This article will aid you remove Softsearches.com effectively. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions at the bottom of the article.
Softsearches.com is the main domain for a search engine. That search engine is named Softsearches as well, but also serves as the search engine for an adware called DailyWiki. You could get redirected to pages with loads of advertisements and sponsored content that go through the redirect or if you have the adware on your computer device. The Softsearches browser hijacker will switch the main page, new tab, and search engine for every browser program you have installed on your computer system, while the adware will load your browser pages and search results with advertisements.
Threat Summary
| Name | Softsearches.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 and various advertisements could show up. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Softsearches.com. |
Softsearches.com – Distribution Methods
Softsearches.com could be distributed with various methods, the most effective of which is via third-party installation setups. Such installers usually come from bundled applications and freeware that is packed with additional features, set to be installed with some other software. The unpacking of anything additive could occur without any prior notification. You could have installed a media player or some other free program and got your browser settings altered from this hijacker. To prevent unwanted programs from affecting your computer device is doable if you find Custom or Advanced settings. There you should have an option to deselect any additional features and software from being added.
Softsearches.com could be distributed with other methods, like add-ons or extensions added to your browser. Other delivery methods may include the adware DailyWiki or advertisements, such as banners, pop-ups, pop-unders and redirect links. Sponsored adverts, including targeted content on suspicious websites could also deliver the hijacker. These websites could also be partnered up or affiliated with the Softsearches.com services and website. Browsers which could get affected are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari.
Softsearches.com – Technical Overview
The Softsearches.com URL address is the primary one for the browser hijacker that is named Softsearches and the adware DailyWiki. You will be redirected when you are using those services, if you click on links provided by them, and from advertisements and pages hosted by that search engine. The main page can be seen from the screenshot right down below:
The Softsearches.com browser hijacker can redirect you if you are using its services and interact with whatever links, advertisements and other forms of sponsored content pushed from its search pages. In case you are indeed using that search engine to browse the Internet, you will get redirected to its search results page.
Take note of the fact that every search query that you make on its pages will be sending information to servers related to the Softsearches hijacker and the DailyWiki adware. The pages displayed in the above and bottom image replace the homepage, new tab and default search engine for every browser that you own.
The screenshot that is shown under this paragraph depicts what is one of the results when you try to make a search query through the Softsearches.com search bar if you are unaffected by the hijacker or you have just opened a new tab. It could redirect you to another search page which is related to the hijacker. Every search in the search will be filtered and sent to servers related with the makers of the malware. Thus, everything that you give out as information will be obtained data by the browser hijacker in question.
In case another search engine loads rather than the one of the hijacker, the website could push even more advertisements and redirects that can place browser cookies on your computer machine, and they can track your online activity. Tracking technologies of another sort could also be actively operating. Be careful of what information you provide on such search pages, especially on ones, associated with Softsearches.com. Do not click on suspicious advertisements, neither on any links that are displayed by this service.
Softsearches.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the Softsearches.com site is located on the footer of its main Web page. Despite the Policy being quite short in length, it provides enough contexts about the data collection done by this browser hijacker. Below, you can see exactly what information can be collected from you when you are using any of the Softsearches or DailyWiki services.
You can preview the Privacy Policy here:
The following information can be acquired from you, according to that Policy:
- Your IP address
- Internet Service Provider
- Visited Web pages
- Browser preferences
- Site usage
- Demographic information
- Type of browser
- Cookies and related data
- Information you provide
Browser cookies are also dropped by the website and services of Softsearches.com and will collect more information related to your internet activity. Softsearches.com service collects your IP addresses and could identify you in other ways.
In conclusion, you should be wary of what information you provide to search engines and websites, and also, in the case you do not like personal information to be acquired from you by this browser hijacker, you should remove it.
Remove Softsearches.com Effectively
To remove Softsearches.com 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 redirect and its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer safe in the future.
- Guide 1: How to Remove Softsearches.com from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Softsearches.com on Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Softsearches.com in Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Softsearches.com from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Softsearches.com from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Softsearches.com from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Softsearches.com from Internet Explorer.
- Guide 8: Disable Softsearches.com Push Notifications in Your Browsers.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Softsearches.com from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Softsearches.com
Step 2: Uninstall Softsearches.com 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 Softsearches.com 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 Softsearches.com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
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.
Step 4: Scan for Softsearches.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Video Removal Guide for Softsearches.com (Windows).
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Get rid of Softsearches.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Softsearches.com 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:
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 Softsearches.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 Softsearches.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 Softsearches.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Softsearches.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 Softsearches.com (Mac)
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Remove Softsearches.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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Erase Softsearches.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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Uninstall Softsearches.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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Remove Softsearches.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 Softsearches.com will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Eliminate Softsearches.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 caused by Softsearches.com 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".
Softsearches.com-FAQ
What Is Softsearches.com?
The Softsearches.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 Softsearches.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 Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Softsearches.com?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most adware or unwanted programs by firstly isolating them and then removing them from your browser and computer. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you. There are many anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter is one of the recommended anti-malware apps that can scan your computer for free and detect any viruses, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps and eliminate them quickly. This saves time when compared to doing the removal manually.
How to Secure My Passwords and Other Data from Softsearches.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.
More tips you can find on our website, where you can also ask any questions and comment underneath the articles about your computer problems. We will try to respond as fast as possible.
How Does Softsearches.com Work?
The Softsearches.com threat is typically installed as part of another application that you may have downloaded from the internet. Unwanted apps are often disguised as helpful programs, such as browser add-ons or toolbars, but they can also be included in software downloads without your knowledge.
Threats such as Softsearches.com can also be installed through malicious websites, email attachments, and other dubious sources. Once installed, Softsearches.com can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties. Softsearches.com can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information.
Is Softsearches.com Malware?
If you have noticed Softsearches.com on your computer, you may be wondering if it is considered malware. The answer is yes, it is possible for an unwanted program to be classified as malware.
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. The best way to protect your computer from PUPs is to be careful when downloading software from the internet. Be sure to read the terms of service and privacy policies before downloading any software, and be wary of any suspicious download links or ads.
About the Softsearches.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Softsearches.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 Softsearches.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 Softsearches.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1.Browser Redirect – What Is It?
2.Adware Is Malicious, and It Uses Advanced Techniques to Infect
3.The Thin Red Line Between Potentially Unwanted Programs and Malware
4.The Pay-Per-Install Affiliate Business – Making Millions out of Adware
5.Malicious Firefox Extensions Installed by 455,000 Users Blocked Updates