This article is created to help all users who want to remove Search.searchsmart.bid redirect from affected browsers and PC.
Search.searchsmart.bid is a suspicious website that may be associated with an unwanted program installed on your system. The infection can modify essential browser settings in order to push a dubious search engine that aims to record all your search queries. The domain Search.searchsmart.bid may appear as homepage and new tab page in the affected browsers. A lot of annoying advertisements may pop-up all over the browser and redirect you to websites of unknown origin.
Threat Summary
| Name | Search.searchsmart.bid |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The URL of this hijacker can be set as homepage and new tab destination in each affected browser. Search.searchsmart.bid also sets a hoax search engine. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of affected browsers will display the domain Search.searchsmart.bid. You will be redirected and could see sponsored content. |
| 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.searchsmart.bid. |
Search.searchsmart.bid – Distribution
Search.searchsmart.bid may be associated with potentially unwanted program installed on the PC. With the help of shady distribution techniques Search.searchsmart.bid may land on the system without asking for your prior consent. In general, the hijacker comes bundled with other freeware programs available across the net. You can install it unnoticeably as it may be hidden in the setups of these programs. In some cases, the Advanced/Custom configuration options provide information about the additional setup components and by choosing them you can deselect all undesired software.
Suspicious websites could drop Search.searchsmart.bid on the system after you visit them. The links to such websites are often used in advertising campaigns. So beware of dubious banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, redirect links, and other online ads.
Search.searchsmart.bid – Consequences
Search.searchsmart.bid is designed to modify web browser settings without your permission. Afterward, the suspicious domain appears as a homepage and new tab page in the affected browser while its deceptive search engine is set as a default one. So you may see its main page each time you start a browsing session:
Search.searchsmart.bid primarily aims to collect personally and non-personally identifiable information and generate a lot of annoying advertisements.
On its main page, the redirect provides a search bar in the middle and in-text link named Clean Your Mac. A click on the hyperlink opens new tab in the browser. The new page pushes yet another software called MacKeeper. However, be careful what you download as apps of unknown origin may deliver severe malware infections on your system.
The deceptive search engine redirects to another browser hijacker – Webcrawler.com each time you enter a search query. As it appears the main goal of Search.searchsmart.bid is to provide a hoax search engine in an attempt to promote another hijacking website. The generated search results may land you on websites of unknown origin that may be set to download another malware infection on your PC. For the sake of your online security, it is recommendable to remove the nasty infection from your system.
Search.searchsmart.bid – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of Search.searchsmart.bid provides important details about data collection and its usage. It can be accessed by the main page of Search.searchsmart.bid. According to the policy both personally and non-personally identifiable information can be collected by the website.
You should know that as long as Search.searchsmart.bid is your search engine of choice you agree with the collection of the following details:
- Your device, apps, type, name and version of OS and other software you have
- Internet Protocol (IP) address, e-mail address
- Anonymous user identifiers, device configs and identifiers, advertising ID
- Your use and interactions of the site and services
- Your web page visits and the content you see
- Your search queries and the time and date of your searches
- Your interactions on social networks
- Your name, company name, birth date and gender
- Your home or work addresses, location, telephone and fax numbers
Furthermore, an unintentional collection of email addresses, social security numbers, credit card numbers, and login information is not excluded.
All the information can be disclosed to third parties who are likely to deliver another wave of annoying advertisements in the affected browser.
The bad news is that your personal data may be shared with malicious intenders who are able to cause serious privacy-related issues or deliver severe malware infections.
As regards the owner of Search.searchsmart.bid it is a company named ChumSearch. In fact, this is not the first case when they distribute a browser hijacker with dubious search engine. We at SensorsTechFourum detected and reported that the websites Chumsearch.com as well as Search.hidesearch.bid act like typical browser hijackers and are possessed by the same company.
How to Remove Search.searchsmart.bid Redirect
The detailed guide below shows how to remove Search.searchsmart.bid redirect from all affected browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Interner Explorer, Safari) and the Windows system. In some cases, the manual removal may not be enough to eliminate completely the redirect as some leftovers may remain on the system. For maximum efficiency, it is advisable to complete both the manual and automatic steps.
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.searchsmart.bid from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Search.searchsmart.bid with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Search.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid (Windows).
Get rid of Search.searchsmart.bid from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Search.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid. 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.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.searchsmart.bid, 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.searchsmart.bid (Mac)
Remove Search.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid will be removed.
Eliminate Search.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid-FAQ
What Is Search.searchsmart.bid?
The Search.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid?
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.searchsmart.bid?
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.searchsmart.bid Work?
Once installed, Search.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.searchsmart.bid 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.searchsmart.bid?
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.searchsmart.bid threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.