The article will aid you to remove V9Search completely. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions provided at the bottom of this article.
Its website will redirect you to its search engine or another malicious site. While using its services, you can find yourself on pages with lots of adverts and sponsored content that go through this hijacker. The hijacker will change the start page, new tab, and search settings for the browser applications you have on your computer machine.
Threat Summary
| Name | V9Search |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Each browser application on your computer could get affected. The hijacker can redirect you and will display lots of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which are altered are the homepage, search engine and the new tab. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss V9Search. |
V9Search Hijacker – Methods of Distribution
The V9Search hijacker is distributed via various methods depending on the desired targets. The detected wave of hijacker infections are not massive in size however we expect that if the campaigns prove successful more samples will be launched.
One of the main tactics relies on the use of email SPAM messages that are sent in bulk containing various social engineering tactics. They will confuse the users into thinking that they have received a message from a famous companies or service that they might use. Any interaction with then can lead to the deployment of the hijacker installation code as the file or script can be attached or linked in the body contents. Common cases that are responsible for many hijacker installation include update notifications, enhanced software offerings and etc.
A similar mechanism is the creation of fake web sites that spoof legitimate and popular vendors, download portals and etc. They can be used to distribute the script installer files or malicious payload carriers. There are two common types which are the following:
- Infected Documents — The criminals will embed malicious scripts (macros) into document files of all popular types: spreadsheets, rich text documents, databases and presentations. Whenever they are opened by the victims a prompt will be spawned requesting them to enable the built-in scripts. If this is done they will download and execute the required commands which will download the hijacker code.
- Application Installers — Infected installers for popular end-user software are made by taking the original files and adding in the required malicious code. Example apps include the following: system optimizers, utilities, creativity suites and office apps.
These files can be spread over file-sharing networks like BitTorrent where both legitimate and pirate content is found. The trackers used to distribute them will often impersonate legitimate files while in fact infected versions of them will be presented.
Hijackers are also uploaded to the plugin repositories of the most popular web browsers. This is among the most popular methods used by hackers as it is very successful and easy to implement. The malicious plugins will be uploaded with fake user reviews and developer credentials by promising new feature additions or performance optimization. If they are installed the hijacker installation will begin.
V9Search Hijacker – In-Depth Description
As soon as the V9Search browser hijacker is deployed onto the victim computers it will begin with the browser changes. Settings modification will be done to the supported browsers, usually the criminals will change the following values: default home page, search engine and new tabs page. As soon as this is done every time it is launched the V9Search hijacker page will be shown.
By itself the landing page will look just like any normal search engine. However any interactions with it may lead to both security and privacy issues. The users will a home page that is designed to look like a regular search engine. It is made of three sections: a top menu bar showing the search type (web, images, videos and news), a main search bar and a bottom bar allowing the users to toggle language options. While it may be a customized version of a well-known search engine there are many risks involved in its use.
Upon visiting any malware landing pages that victim users will most likely get infected with tracking cookies and any additional data harvesting modules. These two components are able to harvest information that can be categorized into two main groups:
- Personal Information — The associated engine and scripts can harvest data that may directly reveal the identity of the victim users. Such strings include the following: their name, address, phone number and any stored account credentials. As the infection happen through the web browsers the malicious code can interact with them to extract all stored information within them.
- Hardware Information — Most of the attack campaigns featuring such code also create an unique machine ID associated with the current infection. This is done by acquiring information about the installed hardware components and certain regional settings and then computing them via a built-in algorithm.
Complex infections can use the hijacked information in order to execute a security bypass. This will search for any installed security software that can detect and remove the V9Search hijacker infection. Examples of such applications include anti-virus and firewall products.
We remind our readers that not all V9Search hijacker instances are malicious in nature however those that are are very difficult to differentiate. As such their use is highly discouraged. Some of the possible outcomes of having them installed on the systems are the following:
- Sponsored Content — The web pages displayed in the user’s browsers can use elements that will redirect them to sponsored content, the reason for this is that every user interaction with the associated site will generate income for the hacker operators.
- Malware Software Offering — In many cases redirect sites like the V9Search hijacker are widely used to advertise infected application installers. The users may search for a certain program to download and instead of the legitimate executable file they will be shown a virus file.
- Windows Settings Change — The engine can altogether modify settings on the victim machines. This is usually related to the fact that they make it hard to remove active infections. Common modifications include those made in the Windows Registry — both operating system strings and those owned by third-party (user-installed) applications are affected. This can lead to performance issues and problems when starting certain services or functions.
- Miner Infections — Many of the browser hijackers also install cryptocurrency miners. This is particularly effective as they can be started from a few lines of embedded JavaScript code. When they are started the local client will contact a remote server and start downloading resource-intensive tasks. They will take advantage of all important parameters such as the CPU, GPU, memory and hard disk space to run the tasks. When one of them is reported to the servers the operators will receive cryptocurrency funds directly to their digital wallet.
Even though this is an extensive list of possible malware consequences one of the biggest dangers remain the installation of a Trojan virus. It is a client service that will establish a secure connection to a predefined hacker server. It allows the operators to spy on the users, hijack their data and also take over control of the machines. They can be recruited to a botnet network and later used in collaborative network attacks and other crimes. Many advanced Trojan threats install themselves in a persistent state which means that they will be started every time the computer is powered on. The made changes interact with the boot manager which in-turn may disable access to recovery menus. This can make manual user recovery instructions invalid.
Remove V9SearchBrowser Hijacker
To remove V9Search 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.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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How to Remove V9Search from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for V9Search with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall V9Search 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 4: Clean Any registries, Created by V9Search 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 V9Search 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 V9Search (Windows).
Get rid of V9Search from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall V9Search 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 V9Search. 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 V9Search 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 V9Search files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as V9Search, 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 V9Search (Mac)
Remove V9Search 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 V9Search 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 V9Search 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 V9Search 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 V9Search will be removed.
Eliminate V9Search 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".
V9Search-FAQ
What Is V9Search?
The V9Search 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 V9Search?
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 V9Search?
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 V9Search Work?
Once installed, V9Search 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.
V9Search 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 V9Search 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 V9Search Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this V9Search 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 V9Search?
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 V9Search threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.