A browser hijacker associated with the website v9.com has been reported to harass users with annoying advertisements in the form of ad-supported search results. v9.com features some shady privacy policy statements regarding collecting personal information as well as using it. What is more, the browser hijacker is reported by malware researchers to display third-party advertisements to both legitimate as well as suspicious websites. Its removal for which we have provided instructions after this article is highly recommended.
Threat Summary
| Name | v9.com Hijacker |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The domain v9.com can be set as homepage and new tab on each affected browser. A rogue search engine is set as default one. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of affected browsers can display the main page of v9.com hijacker. Many redirects and advertisements can occur during browsing sessions. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss v9.com Hijacker. |
v9.com Browser Hijacker – How Did It Get on My PC?
One way for this ad-supported PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) to slip into your computer is via installing other programs which are downloaded from third-party software providers. Users being users often tend to fast-click their way through steps of the setup of the program they downloaded. Here is where messages in the ‘Advanced’ or ‘Custom’ install may appear prompting them to add programs such as v9.com browser hijacker ‘as a free extra’. Such steps are often disregarded and this is the most often situation of such unwanted programs being installed.
v9.com hijacker can affect the following browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Edge, Internet Explorer and Safari.
v9.com Browser Hijacker – What Does It Do?
Once it has been installed on your computer, the program may hijack your browser by changing different settings to display the webpage v9.com as a Home and a New Tab of it. Then, this software may begin to collect different information via tracking technologies such as cookies, beacons and others.
If you take a look at the search engine in detail, it is immediately noticed that it does not support HTTPs protocol type of connection (the “s” stands for secure) which is highly uncommon for a legitimate search engine.
This means that the connection to the website is not encrypted and your information may be free to be sniffed by cyber-criminals if the website has been targeted. But, do not worry because ELEX itself may sniff and aggregate such information out of you anyways.
Furthermore, when tested, it was immediately noticed that the hoax search engine displayed ad-supported search results, the notification for which was difficult to notice. When clicked on the advertisements, they led to third-party websites promoting online shopping as well as other online services.
The bottom line for this browser hijacker is that you should stay away from it. It is most likely a sham involving hoax ad-supported search engines that may or may not lead users to suspicious third-party websites. Third-party sites may conceal many risks from users and in general, they are two types:
- Scamming sites that aim for money or user information.
- Malware-infested redirect URLs that aim to infect user PCs for different interests (political, financial, etc.)
Also, researchers strongly believe that advertisements provided by this website may be part of an affiliate scheme to boost traffic to other sites and to make the developers of the browser hijacker gain profit from such marketing services or pay-per-click schemes. What is more, the information collected from the user may be then utilized to bring targeted advertisements in different forms to the user – we are talking about not only ad-supported search results but also, pop-ups, banners and other annoying ads that may lead to suspicious websites. Either way, the removal of the v9(.)com Browser Hijacker is highly recommended.
v9.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy section of v9.com is available on the left corner of its main page. It is very important for you to understand that the company behind the software, called ELEX, has notified in their privacy policy the following:
According to the policy, the company may collect and keep records of the following data:
- Your hardware model
- Operating system version
- Unique device identifier
- Mobile network information including phone number
- Cookie information
- Your search queries
- System activity
- Hardware settings
- Browser type
- Browser language
- Date and time of your request
- Referral URL
The collected data may be used for commercial purposes or disclosed to third-parties of unknown origin.
What is more to this, ELEX have very specific demands in their license agreement as well:
Remove v9.com Browser Hijacker Easily
Removing such browser hijacker from an affected computer may prove to be tricky since the program itself may run active processes in the background that prevent it to casually be deleted.
This is why it is advisable to follow the step-by-step tutorial below in order to completely be rid of v9.com unwanted software. Also, for maximum efficiency and future protection, you should download and install an advanced anti-malware software which will also remove all associated files and check whether or not you have already been indirectly influenced by this software.
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.
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How to Remove v9.com Hijacker from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for v9.com Hijacker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall v9.com Hijacker 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 v9.com Hijacker 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 v9.com 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.
Video Removal Guide for v9.com Hijacker (Windows).
Get rid of v9.com Hijacker from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall v9.com Hijacker 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 v9.com Hijacker. 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 v9.com 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 v9.com Hijacker files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as v9.com 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.
Video Removal Guide for v9.com Hijacker (Mac)
Remove v9.com 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.
Erase v9.com 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.
Uninstall v9.com 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.
Remove v9.com 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 v9.com Hijacker will be removed.
Eliminate v9.com 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.
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".
v9.com Hijacker-FAQ
What Is v9.com Hijacker?
The v9.com Hijacker 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 v9.com Hijacker?
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 v9.com Hijacker?
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 v9.com Hijacker Work?
Once installed, v9.com Hijacker 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.
v9.com Hijacker 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 v9.com Hijacker 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 v9.com Hijacker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this v9.com Hijacker 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 v9.com Hijacker?
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 v9.com Hijacker threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.