SearchShield(.)co is one of the many domains and the main search engine for a browser hijacker. The hijacker can redirect you and can show you sponsored content and various advertisements on the search results page. SearchShield(.)co can modify the homepage, new tab and the search engine of most browsers. A related browser extension can be added as well and is spread in various ways. To remove the hijacker and all of its files, you should read the article through.
Threat Summary
| Name | SearchShield(.)co |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Every browser on your computer might be affected. The hijacker can filter your searches and might redirect you. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which can be changed are the homepage, search engine, new tab. An extension can be added as well. You will see sponsored content and advertisements in search results. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SearchShield(.)co. |
SearchShield(.)co – Delivery Ways
SearchShield(.)co has quite a few delivery ways. Third-party installers are one of the main ways in which the program could install to your computer system. Bundled software and freeware packages can insert the hijacker inside your computer. The installer setups might have more components set for installation, by default. Different settings could be tampered with on your computer and browser before you even come to see it. Avoiding installations like that can be managed if you find Custom or Advanced settings from where to deselect certain components.
SearchShield(.)co could use many ways to push its search engine onto your browser apps. One of the ways is through a direct download/install button on its main site shown in the image on top of the page. Another is with the help of a browser extension, which is also found on the Google Chrome web store, as shown in the image directly above this paragraph. Advertisements, such as banners and pop-ups might also spread its distribution. The hijacker could be distributed with redirects hosted on suspicious websites and one of those redirects is srchshld(.)com. Many websites like that could be somehow affiliated with SearchShield(.)co. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
SearchShield(.)co – Detailed Information
SearchShield(.)co is the primary domain of a browser hijacker and it serves as its search engine. You can see the web page and the logo of the hijacker in the screenshot down here:
The SearchShield(.)co domain is compiled of a search bar, logo, download button, and a couple of links directing to information about the hijacker like its EULA. That page is set as the go-to default page of your browsers, replacing their default search engine, new tab, and homepage. Your browser preferences might be modified, as well. There is also an extension which can be installed from the main domain of the hijacker, from the above-mentioned download button and Google’s Chrome web store.
It can do the following things:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Change your privacy-related settings
If any programs tied to SearchShield(.)co find its place inside your computer or browser software, then you will notice a change in the behavior of your browsers. Extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins can generate advertisements and redirect you when you browse. You could witness third-party sponsored content around sites. Such websites could be connected to SearchShield(.)co.
You can see above, in the picture, the appearance of the SearchShield(.)co search results. As you can clearly see there is a lot of sponsored content and adverts and they even cover the whole results page. You also get redirected to the search results page of another domain. All the following domains are connected to the browser hijacker and can filter your searches and redirect you:
- https://SearchShield(.)co
- Srchshld(.)com
- https://search.assist(.)ly
Any information that is filtered goes through the servers of SearchShield(.)co and its affiliates. Be careful with whatever information you input and about your browsing habits when using the hijacker services. Continue to read and find out what exactly can be obtained from you by SearchShield(.)co.
SearchShield(.)co – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the SearchShield(.)co gives details about the actions which the owners of the hijacker take. It becomes clear from the Policy that both personal and anonymous (technical) information is obtained from you. All information which is collected from you is shared with multiple third-parties with which the hijacker’s owners do business with, as stated in the said policy.
You can view the Privacy Policy on this image:
According to the Policy, the following data can be collected:
Personal Information
- Your name
- Your Address
- Electronic mail (email) address
- Phone number
- Credit card information
Anonymous Information
- Domain names
- IP addresses
- Type of browsers that you may use
- URLs you have visited
- Referring URLs
- Other, non-personally identifiable information
Purchasing, using or trying out any software, extensions or services in any way related to SearchShield(.)co you automatically give your approval for the hijacker software to collect information about you and your browsing activity. Be very careful in what you write, when you conduct searches in such applications. If you don’t want your privacy to be invaded like that, you should remove this browser hijacker and its associated files.
Remove SearchShield(.)co Completely from Your PC
To remove SearchShield(.)co 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 and all of its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software 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 SearchShield(.)co from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for SearchShield(.)co with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co (Windows).
Get rid of SearchShield(.)co from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co. 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 SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SearchShield(.)co, 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 SearchShield(.)co (Mac)
Remove SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co will be removed.
Eliminate SearchShield(.)co 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".
SearchShield(.)co-FAQ
What Is SearchShield(.)co?
The SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co?
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 SearchShield(.)co?
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 SearchShield(.)co Work?
Once installed, SearchShield(.)co 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.
SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SearchShield(.)co 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 SearchShield(.)co?
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 SearchShield(.)co threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.