WebPDFSearch Browser Hijacker
WebPDFSearch is a browser hijacker that forces people to use deceptive search engine. Since its appearance in the browser is supported by some suspicious files installed on the PC, only a thorough removal process can delete it from the browser. Its odd behavior is typical for a potentially unwanted program. As a PUP, WebPDFSearch tends to obtain access to computer systems without users’ knowledge. Once started on the system, it alters main browser settings including those of the start page, new tab page, and default search engine.
The installation of this hijacker leads to the unnoticed activation of tracking technologies that collect specific data about your device and online behavior. As a result, the app may start to present you with ads that match your online interests. The goal is to make you more prone to visit as many sponsored pages as possible. Sponsored pages, however, may host online scams and other rogue applications. So beware and proceed to the removal process that will help you stay safe online.
In the guide that follows you will find instructions on how to remove WebPDFSearch hijacker from affected browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Explorer, or Edge) and system.
Threat Summary
| Name | WebPDFSearch |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A website with questionable search enigne that hijacks browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine. All modifications happen without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search enigne in preferred web browser are set to display the hoax search engine WebPDFSearch Browser is slowed down by an increased number of online ads. |
| 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 WebPDFSearch. |
WebPDFSearch Browser Hijacker – Spread Techniques and Impact
WebPDFSearch is yet another website that hosts a hoax search engine. This site is capable of hijacking the main browsing preferences behind users’ backs. That’s why it is a potentially unwanted program on the one hand. On the other hand, it is a browser hijacker.
The fact that the design of this bogus search engine is simple and intuitive is to make affected users use it for longer. However, do not forget those browser hijackers are apps that primarily aim to generate revenue for their owners. To do so, they activate tracking technologies like cookies and start collecting specific data.
The list below reveals what information may be harvested with the help of tracking technologies like cookies, web beacons, scripts, etc.
- Visited URLs and websites
- Browser’s home page
- Search queries
- Search queries on the visited web pages
- Type of used browser
- Operating system type
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP)
- Diagnostic information which describes how their Services are operating on the system
Harvested data helps WebPDFSearch’s owners to configure advertising campaigns in accordance with your interests and demographics. They hope that with a specific targeting you will be more prone to visit sponsored web pages. Action which will generate higher profits to hijacker’s owners.
It is good to mention here, that some of the presented ads may land on poorly secured or hacked web pages. So, please be careful when interacting with ads generated by WebPDFSearch hijacker.
Another thing to consider is the usage of the searching services this site offers. During our research, we identified that the hijacker is redirecting all search queries to Yahoo search. This issue means that WebPDFSearch is one of those nasty persistent apps that cause the so-called Yahoo Redirect virus.
For the sake of your PC security, it’s best to consider the complete removal of WebPDFSearch from the affected browser and system.
How to Remove WebPDFSearch Hijacker
In order to remove the WebPDFSearch browser hijacker along with all associated files, you should complete several removal steps in precise order. The guide below presents you with a manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen PC security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual WebPDFSearch removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Guide 1: How to Remove WebPDFSearch from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of WebPDFSearch from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove WebPDFSearch from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase WebPDFSearch from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall WebPDFSearch from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove WebPDFSearch from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate WebPDFSearch from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove WebPDFSearch from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove WebPDFSearch
Step 2: Uninstall WebPDFSearch 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 WebPDFSearch 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 WebPDFSearch 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.
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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of WebPDFSearch from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall WebPDFSearch 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:
- 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 WebPDFSearch 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 WebPDFSearch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as WebPDFSearch, 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove WebPDFSearch 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
Erase WebPDFSearch 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
Uninstall WebPDFSearch 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
Remove WebPDFSearch 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 WebPDFSearch will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate WebPDFSearch 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.
