The article will help you remove Searchwfaa.com absolutely. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions at the end of this article.
Searchwfaa.com is the Web address and new tab page for a browser hijacker called Weather Forecast Alerts. The owner company is called Polarity Technologies, which is thought to be related to SaferBrowser. The undesired software modifies the new tab window, homepage, and search engine for the browser programs that you use. A toolbar can be put on the main page of your browsers. An extension related to the hijacker can be injected to your browsers, as well.
Threat Summary
| Name | Searchwfaa.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The hijacker can change the homepage, search engine and new tab on every browser application you have. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, search engine and new tab of all your browsers will be changed to Searchwfaa.com. You will be redirected and could see advertising content. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Searchwfaa.com. |
Searchwfaa.com – Delivery Ways
Searchwfaa.com has various ways of delivery which can be effective. Installation setups from third-party programs are mainly responsible for delivering the browser hijacker. Without any notification, freeware, and bundled packages could spread the hijacker to your computer system. Installation setups such as those might be set to install additional content by default. To prevent that from happening can be managed if you find Custom or Advanced settings in the setup. From there you should be able to deselect unwanted components from being installed.
Searchwfaa.com could be delivered through a browser extension. Add-ons and plug-ins associated with the hijacker might be put all around the Internet and be used as another way of delivery. Social media networks and file-sharing services can also be used for delivering installation setups that contain the hijacker program. The browser hijacker redirect can appear from redirect links and advertisements found on suspicious websites. Browsers that can get affected are: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.
Searchwfaa.com – Detailed Analysis
Searchwfaa.com is the Web address of a browser hijacker. There is a menu toolbar that is placed on top of the main page that holds links to such sites and to advertisements. The default search engine for your browsers is going to load the page Searchwfaa.com, after the hijacker has affected them. You can see the main page of the hijacker in the screenshot down here:
When your computer is affected by this hijacker, you will see redirects to the search engine that comes with it and changes the other browser settings such as your homepage, new tab, themes etc. The developer of the hijacker is Polarity Technologies, if the things mentioned on the web pages and the Privacy Policy of the hijacker redirect are true. In the past, the company’s name was SaferBrowser and it might be just a rebranding, to give it a clean reputation. A lot of programs with browser hijacking capabilities have been developed by the SaferBrowser company in the past.
Add-ons and extensions which are tied to this hijacker could be in your browser apps and alter the new tab window, homepage, and the default search settings. That can be seen through redirects which are spawned to your pages when you are casually browsing the Internet. Many, different kinds of data can be collected from you and sent to servers related to the Searchwfaa.com site owners. Third party partners and affiliates might also receive that data.
The extension could do the following:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
Searchwfaa.com filters whatever searches go through it so you should be careful of what you provide as information. Content, some of which is sponsored, can appear as targeted advertisements, and be displayed after you make a search or if you are just surfing the Web. That advertising content can be of a few types and presented as in-text links, pop-ups, pop-unders, and similar advertisements.
The image displayed above reveals the redirect for the search results of the Searchwfaa.com page and its function. The redirect link is hosted on a sub-domain of the hijacker and only appears in a very small period of time. Each one of your search queries will get filtered, and all of the data which is gathered from those is going to a sub-domain and will be stored there. Afterward, you will see the search results page of a reputable search engine – or at least it will look like it. On the snapshot displayed below you can see an example of a fake Yahoo’s search results page:
As you can see in the screenshot, the tab is named “SaferBrowser Yahoo Search Results”. So, be careful of what information you tend to give inside search bars, especially if that data contains personal information and similar things, as your credentials to a site, account details among other things. Keep on reading to find out what information is being obtained from you.
Searchwfaa.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of Searchwfaa.com says that personally and non-personally identifying information will get collected by the hijacker in question. The company Polarity Technologies is given as the owner of the hijacker, and as mentioned before, that might just be a renaming of SaferBrowser. The other possibility is SaferBrowser to be a subsidiary/daughter company for it. Another proof of such collaboration between the aforementioned companies is the Privacy Policy, which almost the same compared to its past variants. Information that is collected about you and your browsing activity can be disclosed to third party businesses and partners of Polarity Technologies.
The policy states that the following information is collected:
- Email address
- IP address
- Home address (mailing address)
- Search queries and all data you type in searches
- Search data and specifics of searches
- URLs and clicks
- Browser type
- Your name
- Your geographic location
- Your ISP (Internet Search Provider)
- Communications preferences
- Operating System (and other related data)
You can view the Privacy Policy page right here below:
If you read the privacy policy to its end, you will see a statement of how using any application or service connected to the Searchwfaa.com website is perceived to be your approval for data collection. The Polarity Technologies company acquires information about you and your online habits. The website also uses browser cookies, and more tracking technologies, like Web beacons, to gather further information about you and your online activity.
Remove Searchwfaa.com Completely
To remove Searchwfaa.com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions given below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the browser hijacker entirely, you should search for and remove any leftover items with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software helps 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 Searchwfaa.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Searchwfaa.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.com (Windows).
Get rid of Searchwfaa.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.com (Mac)
Remove Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.com will be removed.
Eliminate Searchwfaa.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".
Searchwfaa.com-FAQ
What Is Searchwfaa.com?
The Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.com Work?
Once installed, Searchwfaa.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.
Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.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 Searchwfaa.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.