This article aims to help you with the removal of Wizesearch.com redirect from affected browser and system. Follow the detailed guide at the end to get rid of this annoying website in full.
Wizesearch.com is a domain that could start to appear in your preferred browser without your consent. Thus, it is classified as a browser hijacker that could compromise the homepage, new tab page as well as default search engine of target browser. With these modifications, it becomes able to push its dubious search engine and trick you into using its services. As a typical hijacker Wizesearch.com aims to obtain sensitive details and use them for advertising purposes. Unfortunately, both your personal and non-personal data could be disclosed with third-parties of unknown origin and misused by malicious intenders.
Threat Summary
| Name | Wizesearch.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | Wizesearch.com is the domain associated with browser hijacker that affects commonly used web browsers by modifying the settigns of their homepages, new tab pages and default search engines. |
| Symptoms | The homepage and new tab page of affected browsers redirect to the main page of the suspicious search engine Wizesearch.com. Many advertisements flood the browser and make it sluggish. |
| 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 Wizesearch.com. |
Wizesearch.com – Spread Techniques
The reason why your preferred browser redirects you to Wizesearch.com hijacker is most likely a potentially unwanted program installed on the computer. Such programs often compromise computer systems with the help of the installers of free third-party apps available on various torrent websites like The Pirate Bay and online stores for software like Chrome Web Store. So along with the last free program or torrent file, you opened on your PC you might have installed the hijacking app associated with Wizesearch.com as well. When the PUP comes as a part of the installers of desired apps, it is usually hidden in the Advanced or Custom configuration options so that users could miss its presence and get tricked into installing it along with the first app. To prevent the installation of undesired apps like Wizesearch.com you need to select these options and read carefully all the details presented there.
Frequently used web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari could be affected by Wizesearch.com redirect.
Wizesearch.com – More About Its Impact
After infection, the deceptive search engine pushed by Wizesearch.com is set as a default one, and you could see it on your homepage as well as on each new tab window you open. By modifying all these basic browser settings even on system level, the redirect aims to ensure its persistent presence on the infected computer. Have in mind that some of harmful files and objects associated with Wizesearch.com may be hard to find manually especially the ones that compromise Windows registry keys and values there.
Below you can see a picture of redirect’s main page:
The main purpose of Wizesearch.com redirect is to obtain specific details you provide online and spy on your online activities. This could be explained by the fact that its owners need to use the data to set their advertising campaigns and deliver you ads based on your interests. Additional components dropped on your affected PC may help the hijacker to generate adverts and redirect you to suspicious websites that could deliver third-party content or even malware infections.
As regards the search results of Wizesearch.com they are generated by another browser hijacker Safe Finder which was reported by our team back in August 2015. The tricky part is that Safe Finder hijacker tries to imitate the look of Yahoo search results so you can easily miss its logo positioned at the top right corner and continue using its deceptive services. Even though SafeFinder hijacker uses the Yahoo search database to generate results, the owners of this hijacker could modify what you see and flood the results with lots of ads. As a result, you may not be able to see the most reputable websites related to your search queries.
In addition, both hijackers are known to acquire all your search queries as well as browsing history and other specific details that define your browsing habits.
Wizesearch.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy section of Wizesearch.com site could be accessed by its main domain on the bottom left. Because of the search queries going through the Safe Finder hijacker – its policy also applies here. From reading both policies, you find out that both platforms gather personally and non-personally identifying information. That information can be disclosed to third-parties or even released on dark web forums.
According to the Wize Search policy, information which can be collected is:
- The type of your browser
- The type of your device
- Language preferences
- Time stamps
- Clicks and visited pages
- Facebook Login, Google+, etc. data stored in such social media sites
- Email address
- Search logs
- Operating system
- Utilized internet service provider
- Other similar information
According to the policy of Safe Finder, the information which can be collected is:
- Browser (type and language)
- Operating System (type and language)
- Your name and address
- Geo location and IP address
- Date and time of access
- Your time zone
- Advertisements viewed
- Offers and services that interest you
- Default search
- VPN and Proxy services
- Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Interaction with social networks
- Screen Resolution
- Search quires and browsing history
- Pages browsed and content viewed
If you are using any services related to Wizesearch.com or Safe Finder, including applications pushed by them, you automatically give your approval for the collection of your data. The policies state that cookies, web beacons, pixel tags and similar technologies can be also used for accumulating data.
How to Remove Wizesearch.com Redirect
The steps listed below will help you to remove Wizesearch.com redirect completely from affected Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, or Safari web browser. The guide that follows will also be helpful for the removal of this nasty program from your Windows system. You will find two removal approaches – manual and automatic. Have in mind that the manual removal steps may not reveal all harmful files dropped on the system. If these files remain on the system you can still experience redirects to Wizesearch.com during browsing sessions. For maximum protection, it is good to scan the system for some leftovers with certified anti-malware tool.
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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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Wizesearch.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Wizesearch.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Wizesearch.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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Wizesearch.com 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 Wizesearch.com 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 Wizesearch.com (Windows).
Get rid of Wizesearch.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Wizesearch.com 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 Wizesearch.com. 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 Wizesearch.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:
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 Wizesearch.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Wizesearch.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.
Video Removal Guide for Wizesearch.com (Mac)
Remove Wizesearch.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.
Erase Wizesearch.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.
Uninstall Wizesearch.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.
Remove Wizesearch.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 Wizesearch.com will be removed.
Eliminate Wizesearch.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.
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".
Wizesearch.com-FAQ
What Is Wizesearch.com?
The Wizesearch.com 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 Wizesearch.com?
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 Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Wizesearch.com?
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 Wizesearch.com Work?
Once installed, Wizesearch.com can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Wizesearch.com 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 Wizesearch.com 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 Wizesearch.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Wizesearch.com 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 Wizesearch.com?
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 Wizesearch.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.