What Is Search60.com?
Search60.com is the domain of a suspicious website that can hijack all popular and trusted browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, Opera and Safari. It is a suspicious search engine of unknown origin that may constantly appear in browser causing annoying redirects. As Search60.com can be classified as a typical browser hijacker it is also likely to change essential browser settings once it penetrates the system. This includes the default search engine, the home page and the new tab page of the affected browser. Even if it isn’t malicious software that aims to damage your system, it can cause numerous redirects and browser crashes. Furthermore, as long as you are using any of the Search60.com services you allow it to acquire valuable information about you.
This article provides more details about Search60.com redirect and covers all removal steps that will help affected users to clean their browser and PC.
What Is a Browser Hijacker?
A browser hijacker is a type of malicious software generally installed without you being aware of it, and that changes the way your browser operates. It modifies your browser settings, such as home page and default search engine, and redirects you to websites different than the ones you initially requested. Browser hijackers can also collect data about your browsing activity, track your clicks and store information about you. They can display intrusive pop-up advertisements and adware as well as interfere with security features of the web browser. Also, hijackers can slow down your browsing experience and make it more difficult to find legitimate websites.
Search60.com Threat Summary
| Name | Search60.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Every browser application which is on your computer will get affected. The hijacker can redirect you and show you lots of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings that get changed are the start page, search engine and the new tab page. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Search60.com Download
Malware Removal Tool
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Search60.com Redirect – Distribution Methods
Such suspicious websites are often distributed via potentially unwanted programs that you may unnoticeably install on the PC. This can happen during the installation process of freeware by just clicking the Next button. The technique is called bundling because the installation setup of the desired program may have bundled potentially unwanted software. Such software can easily be hidden in the Advanced or Custom installation options as they are often neglected by users. That’s why it is recommended to select these options each time you install a new program. Once you access them, you will have the chance to unmark all that is not desired and prevent browser redirects like Search60.com from hijacking your browser.
Search60.com Redirect – Detailed Analysis
In case that you are infected with Search60.com you may often be redirected to its homepage. One of its primary goals is to change your browser settings of the default search engine, homepage, and new tab destination. So each time you start your browser you may see its homepage that looks like this:
Also, it may install and enable a rogue browser add-on so it could easily collect data on your browsing activities to deliver you targeted advertisements. Each visit to the offered content generates money revenue to Search60.com creators. That’s why it may flood your browser with numerous ads and diminish the overall browser performance.
At the beginning of this month, our team reported the browser hijacker Search50.co that seems to be developed by the same company as Search60. The company itself doesn’t disclose its name but only its origin – Asia. The website section About reveals that the company creator of Search60.com aims to “serve website users with the most relevant and highest paying ads sourced from our direct advertiser base” which is far from the idea of providing reliable and secure search results. The statement goes on like this:
We specialise in online advertising, web traffic generation, online search syndication and Search Engine Marketing, helping owners of websites and web networks to generate revenue.
The section can be accessed from the bottom of Search60.com homepage. There can also be found their Privacy Policy which we have examined thoroughly to reveal all details about the information they collect and how they maintain it.
Search60.com – Privacy Policy
Below, you can see exactly what information can be obtained from you when you are using any of the Search60.com services:
- Your Name
- E-mail address
- Cookies and related Data
- Your IP addresses
- Information you provide
In addition Search60.com browser hijacker drops cookies on your browser to acquire more information related to your internet activity and habits. It is possible that the hijacker could collect more details about you, your browser and system. In order to prevent Search60.com browser hijacker from collecting data related to your browsing and then use it to deliver targeted content you need to consider its removal.
Remove Search60.com Redirect Effectively
If you have noticed the Search60.com presence in your browser then you are likely to have installed a potentially unwanted program on the PC or a suspicious browser extension. To prevent all side effects of Search60.com redirect and regain your online security you have to reset the affected browser and check for suspicious installed add-ons. Afterward, you need to check your system for any installed suspicious applications and remove them. Security experts recommend the help of an advanced anti-malware tool that will easily locate all fishy files that need to be cleaned. Such a program will prevent your system from future malware intrusions.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Search60.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Search60.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Search60.com 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 Search60.com 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 Search60.com 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 Search60.com (Windows).
Get rid of Search60.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Search60.com 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 Search60.com. 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 Search60.com 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 Search60.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search60.com, 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 Search60.com (Mac)
Remove Search60.com 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 Search60.com 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 Search60.com 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 Search60.com 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 Search60.com will be removed.
Eliminate Search60.com 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".
Search60.com-FAQ
What Is Search60.com?
The Search60.com 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 Search60.com?
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 Search60.com?
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 Search60.com Work?
Once installed, Search60.com 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.
Search60.com 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 Search60.com 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 Search60.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search60.com 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 Search60.com?
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 Search60.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.