Remove SurfSelf(.)com Browser Hijacker Efficiently

by Berta Bilbao | July 14, 2016 | 0 Comments ad-supported application, browser extension, browser hijacker, redirects

Threat Summary SurfSelf(.)com – Ways of Delivery SurfSelf(.)com – In Details Remove SurfSelf(.)com Completely from Your PC

SurfSelf(.)com is a domain which serves as a search engine to a browser hijacker software. Once you have it on your computer machine, you will begin to notice changes in browsers, like the homepage, search engine, and new tab settings. Adverts and redirects could show up while you try to browse. A toolbar might be added as well. To remove this browser hijacker with all its files, you should read the article till the end.

Threat Summary

Name	SurfSelf(.)com
Type	Browser Hijacker, PUP
Short Description	The browsers on your PC will get their settings modified. Settings like the homepage, search engine and new tab can be changed. A toolbar might be added.
Symptoms	A browser extension might be installed in your browsers. The hijacker can redirect you and filter your search results. You might see third party content and advertisements when browsing.
Distribution Method	Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss SurfSelf(.)com.

SurfSelf(.)com – Ways of Delivery

SurfSelf(.)com can be delivered by in a few ways. A very popular one is with the help of third-party installation setups. Bundled packages plus setups for free programs can put the hijacker inside your computer. Freeware installers have additional content chosen in the default installation. The unwanted program can enter your computer system and switch various settings before you become aware of that. To avoid such a program from installing, you should search for a Custom or an Advanced options menu, so you can deselect components.

Another way for delivering SurfSelf(.)com is from the Google Chrome Web Store, as you can see above. Banners, pop-ups or other advertisements might also distribute the hijacker. Suspicious websites which host redirects might also be used as a delivery way for the hijacker. Websites like that might be partners of SurfSelf(.)com. Browsers that can be affected are: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.

SurfSelf(.)com – In Details

SurfSelf(.)com is the primary web domain and search engine for the browser hijacker program with the same name. You can see the main web page in the image below:

The SurfSelf(.)com page consists of a single search bar, and many different buttons. The buttons themselves use redirecting through the bit(.)ly URL shortener. In that way, the owners of the site make additional money. That same page is also filled with other various links and a toolbar. The page will replace your default search engine, new tab setting, and your homepage.

If any software that is tied to the hijacker is found on your computer device, then you will start seeing your browser apps being modified. Additional programs could be installed on your computer system, to provide assistance to the hijacker. Any extension might redirect you or show you adverts, and you can find yourself on unknown and unwanted web pages. Such websites could be partnered or affiliated with SurfSelf(.)com.

In the image depicted above, you can see the search results page of SurfSelf(.)com. You can see that Google’s Custom search is utilized, but the domain remains the same. Also, links and web pages will go through different redirects and URL shorteners as mentioned above.

SurfSelf(.)com can collect data from you by filtering your search queries. The search engine can send both personal and technical information to servers owned by the hijacker’s developers. Be careful about what you type in your searches.

The Privacy Policy of the SurfSelf(.)com site is shown in the screenshot above. The policy states openly that the SurfSelf hijacker is owned by the company Digi724 DMCC. It becomes clear that the website, plus any add-ons such as a toolbar and extensions, can all collect information about you. The information can be both personally and non-personally identifiable.

According to the Policy, the following information can be collected:

Email address
Your name (if you provide it)
Internet protocol (IP) addresses
Browser user agent
Referring page
Date and time stamp
Cookies and web beacons

All of that information may be disclosed to third-parties in several situations. If you don’t your privacy to be invaded in such a way, and you have software connected to the search site, then it is advised to remove all unwanted files from your personal computer device.

Remove SurfSelf(.)com Completely from Your PC

To remove SurfSelf(.)com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of this hijacker and all related files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer secure.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

Guide 1: How to Remove SurfSelf(.)com from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of SurfSelf(.)com on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove SurfSelf(.)com in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase SurfSelf(.)com from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall SurfSelf(.)com from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove SurfSelf(.)com from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate SurfSelf(.)com from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable SurfSelf(.)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 SurfSelf(.)com from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove SurfSelf(.)com

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall SurfSelf(.)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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by SurfSelf(.)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 SurfSelf(.)com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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 SurfSelf(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of SurfSelf(.)com from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall SurfSelf(.)com and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to SurfSelf(.)com:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to SurfSelf(.)com. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. 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 SurfSelf(.)com. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 SurfSelf(.)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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as SurfSelf(.)com. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 SurfSelf(.)com files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SurfSelf(.)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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for SurfSelf(.)com:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove SurfSelf(.)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 SurfSelf(.)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 SurfSelf(.)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 SurfSelf(.)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 SurfSelf(.)com will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate SurfSelf(.)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.