SafeSearch1.ru is a bogus search engine and the primary domain of a browser hijacker. This hijacker has a logo imitating the one of Google to an extent, looking at its letters and their color pattern. The hijacker will redirect you to Google’s Custom Search results page. Sponsored advertisements and similar content will be displayed whenever you use SafeSearch1.ru. The hijacker can replace the homepage, new tab, and search engine of all your browsers. To remove the hijacker redirect, you should read the article through.
Threat Summary
| Name | SafeSearch1.ru |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Each browser application on your computer can be affected. The hijacker will redirect you and show various advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which could be modified are the homepage, the search engine and the new tab window. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SafeSearch1.ru. |
SafeSearch1.ru – Delivery Ways
SafeSearch1.ru could be delivered in a couple of ways, the primary one being by third-party installation setups. Those setups are loaded by bundled applications and freeware. Setups like those might have been set to install additive components by default in your computer. That usually happens without any prior notification. You might have wanted to install a media player or some other free software and witnessed how your browser settings got modified by the hijacker. You can avoid such unwanted components from getting added. All you need to do is find Custom or Advanced settings to deselect them.
SafeSearch1.ru might be delivered in more ways, too. Those ways typically involve an extension or add-on, nested inside your browser programs. More delivery ways use advertisements, such as pop-ups, pop-unders, banners and redirect links. Sponsored adverts and targeted content on suspicious websites could also be responsible for the hijacker’s delivery. The websites might even be partners or affiliates of SafeSearch1.ru. The following browsers can be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
SafeSearch1.ru – Detailed Analysis
SafeSearch1.ru is the primary Web domain and search engine for a browser hijacker. There is a high probability of the hijacker to be in bed with Free Avatar Maker and its developers. Their search engines and URLs are almost identical to this one. On the main search page, you will witness a white, blank background without an image, a logo saying “Search” which is colored in similarly to that of Google’s, a search bar under it, and some advertisements. The full URL address of the search page is https://Safesearch1.ru/start.html. You can view it from the below snapshot:
SafeSearch1.ru will imitate Google with its design and it will try its logo appear as similar as possible, but it will display more adverts. The hijacker will redirect you to the Google Custom Search. The search queries you make will go via the starting URL address. The page shown above can replace the homepage, new tab window and default search settings for each browser program you own. A related add-on is very likely to be found on the Internet serving the same purpose as the redirect in question. Without a doubt it can also have browser hijacking capabilities.
The screenshot given underneath this paragraph, shows an example of a search that went through the SafeSearch1.ru page. As displayed there, you will get redirected to the search results page of Google’s Custom Search engine. The hijacker is set to display targeted advertisements as well as sponsored content on those pages which will redirect you further. The main page will redirect you with its advert banner. Take note that the hijacker will filter every single search that you do, and all of the data will be stored on servers tied to the hijacker owners. That could include all types of information, especially about your interactions with the website and its advertisements.
Tracking cookies are used to obtain information from you, and they are loaded by this website, and via its redirects and adverts. Similar tracking technologies might be set up and utilized as well. Be very careful with any information you might provide with your searches on the Internet, because you might end up on pages related to SafeSearch1.ru. Do not be clicking on dubious links and advertisements as such could gather data from you as well and use it back to show targeted content.
The Privacy Policy of the SafeSearch1.ru site is missing. That policy might be hidden well from the eyes of the public or is non-existent. The truth is that the website uses browser cookies, including some Google DART cookies as it becomes evident from the advertisements. Nearly half of the dozens of cookies that are being generated have an expiration date of two or more years.
Here on the screenshot, you can view the browser cookies pushed from this site, its ads, and redirects:
The cookie pushed by the main site has no expiration date, which means it could stay forever on your personal computer.
Browser cookies will not only be pushed by the hijacker in question, but from other websites, too:
- safesearch1.ru
- seasonsepisode.watch
- stuccu.com
- gis.rftslb.com
- 2mdn.com
- nr-data.net
- mathtag.com
- criteo.com
- bat.bing.com
- bat.r.msn.com
- facebook.com
- mookie1.com
SafeSearch1.ru can gather information about you from each search query which you make and from your interaction with the sponsored advertisements. All kinds of information, including personally identifiable one can be disclosed to third parties, and you would not even find out about it. Be wary of everything that you write inside search bars connected to this browser hijacker redirect.
Remove SafeSearch1.ru Completely
To remove SafeSearch1.ru manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions written 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 a program can keep your computer secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove SafeSearch1.ru from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for SafeSearch1.ru with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru (Windows).
Get rid of SafeSearch1.ru from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru. 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 SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SafeSearch1.ru, 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 SafeSearch1.ru (Mac)
Remove SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru will be removed.
Eliminate SafeSearch1.ru 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".
SafeSearch1.ru-FAQ
What Is SafeSearch1.ru?
The SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru?
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 SafeSearch1.ru?
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 SafeSearch1.ru Work?
Once installed, SafeSearch1.ru 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.
SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SafeSearch1.ru 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 SafeSearch1.ru?
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 SafeSearch1.ru threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.