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 |
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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
Gergana has a bachelor's degree in Marketing. She has been with the STF team for five years, researching malware, reporting on the latest computer infections, and following digital marketing trends.
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- Guide 1: How to Remove Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com
Step 2: 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 3: Clean any registries, created by Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com on your computer.
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.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Search.hmapsanddrivingdirection.com and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 malware from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
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.
