can be collected.
Information that may be collected according to the policy:
- Your IP address
- Your e-mail address
- Your browser type
- Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Your webpage visits
- Cookies information
Using the services and the site SafeSearch will make the hijacker gather personal information about you. Cookies and whatever you type and technical data will be gathered. According to the policy, only in very rare cases may that data be shared or sold to third parties.
Remove SafeSearch.net Completely
To remove SafeSearch.net manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided down. If the manual removal does not get rid of the browser hijacker completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer safe.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove SafeSearch.net from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for SafeSearch.net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net (Windows).
Get rid of SafeSearch.net from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net. 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 SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SafeSearch.net, 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 SafeSearch.net (Mac)
Remove SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net will be removed.
Eliminate SafeSearch.net 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".
SafeSearch.net-FAQ
What Is SafeSearch.net?
The SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net?
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 SafeSearch.net?
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 SafeSearch.net Work?
Once installed, SafeSearch.net 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.
SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SafeSearch.net 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 SafeSearch.net?
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 SafeSearch.net threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.