TestForSpeed.com is the official website of the browser hijacker TestForSpeed. Mindspark Interactive Network (now Ask Applications) developed this hijacker few years ago, and it seems to be affecting users in 2019 as well. Read the article carefully to know how to remove it.
The TestForSpeed hijacker can add a different homepage, new tab, toolbar and search engine to your browsers. An add-on may install along with it. Redirects, sponsored links, and advertisements can show when you browse.
Update July 2019! What is TestForSpeed? What does TestForSpeed do? How to get rid of TestForSpeed?
SIDENOTE: This post was originally published in April, 2016. But we gave it an update in July 2019.
Threat Summary
| Name | TestForSpeed |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Each browser application on your computer could get affected. Your new tab and home page may be changed. |
| Symptoms | Altered browser settings, unwanted pop-ups. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Official Website |
| 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 TestForSpeed. |
TestForSpeed PUP – Why Do I Have It?
One of the distribution ways of TestForSpeed.com is through third-party installations. The hijacker could get inside your computer, without you knowing. It hides in freeware installation setups and bundled packages. Additional components for installation are chosen by default in such packs. Components are undisclosed very often, and TestForSpeed can be installed. Searching for a Custom or an Advanced menu in the setup is a good idea of preventing unwanted installations.
As you can see from the above image, an extension related to TestForSpeed.com can be added. It is available on the Google Chrome Web Store. Another distribution way for this hijacker is through adverts, such as banners, pop-ups etc. or from visiting suspicious sites. These websites can be business partners with the hijacker’s creators. Affected browsers are: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari.
TestForSpeed.com – More Details
TestForSpeed(.)com is the main web page of a browser hijacker program of the same name. MyWay, owned by Mindspark Interactive Network (currently Ask Applications) has developed this hijacker, which is very similar to TestiNetSpeed.
If TestForSpeed is installed on your PC, you will witness lots of modifications to your browsers. Every browser can have its homepage set to MyWay, as well as a new search engine and the new tab modified. The speed tester program with which the hijacker comes with is advertised as useful and needed. That is untrue because the program doesn’t even work properly.
A browser extension can be added on top of everything else. You can even get it from the Google Chrome Web Store. It could come bundled with other applications as well. The extension has the same name, TestForSpeed, and can redirect you to websites linked to the hijacker. You may see lots of ads. The browser extension can:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Read and change your browsing history
- Manage your downloads
- Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
Everything that you write inside the MyWay search engine will be filtered by it. Thus, any personal data you type in there will be collected from the hijacker. Search results shown by the unwanted program can mislead you. In the search results page, there are advertisements, links, and sponsored content.
Redirects in your browsers can appear from the homepage, new tab, toolbar or advertisements. Pop-ups, pop-unders, banners and in-text links can show as advertising content. All redirects might have the aim of generating traffic to webpages and get money from pay-per-click.
The Privacy Policy of TestForSpeed.com redirects to the EULA and Policy page of Mindspark. The last update to the policy is from June 12, 2019.
The Policy clearly states that personal information may be collected, even if it is personally identifiable. No statement is written about exactly what information will be gathered, but here are some important quotes from the updated policy:
We may collect information from you in a variety of different ways. This is information that may identify you, and anonymous information, such as the number of your page views, link clicks, and login times. Your information may be kept in an identifiable format, or in an aggregate format which means that you cannot reasonably be identified from it. We provide further detail on the type of info we collect, and how we collect it, below:
Information You Provide To Us. We may collect and store any information you provide when using the Ask Apps Services or that you provide in some other manner. This information may include information such as:
Your name, email address, telephone number, username and password.
Information provided when you log-in to the Ask Apps Services via Facebook or any other social media site (you should review the privacy policy of Facebook or any other social media site through which you choose to log into certain Ask Apps Services)
We also collect and store information and other content you post to the Ask Apps Services, where such features are made available (e.g., MyScrapBook which allows you to centrally save items such as photos).
Further, in order to permit us to protect the quality of our products and services, we may to the extent permitted by applicable law access your account and records on a case by case basis to investigate complaints or other allegations.
and
Third Parties:We may receive information from third-parties, including our authorized service providers, IAC affiliates, advertising companies, and ad networks. These third parties may display ads via the Ask Apps Services. These companies may use tracking technologies, such as cookies, to collect information about users who view or interact with these advertisements. (To learn more about cookies generally, please go to our Cookies policy.)We may also use this information to better understand you and your interests. This will allow us to improve and customize the Ask Apps Services.
All of this means that using any service or product connected both to TestForSpeed and Mindspark grants your approval for information gathering. All information that is collected may be shared with third parties. You should remove this unwanted application. There are speed testing sites which don’t install anything on your PC and give accurate results about your internet speed. Your internet cannot get faster from any software.
Remove TestForSpeed Completely
To remove TestForSpeed.com and its browser extension manually from your PC, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. If the manual removal does not get rid of this hijacker completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your PC safe in the future.
Tsetso Mihailov
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
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How to Remove TestForSpeed from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for TestForSpeed with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed (Windows).
Get rid of TestForSpeed from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed. 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 TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as TestForSpeed, 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 TestForSpeed (Mac)
Remove TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed will be removed.
Eliminate TestForSpeed 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".
TestForSpeed-FAQ
What Is TestForSpeed?
The TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed?
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 TestForSpeed?
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 TestForSpeed Work?
Once installed, TestForSpeed 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.
TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TestForSpeed 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 TestForSpeed?
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 TestForSpeed threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.