A search engine, pretending to be Google has been reported to have associations with a browser hijacker. The hijacker also known as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) is reported to heavily advertise content to users, collect different user information. In addition to that, a lot of third-party content may be displayed to the user in the form of different types of advertisements on the web browser. Since some third-parties may be dangerous, we advise users to read the tutorial for removing Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker in this article and implement it.
Threat Summary
| Name | Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker |
| Type | Adware, Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Your browsers will have their homepage, new tab and the search engine changed. Sponsored adverts appear in your search results. |
| Symptoms | Shows ads, redirects and modifies a browser’s homepage, new tab and search engine. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker. |
Searchvay(.)com Hijacker – How Is It Spread
To be installed onto user systems, this program may pose as a useful application along with the installation of other free programs downloaded online. Such freeware is usually available on websites that provide many different programs in one place. Some of those third-party websites may use bundling and do not mind what type of programs they bundle, even if they advertise heavily, like the Searchvay(.)com browser hijacker.
Searchvay(.)com Hijacker In Detail
Once it has been installed on a computer, the program may modify the following registry keys of the unsuspecting user’s computer:
→ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\User Shell Folders
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Shell Folders] HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\CLASSES
Besides those keys, it may target the registry entries of your web browser as well, because it may immediately change your home page to Searchvay(.)com:
When the search engine itself was investigated, we immediately established that it had all the symptoms of a hoax search engine. For starters, the suspicious search engine does not have HTTPs secured connection and uses cookies to obtain different user information:
In addition to those details, the suspicious search engine does not have its own database, and instead it redirects to a modified third-party. In this case, this is most likely Google Custom Search with Ads.
Not only this, but the company, calling itself “The Website” in its license agreement, has some shady claims in its privacy policy as well:
Not only this but this suspicious software may conceal several dangers from the user. The first danger is associated with the cookies it uses. Such can be utilized to collect different type of information from the user’s computer, like what you search for, where you click and what you browsed previously.
Since this information may be used by the hijackers to display different types of advertisements by suspicious third-party websites, it is considered indirectly dangerous. The content displayed might assume different kinds:
- Pop-ups.
- Banners.
- Ad-supported search results.
- Intrusive browser redirects.
Since these advertisements may lead to different online locations, some of which may turn to be harmful(scams or malicious URLs), researchers recommend getting rid of this ransomware from your computer.
Remove Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker from Your System
In case you want to delete this hijacking software from your device, you should make sure to methodologically follow the instructions below. The manual instructions will help you discover and delete files associated with Searchvay(.)com hijacker from your computer, however, there may be some leftover objects because such programs usually create objects and files with random names and in different locations. This is why experts recommend following the automatic removal instructions illustrated below for maximum effectiveness. It is also advisable to choose an appropriate anti-malware software because it will not only remove the threat but will also protect you from future intrusions.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: How to Remove Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker
Step 2: Uninstall Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker and related software from Windows
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 3: Clean any registries, created by Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker on your computer.
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 Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker 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.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker 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 Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker, 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker 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 Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Searchvay(.)com Browser Hijacker 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.
