This article aims to inform you about the issues that could occur after Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com hijacker accesses your system. It also provides help with the removal process of this potentially undesired program.
Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com is an invasive website that could hijack web browsers installed on your PC. Once started on your system this browser hijacker could alter the settings of the homepage, new tab page and default search engine. Then its main page starts to appear during your browsing sessions.
Threat Summary
| Name | Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable website that replaces basic brower destinations in order to provide deceptive search enigne and hoax services. |
| Symptoms | Homepage, new tab page and default search enigne of preferred web browser could dislay the main page of this hijacker. Browser slowdowns could occur due to 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 Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com. |
Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com – Spread Techniques
Since Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com hijacker is considered to be a potentially unwanted program (PUP) it is likely to sneak into computer systems being part of shady techniques. Various free third-party apps available across the web are set to spread the configuration files of undesired programs like the discussed hijacker.
Usually, the PUP resides is in the installers of these supposedly useful third-party programs. However, the injected extras are rarely disclosed appropriately which often tricks users into installing them on their devices. In some cases, such an unwanted side effect may be avoided with the help of the “Advanced” or “Custom” configuration options presented in the setup. They may uncover more information and eventually help you to prevent affecting your device with hijackers like Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com.
Frequently used web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari could be affected by Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com hijacker.
Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com – More About Its Impact
Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com also dubbed Maps and Driving Direction is a deceptive search engine that hijacks main destinations of commonly used web browsers. Due to its capability of performing browser settings modifications on the background, it is classified as a browser hijacker.
Once its domain address is set to appear as a start page, new tab page and default search engine, its main page becomes the first thing you see when you open a preferred web browser. The main page of Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com could be seen in the picture below:
In fact, the simplistic design of this hijacker could make you believe that it a secure website with a lot of features. It enables you to search different terms, access several websites with maps and driving directions, and open some of your favorite websites with a single click.
However, its unexpected and probably undesired appearance in the browser should mind you that there are some hidden aspects of using its services. One of them is related to sensitive details stored in your affected browser. As found in the policy of this hijacker it is configured to collect data which is mostly related to details about your browsing behavior. The list of collected data is quite long and all it includes is:
- 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
The policy further reveals that the company owner of this browser hijacker – Polarity Technologies Ltd could use the data to:
Help advertisers and publishers connect to offer relevant advertising in their apps and websites.
As a result, you may start noticing an increased number of online advertisements that aggressively attempt to trick you into visiting the websites they promote. This, in turn, could cause browser slowdowns and what’s even worse put your system at risk of malware infections.
You need to be very careful with all ads that flood your affected browser because some of them may be configured to land you on compromised web pages. Once such a page loads in the browser its code may install severe malware directly on your PC.
How to Remove Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com Hijacker
In order to remove Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com hijacker and all associated files from your PC, you should complete all the steps listed in the removal that follows. It presents both manual and automatic removal instructions that combined could help you to secure your device and keep it safe from future attacks. 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 Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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 Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com (Windows).
Get rid of Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com (Mac)
Remove Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com will be removed.
Eliminate Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com-FAQ
What Is Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com?
The Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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 Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com Work?
Once installed, Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.
Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.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.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.