What is Search.safelysearch.net Redirects Virus?
Read this article to find out what the Search.safelysearch.net redirects virus is, how it infiltrates browsers, and why it poses a serious security risk. Search.safelysearch.net is a fake search engine that is deliberately designed to appear legitimate while functioning as part of a browser hijacker ecosystem. Its primary purpose is not to provide accurate search results, but to redirect users to ad-supported, deceptive, or outright malicious pages.
Once active, Search.safelysearch.net replaces critical browser settings such as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. These changes are usually applied without clear user consent and are difficult to reverse manually. The site presents modified search results that are filled with sponsored links, misleading advertisements, and redirects that benefit its operators financially.
Search.safelysearch.net is considered unsafe because it acts as a traffic distribution platform for scam networks, phishing pages, and malware-hosting domains. The redirects and push notification mechanisms it employs significantly increase the risk of system compromise and data exposure.
Search.safelysearch.net Short Overview
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A suspicious website and rogue search engine that hijacks your browsers and causes redirects. |
| Symptoms | Unwanted pop-ups may start appearing while you are browsing the web. A browser hijacker may be downloaded without your knowledge. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
| Removal Tool |
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How Did I Get Search.safelysearch.net Redirects Virus?
Most users become affected by Search.safelysearch.net without intentionally installing anything related to it. The hijacker responsible for this fake search engine is commonly distributed through software bundling techniques. Free programs downloaded from unofficial websites may include hidden components that modify browser settings during installation.
These bundled installers often use misleading installation prompts, pre-selected options, or vague descriptions that hide the presence of additional software. If users do not carefully review installation steps, the browser hijacker can be installed silently in the background.
Another common infection vector involves malicious browser extensions. These extensions may claim to offer useful features such as enhanced search results, coupons, or productivity tools. Once installed, however, they gain permission to read and change browsing data, allowing them to redirect traffic to Search.safelysearch.net.
In some cases, users may be redirected to Search.safelysearch.net after visiting compromised websites, clicking on deceptive ads, or interacting with fake update prompts. These methods rely heavily on social engineering rather than technical exploits.
What Does Search.safelysearch.net Redirects Virus Do?
The Search.safelysearch.net redirects virus performs a wide range of intrusive and potentially dangerous activities once it takes control of a browser. Its main objective is to generate revenue through forced traffic redirection and advertising, but its behavior can lead to much more severe consequences.
After hijacking browser settings, the fake search engine intercepts search queries and routes them through third-party advertising networks. The displayed results are often manipulated to prioritize sponsored links over legitimate content, misleading users and exposing them to harmful websites.
The most common actions associated with Search.safelysearch.net redirects virus include:
- Replacing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab settings
- Redirecting searches through ad-supported and malicious domains
- Displaying intrusive advertisements and sponsored results
- Triggering browser redirects to scam and phishing pages
- Requesting push notification permissions under false pretenses
Once push notification access is granted, Search.safelysearch.net can deliver persistent alerts directly to the desktop or mobile device. These notifications may advertise fake giveaways, technical support scams, adult content, or malicious downloads. The continuous nature of these alerts makes them particularly disruptive and dangerous.
In addition to visible disruptions, the browser hijacker may also collect browsing-related data. This can include search queries, visited URLs, IP addresses, and device information. Such data is often shared with third parties and used for targeted advertising or more malicious purposes.
Over time, the presence of Search.safelysearch.net can significantly degrade browser performance, increase page load times, and cause instability. The constant redirection and script execution consume system resources and reduce overall user experience.
How to Remove Search.safelysearch.net Redirects Virus
Removing Search.safelysearch.net redirects virus requires addressing both the hijacked browser settings and the underlying software responsible for them. Simply changing the search engine back to a preferred provider is rarely sufficient, as the hijacker may automatically revert these changes.
Effective removal involves identifying and eliminating any potentially unwanted programs, malicious extensions, or background components associated with the hijacker. It is also necessary to review browser permissions, particularly notification access, to prevent further abuse.
Failure to fully remove the threat can result in continued redirects, data collection, and exposure to malicious content. Even after apparent cleanup, residual components may remain active and restore the hijacker upon browser restart.
Because browser hijackers often operate alongside other adware or malware, comprehensive system inspection is critical. Leaving Search.safelysearch.net active increases the likelihood of encountering trojans, ransomware, and credential-stealing threats through malicious redirects.
What should you do?
If your browser is being redirected to Search.safelysearch.net or your search results appear manipulated, immediate action is required. This fake search engine is not just an annoyance but a gateway to scams, malware infections, and privacy violations. Follow the removal instructions below to completely eliminate Search.safelysearch.net redirects virus and restore your browser and system security.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
Follow Me:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Search.safelysearch.net from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Search.safelysearch.net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Search.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net (Windows).
Get rid of Search.safelysearch.net from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Search.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net. 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.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.safelysearch.net, 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.safelysearch.net (Mac)
Remove Search.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net will be removed.
Eliminate Search.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net-FAQ
What Is Search.safelysearch.net?
The Search.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net?
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.safelysearch.net?
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.safelysearch.net Work?
Once installed, Search.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.safelysearch.net 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.safelysearch.net?
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.safelysearch.net threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.