by Berta Bilbao | November 18, 2016 | 0 Comments browser extension, browser hijacker, redirects

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	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss Search.secure-dm.com.

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. You can notice that SaferBrowser made a lot of redirects with browser hijacking capabilities.

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.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

Guide 1: How to Remove Search.secure-dm.com from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of Search.secure-dm.com on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove Search.secure-dm.com in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase Search.secure-dm.com from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall Search.secure-dm.com from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove Search.secure-dm.com from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate Search.secure-dm.com from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable Search.secure-dm.com Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Search.secure-dm.com

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall Search.secure-dm.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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Search.secure-dm.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.secure-dm.com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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.

Step 4: Scan for Search.secure-dm.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of Search.secure-dm.com from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Search.secure-dm.com and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Search.secure-dm.com:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Search.secure-dm.com. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. 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.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Search.secure-dm.com. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Search.secure-dm.com:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

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.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

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.