Search.secure-dm.com is the main domain of the browser hijacker named Secure Download Manager. The developer of that program is called SaferBrowser. That company is notorious for making heaps of browser hijackers. The undesired application alters the new tab window, homepage, and search engine for all of your browsers software. A toolbar can be put on the new page of your browsers. An add-on tied to this hijacker can install as well. You can see redirects. To remove the hijacker, you should read this article carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name | Search.secure-dm.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The hijacker can change the homepage, search engine and new tab on every browser application you use. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, search engine and new tab of all your browsers will be changed to Search.secure-dm.com. You will be redirected and might see advertising content. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Search.secure-dm.com – Delivery Ways
Secure Download Manager has various ways of delivery. Third-party installer setups are one of the most widely-spread ones. Without prior notification, freeware, and bundle packages could put the hijacker on your computer machine. Installation setups like those could be set by default to install additive content. Avoiding any undesired content from being installed, is manageable if you find Custom or Advanced options in the setup from where to deselect that content.
Secure Download Manager could be delivered through a browser extension. Plug-ins and add-ons associated with the hijacker might be found around the Internet and utilized as another way of delivery. Social media networks and file-share services could be used to deliver install setups containing the hijacker application. The browser hijacker redirect might pop up from redirect links or advertisements spread by suspicious websites. Browsers that can get affected are: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.
Search.secure-dm.com – A Closer Look
Search.secure-dm.com is the primary search page and default URL address for a browser hijacker called Secure Download Manager. The website claims to give its users a unique download manager that monitors your downloads and offers security. The toolbar placed on the top of the main page could be used to access sites which are related. Be careful with the redirect links, as there are bulks of advertisements which could spread from them. The default search engine for your browser programs is going to load the Search.secure-dm.com page instead, when the hijacker has affected them.
The new search engine looks like the following:
Whenever this hijacker gets installed on your computer system, you will be redirected to the search engine related to it. Other browser settings will get modified from the unwanted program, such as your homepage, new tab, including themes and a few other ones. The developer of the hijacker is the company that goes by the name of SaferBrowser.
Any browser extensions tied to this hijacker could be placed inside your browser applications and alter the new tab window, homepage, and the default search setting. That is obviously observed with all of the redirects flooding your Web pages when you are surfing the Web space. Data of different kinds will be gathered from you and will be sent to servers of the Search.secure-dm.com site owners. Third party partners or affiliates could get their hands on that data, too.
The extension could do the following:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
The Search.secure-dm.com page is used to filter every single search query that you make through its servers. Sponsored content, along with targeted advertisements could be displayed after you do a search or when you are browsing casually. The advertising content can of different types, and presented as in-text links, pop-ups, pop-unders, or similar adverts.
The above snapshot displays the redirect’s function for the search results of the Search.secure-dm.com page. That redirect link is a sub-domain for the hijacker in question and only appears for a split second. Every one of your search queries will be filtered, and all data acquired from them is going to a sub-domain for storage and analysis. Then, you will witness the search results page of a reputable search engine. In the below screenshot you can see an example of Yahoo’s search results page:
You should be very careful when entering data inside search bars, especially if it contains personal information and such, regarding credentials, account details, etc. Continue reading to find out what exactly information is being acquired from you.
Search.secure-dm.com – Privacy Policy
In the Privacy Policy of Search.secure-dm.com is specified that both personally and non-personally identifying information will be collected by the hijacker in question. The company SaferBrowser has not made changes to the Privacy Policy of its software with browser hijacking capabilities since the beginning of this year. Information that is obtained about you and your browsing habits could be disclosed to third party businesses and partners of SaferBrowser’s owners.
The policy states that the following information is collected:
- Search queries and all data you type in searches
- Search data and specifics of searches
- Country of residence, home address
- URLs and clicks
- IP address
- Browser (version and type)
- Name, education, interests
- Communications preferences
- Telephone number
- Operating System (plus other related data)
You can view the policy from the image below:
Reading the policy through unveils a statement of how using a service or an application connected to the Search.secure-dm.com website is considered as your consent for data collection. The SaferBrowser company acquires information from you and your online activity. The website uses browser cookies, and other tracking technologies, such as Web beacons, to gather more information.
Remove Search.secure-dm.com Fully
To remove Search.secure-dm.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.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Search.secure-dm.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Search.secure-dm.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Search.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.com (Windows).
Get rid of Search.secure-dm.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Search.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.com (Mac)
Remove Search.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.com will be removed.
Eliminate Search.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.com-FAQ
What Is Search.secure-dm.com?
The Search.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.com Work?
Once installed, Search.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.