Zipfilesearch.com is the homepage of hoax search engine website created by the Hong Kong Company Hopebest Inc Ltd. At first sight, it may seem useful and regular like a website that in addition to search services provides options to Zip and Unzip files through it. However, it is advisable to avoid using Zipfilesearch.com as it seems to be distributed via wicked techniques in order to collect your personal information and disclose it to third parties. That’s why you may be unwillingly redirected to its homepage or notice that it has replaced your default browser home page appearing at each new tab you open. In this article, you can find information about all the shady practices of Zipfilesearch.com and detailed how to remove guide that will help you restore your browsers and PC from this browser hijacker.
Threat Summary
| Name | Zipfilesearch.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Zipfilesearch.com browser hijacker can cause a lot of redirects redirect and flood browser with a lot of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | It can change browser settings and set itself as a start page, search engine and the new tab page as well as causing redirects during your browsing session. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Redirects |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Zipfilesearch.com. |
Zipfilesearch.com – Distribution Methods
Zipfilesearch.com browser hijacker could be set to be installed with some other free software. Installation setups of third-party software are one of the most efficient ways for distribution of hoax search engines like Zipfilesearch.com. Authors of some apps do not disclose adequately all that is to be installed along with the primary product. Thus, potentially unwanted programs infiltrate the system without any notification or asking for permission. The good news is that if you look for Advanced or Custom settings option during the installation process of any software instead of just clicking the Next button, you can prevent any additional features and software from being added.
Zipfilesearch.com – Detailed Analysis
Zipfilesearch.com redirect acts like a typical browser hijacker that changes browser settings in order to set itself to appear as your browser homepage aiming to trick you into using its services which generate revenue for its authors. It may hijack trustworthy browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Opera and other. An additional impact that may be observed is a suspicious extension installed in the browser that can support Zipfilesearch.com hijacker vague actions.
When you are on Zipfilesearch.com homepage, you can see two buttons in the top right corner. They provide Zip and Unzip options that work when you upload files from your PC. On the one hand, these choices fool users to receive additional value from the website, on the other hand, it is better to avoid file uploads because Zipfilesearch.com may collect all your personal files and store them on its server.
At the moment of writing this article Zipfilesearch.com redirects all search queries to Yahoo search engine which is powered by Bing. However, it is much better to set Yahoo as a default browser search engine if you prefer it than using its services through a dubious website that confirms collection of personal data. We will reveal more details on its Privacy Policy in the next paragraph.
As long as Zipfilesearch.com browser hijacker is installed on the PC, it may cause a lot of redirects to other suspicious websites. Its presence is also likely to slow down system performance and diminish browsing experience by displaying an excessive amount of ads. We are flooded with numerous online advertisements every day, it is true. However, browser hijackers like Zipfilesearch.com are not likely to watch for the quality and safety of ads sources. Zipfilesearch.com authors are mostly prone to generate revenue from the so-called scheme pay-per-click without respect to your online security and privacy.
This is why we recommend all users who notice Zipfilesearch.com set as homepage in their browsers to consider its immediate removal from all browsers. Furthermore, it is also essential to get rid of all potentially unwanted programs that are likely to be associated with the hijacker.
Zipfilesearch.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy section is one of the first things you should check when you visit a website for the first time, especially when it acts as a search engine. Zipfilesearch.com Privacy Policy can be accessed from a link at the bottom of its homepage. Once you open, you can see that the company confirms various data collection about you and your browsing activities through Zipfilesearch.com redirect. Zipfilesearch.com browser hijacker could collect personally and non-personally identifying information about users.
The following information will be collected according to the Privacy Policy of Zipfilesearch.com browser redirect:
- IP address;
- Data about the pages you access;
- Mobile network information;
- Search history;
- Time-stamp;
- Information regarding the devices connected to your computer;
- Software installed upon;
- Referring website addresses.
All collected personal and non-personal information is monetized by the company by sharing it with third parties.
Remove Zipfilesearch.com From the System
Zipfilesearch.com browser hijacker, as well as all potentially unwanted programs, could be deleted with the help of our detailed guide below. For best results, it is good to consider the use of professional anti-spyware software which will keep you safe during future online activities.
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 Zipfilesearch.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Zipfilesearch.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.com (Windows).
Get rid of Zipfilesearch.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.com (Mac)
Remove Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.com will be removed.
Eliminate Zipfilesearch.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".
Zipfilesearch.com-FAQ
What Is Zipfilesearch.com?
The Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.com Work?
Once installed, Zipfilesearch.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.
Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.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 Zipfilesearch.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.