The article will help you to remove Search.hinstantlyconverter.com fully. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions given at the end of the article.
The Search.hinstantlyconverter.com is made by Polarity Technologies Ltd., a company well-known for creating whole networks of threats. This particular redirect seems to be made in order to promote a web service. Read more about it in our detailed overview below.
Threat Summary
| Name | Search.hinstantlyconverter.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The Search.hinstantlyconverter.com browser hijacker represents a malicious web browser plugin that is used to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled page. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of all your browsers will be changed to Search.hinstantlyconverter.com. In addition viruses and other malware can be installed during the initiation process. |
| 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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.com. |
Search.hinstantlyconverter.com – Distribution Ways
The Search.hinstantlyconverter.com browser redirect is a typical threat that can be distributed using varied mechanisms. Depending on the active spread campaign the hackers behind it can use several methods at once. As it is operated by a company known for creating whole networks of malware code the hackers behind it can use spam email messages in order to promote the service as a legitimate and useful tool. The messages take advantage of various social engineering tactics in order to convince the users into interacting with a malware element. The email messages can contain a malware hyperlink that redirects to the Search.hinstantlyconverter.com redirect hosted on an download page. It may be described as an useful addition to the users web browser. Another strategy would be to embed the executable file directly.
The malicious code can also be placed in counterfeit software installers. They are usually made by taking the legitimate installation file from the vendors page and modifying it to include the redirect code. The usual suspects are software such as system utilities, creative applications or computer games. They are then distributed on various hacker-controlled download pages and file sharing networks such as BitTorrent. This method is among the most popular ones as it has a very high success ratio — not many users will read through the whole terms and conditions where the malware may be mentioned. By clicking the “Accept” or “Continue” options the users willingly infect themselves with the redirect.
Various types of web scripts can also lead to a dangerous infection. This includes all forms of banners, pop-ups and redirect code that can be placed on either legitimate sites (via ad networks) or intentionally hacker-controlled ones. They are made using domain names that sound similar to legitimate web sites, services and portals.
Search.hinstantlyconverter.com – In-Depth Information
As soon as the Search.hinstantlyconverter.com redirect has infected the victim machines it starts the malware engine. Lke other similar threats it is made compatible with the most popular applications: Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera and Microsoft Edge. The primary goal is to redirect the victims to the dangerous domain by manipulating the new tabs page, default home page and the default search engine. Once this is done the victims will find that when they open up their browsers the next time they will see the malware page.
There are several dangerous consequences of these virus infections. One of the most concerning ones is the fact that they deploy an information gathering component using various web tracking mechanisms such as cookies. This is done in order to build detailed profiles of the individual users to the site. This information is then uploaded to large databases shared with other network sites and shared or sold with partners. Browser redirects are among the most powerful tools used by hackers to conduct such practices.
In addition the Search.hinstantlyconverter.com redirect may be used to deliver malware to the victim machines. Examples include Trojans (they spy on the users and can overtake control of the victims machines at any given time) or dangerous ransomware that can encrypt target user data and extort the victims for a restore fee. When such options are considered the redirect may also engage in system modification itself:
- Windows Registry Modification — The malicious engine can make changes to the Windows registry as an additional measure. Basic redirects modify only the configuration files which is easy to restore. Advanced strains however can impact not only the applications entries but also the operating system itself.
- Boot & Recovery Options — The Search.hinstantlyconverter.com redirect can place viruses onto the victim host. In order to prepare for the malware deployment the virus engine can manipulate the boot options by disabling the recovery menu. This is done in order to help achieve a persistent state of execution.
- Additional Components Download — By communicating with a hacker-controlled server the malware engine can deploy additional threats as well.
When the redirect communicates with network-operated servers the criminals program the threat to cause additional changes to the computer. In certain cases the deployed virus may initiate its own several stage delivery.
Similar to standalone threats a security check can be performed before the virus executable is started. This mechanism scans the target computer for any anti-virus applications, sandboxes & degugging environments or virtual machine hosts. If such are found their real-time engines can be bypassed or entirely removed. If stealth protection is configured the strains can delete themselves to avoid detection.
It appears that one of the reasons to launch and operate the Search.hinstantlyconverter.com redirect is to promote the Instantly Converter tool.
Search.hinstantlyconverter.com – Privacy Policy
The redirect is operated by Polarity Technologies which is a widely known maker of related malware. The associated terms of use and privacy policy conditions are standard and available from the home page. The following data is hijacked from the computers:
- Email address
- IP address
- Home address (mailing address)
- Search queries and all data you type in searches
- Search data and specifics of searches
- URLs and clicks
- Browser type
- Your name
- Your geographic location
- Your ISP (Internet Search Provider)
- Communications preferences
- Operating System (and other related data)
Remove Search.hinstantlyconverter.com Redirect
To remove Search.hinstantlyconverter.com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions given below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the browser hijacker entirely, you should search for and remove any leftover items with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software helps keep your computer secure 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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Search.hinstantlyconverter.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.com (Windows).
Get rid of Search.hinstantlyconverter.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.com (Mac)
Remove Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.com will be removed.
Eliminate Search.hinstantlyconverter.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".
Search.hinstantlyconverter.com-FAQ
What Is Search.hinstantlyconverter.com?
The Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.com Work?
Once installed, Search.hinstantlyconverter.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.
Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.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 Search.hinstantlyconverter.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.