This article provides detailed instructions on how to remove Safesearchprotect.com hijacker from affected browser and system. Follow the detailed guide at the end to get rid of all harmful files in full.
Safesearchprotect.com is a hoax search engine that alters main browser settings and forces you to use its services. The unexpected appearance of this browser hijacker could be a result of unnoticed installation of undesired program on the PC. After infection the main page of this questionable website may appear on the homepage and each new tab page you open in the affected browser. All changes enable this hijacker to obtain sensitive information from the browser and provide it to its unknown owners.
Threat Summary
| Name | Safesearchprotect.com |
| 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 on the background without users’ knowledge. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search enigne in preferred web browser are set to dislay the main page of Safesearchprotect.com hijacker. Browser slowdowns occur due to increased number of online ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Safesearchprotect.com. |
Safesearchprotect.com – Spread Techniques
The appearance of Safesearchprotect.com hijacker in the browser is most likely caused by a potentially unwanted program installed on the PC. Shady techniques that conceal the presence of any PUPs deliver them on your PC and install them without your knowledge.
The most preferred one is considered to be software bundling. With the help of this technique owners of hijackers like Safesearchprotect.com become able to spread the infection code along with other desired and oftentimes free apps. Due to the popularity of free third-party apps among online users, there are many malicious intenders who modify in their installers and set them to install additional undesired apps along with the primary app. Then they release the compromised copies of various desired programs across the net. So in case that you have recently installed any supposedly useful free app, there is chance that you have unnoticeably installed the undesired Safesearchprotect.com along it.
What you should have in mind in future is that the regular installation setup steps of free apps not always reveal all the information you need to know. So in order to avoid an unnoticed installation of PUPs like Safesearchprotect.com you need to find the Advanced or Custom configuration steps and read carefully what is stated there. In case that you find anything you don’t want to install just unmark it and then continue with the process.
Frequently used web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, Opera and Safari could be affected by Safesearchprotect.com hijacker.
Safesearchprotect.com – More About Its Impact
Once started on the PC the undesired program that pushes Safesearchprotect.com accesses the settings of target browsers to set the domain of the hijacker as their homepages, new tab pages and default search engines. Following modifications the main page of the hijacker becomes the first thing you see after you open your browser:
The main page of Safesearchprotect.com presents just one search field and a wavy logo colored alike the Google’s main logo. It appears that Safesearchprotect.com is a rogue search engine that lacks its own database and is set to redirect all search queries to Google search. Actually, the main aim of this hijacker is data harvesting. Certain details collected from affected browsers are sent to its servers so that its owners could use them for their business and advertising purposes. As a result, you may become a target of aggressive advertising campaigns or various phishing campaigns.
As it gets clear from the main page of Safesearchprotect.com hijacker it is associated with another one called Searchincognito.me. Unfortunately, none of them presents a privacy policy page to inform users about data collection practices and data usage. The company that should be responsible for handling sensitive users’ data remains hidden as well.
Based on our research experience we could guess that like the majority of hijackers Safesearchprotect.com is able to acquire all of the following details from each affected browser:
- Visited URLs and websites
- Browser’s home page
- Search queries
- Type of used browser
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
Meanwhile, the infection files that reside on your PC may be designed to harvest additional system data which at worst may be used by bad intenders to exploit existent vulnerabilities. This, in turn, may lead to an infection with a severe malware.
How to Remove Safesearchprotect.com Browser Hijacker
In order to remove Safesearchprotect.com hijacker and all associated files from your PC make sure to complete all the steps listed in the removal that follows. It presents both manual and automatic removal instructions that combined will help you to remove this undesired program in full. The automatic approach guarantees maximum efficiency as a scan with an advanced anti-malware tool reveals the exact location of all malicious files and objects created by Safesearchprotect.com. The results enable you to access and remove all harmful files from the infected PC. Have in mind that files associated with this hijacker may be detected with a different name than the name of the hijacker.
In case that you have further questions or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via email.
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 Safesearchprotect.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Safesearchprotect.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Safesearchprotect.com 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 Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.com (Windows).
Get rid of Safesearchprotect.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.com (Mac)
Remove Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.com will be removed.
Eliminate Safesearchprotect.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".
Safesearchprotect.com-FAQ
What Is Safesearchprotect.com?
The Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.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 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 Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.com Work?
Once installed, Safesearchprotect.com 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.
Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.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 Safesearchprotect.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.