Search.clearch.org is a redirect and a search engine for a browser hijacker. The hijacker is powered by the Net Spark Safe Internet Solutions. Sponsored advertisements and similar content will display whenever you use the Search.clearch.org site. This hijacker can replace the homepage, new tab, and search engine of your browsers. To remove the hijacker, you should read the article through.
Threat Summary
| Name | Search.clearch.org |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Each browser application on your computer could get affected. The hijacker will redirect you and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which could be modified are the homepage, the search engine and the new tab. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Search.clearch.org. |
Search.clearch.org – Delivery Ways
Search.clearch.org could be delivered in various ways, one of which is by third-party installations. Such installer setups are within bundled programs or freeware. The setups might have been configured to install extra components by default on your personal computer. That happens without notification in most cases. You could have tried installing a media player or other free software and got your browser settings modified by this hijacker. You can avoid unwanted components like those from getting added. All you need to do is find Custom or Advanced options and deselect them.
Search.clearch.org could be delivered in more ways, too. Those ways usually involve a browser extension or an add-on which installs in your browsing software. Other delivery ways use advertisements, such as pop-ups, pop-unders, banners and even redirect links. Sponsored advertisements or targeted content on suspicious websites could also result in the delivery of this hijacker. The websites could also be partnered or somehow affiliated with Search.clearch.org. The following browsers can be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
Search.clearch.org – More Information
Search.clearch.org is a domain address and a search engine for the browser hijacker of the same name. The redirect is powered by the company known as NetSpark. The main page and the search bar are both very simply. There are various links scattered across the page. You can see the page from the below picture:
Search.clearch.org can display advertisements. The hijacker will redirect you to search page on the same domain. All the search queries you make will go through the main URL address. The Web page you see above can replace the homepage, new tab and the default search for every browser you own. An add-on which is tied to the program could be found across the Internet, serving the same purpose as the redirect. Undeniably, it will also have all browser hijacking capabilities of its counterpart.
The image shown underneath this paragraph portrays an example of a search that went through the Search.clearch.org search bar. You can clearly see how this hijacker is designed to display targeted advertising including sponsored content on those pages which can redirect you further. The main page might have an advertisement banner which will redirect you. This hijacker filters each search query that you make, and all this data will be sent to servers related to the hijacker’s owners. That includes all kinds of information, along with one about your interactions with the site and its ads.
The website, its redirects, and advertisements load tracking cookies. More tracking technologies could be set up and used, as well. Be careful with the information you might provide by doing searches on the Web, especially on pages connected to Search.clearch.org. Refrain from clicking on dubious links and advertisements, because they could easily gather data about you, and use it to display targeted content.
Search.clearch.org – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the Search.clearch.org site is rather short but gives detailed information. You can see what kinds of information may be acquired from you and other specific statements from the NetSpark company.
On the snapshot, you can see the Privacy Policy:
The following information will be collected:
- Browser version you are using
- Your IP address
- How you used the services, including your search queries
- The number and frequency of visitors
- Other similar data
- Your name
- Your Contact information
The developers of the Search.clearch.org program, also give the following statement about information sharing:
Use of this site implies consent to our sharing of Personal Information
Also, all types of information, including personally identifiable one, will be disclosed to third parties, specifically business affiliates of the NetSpark company. Be very careful with what exactly you type in search bars associated with the browser hijacker redirect in question.
Remove Search.clearch.org Fully
To remove Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Search.clearch.org with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org (Windows).
Get rid of Search.clearch.org from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org. 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 Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.clearch.org, 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 Search.clearch.org (Mac)
Remove Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org will be removed.
Eliminate Search.clearch.org 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".
Search.clearch.org-FAQ
What Is Search.clearch.org?
The Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org?
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 Search.clearch.org?
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 Search.clearch.org Work?
Once installed, Search.clearch.org 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.
Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.clearch.org 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 Search.clearch.org?
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 Search.clearch.org threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.