What Is Yahoo Search Virus
Yahoo Search Virus is the type of threat that is very similar to other redirect viruses of it’s kind, for example Google Redirect virus and Bing Redirect virus. All those threats are related to potentially unwanted programs like browser hijackers, adware, and browser extensions.
If you have begun to see advertisements, like pop-ups, ad-supported search results, and other forms of online ad content, leading to third-party websites, you most like have one or more ad-supported programs installed on your computer. Such PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) are well known to be of the browser hijacker type, and they aim to modify the web browsers heavily.
Yahoo Search related PUPs also change the default home page of the web browsers they are installed on with hoax search engines that do not have their own database and redirect search results to the search page of the company. Since the advertisements that the Yahoo Search Virus redirect programs cause may lead to suspicious third-party websites, recommendations are to read this article and learn how to remove redirects from your computer immediately.
Threat Summary
| Name | Yahoo Search Virus |
| Type | Potentially Unwanted Program |
| For Affected macOS Users | Remove Yahoo Search Virus on Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to heavily modify the web browser of your computer after which collect data and display ads for profit of it’s creator. |
| Symptoms | The software may slow down your computer by displaying various advertisements. It also changes your search engine to suspicious one and when you perform a search, you receive a browser redirect to its own web page. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundled installers, fake setups or via other PUP that has already been installed on your PC. |
| Detection Tool |
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Yahoo Redirect Virus – How Did I Get It?
This redirect search virus is the type of threat that is very similar to other redirect viruses of it’s kind, for example Google Redirect virus and Bing Redirect virus. All those threats are related to potentially unwanted programs like browser hijackers, adware, and browser extensions.
The primary method of this unwanted app getting in your computer is the installation of software downloaded from third-party sites that are not the official publishers of the program. Programs like media players, torrent download software or any other type of commonly used free apps may be misused for the spread of PUPs that hijack browsers and push the Search virus. The way the unwanted software installs itself on your computer is by being concealed in the installer of the downloaded program as a helper program.
These programs are often included in one of the installation steps of the free program you have downloaded, usually in the “Advanced” or “Custom” setup mode. They are often concealed as “free extras” and prompt you to add them to the current installation. Since most inexperienced users fall for this trick, the Yahoo Search Virus programs are installed silently on your computer system. Here is an example of how such bundled software may appear like on your computer system:
In addition to being bundled with other installers, the redirection software may also install itself automatically as a result of you having malware or other adware previously affecting your computer. Such viruses come in a variety of ways, including visiting malicious websites.
Yahoo Search Virus – What Does It Do?
A good way to describe this browser hijacking software is that it takes advantage of cookies and other tracking technologies which it uses on your computer after it’s installation and execution. These technologies are likely to be:
- Cookies.
- Locally Shared Objects, also known as Flash Cookies.
- Tags.
- Pixels.
- Geo-locators.
Those tracking technologies are used to obtain different information from your computer system. Such info can be:
- Your IP address.
- Nationality and local language.
- Your network information.
- Most visited websites.
- Online searches via the suspicious search engine which is set as your default and redirects results to its own search engine.
- Online clicks.
- Browsing history.
In addition to this, this redirect “virus” may also not use encryption on the suspicious search engine it sets as default for your web browser. This is highly unethical and poses a significant number of security risks to your computer.
Besides this, another reason why this application is considered to be generally unsafe is that it may also “assist” you with your browsing experience by collecting information about your online activity in order to display a lot of advertisements. The ads, displayed by this redirect may significantly slow down the loading speeds of your computer and in addition to this can be different types, such as:
- Browser redirects to third-party websites.
- Ads, which may pop-up directly on your screen and contain audio and animations.
- Taken over banner spaces of the websites you visit, instead of seeing Google Ads.
- Highlighted text on the sites you visit, which displays a pop-up after you hover on it with your mouse.
The advertisements that are displayed by the redirect “virus” may lead you to various suspicious third-party websites, which may be very dangerous to your computer, such as:
- Tech Support scamming sites which fake an infection on your PC to get you to call a number provided, belonging to scammers.
- Infect your computer with malware, such as ransomware, CryptoMiner Trojans and many other viruses.
- Redirect you to fake PayPal, eBay, Amazon or other phishing pages, which may trick you into entering your financial details, passwords and other data, while you are believing you are buying a product from the real websites.
The removal of the undesired program that is redirecting affected browsers to Yahoo Search may be a challenging task. Some of these invasive programs are configured to install the so-called browser helper objects. In Windows systems, malicious browser helper objects may affect the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\.
Once the nasty program has its values there, it becomes able to control the affected browser by redirecting it to this redirect’s web page. So that’s why a simple uninstall process won’t be efficient for the removal of any potentially unwanted programs associated with the appearance of the search virus in your favorite browser. Since the removal of some important and legit registry entries may lead to a total system crash, security experts recommend the help of a Registry Editor cleaner. The tool will locate malicious entries only and remove them without damaging the regular system performance.
How to Remove Yahoo Search Virus
To uninstall browser hijackers that are associated with all those annoying Yahoo Search Virus you have been experiencing, we recommend that you follow the step-by-step removal instructions, which we have created below. They include steps on how to isolate the software that is pushing redirects and remove it from the affected computer system and browsers Google Chrome, Mozilla, Firefox, Safari and Internet Explorer.
Bear in mind that if you want to completely remove harmful files installed by undesired programs and prevent them from affecting system security, you should consider the help of a specific browser redirect removal software. The tool recommended in our guide (SpyHunter) will scan for all system drives and folders for ad-supported and harmful programs and remove every file established by them. This will result in your PC functioning typically and being protected against future infections by any redirect “viruses” as well as other malware on your PC.
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.
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- Mac OS X
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- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Yahoo Search Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Yahoo Search Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus (Windows).
Get rid of Yahoo Search Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus. 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 Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Yahoo Search Virus, 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 Yahoo Search Virus (Mac)
Remove Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus will be removed.
Eliminate Yahoo Search Virus 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".
Yahoo Search Virus-FAQ
What Is Yahoo Search Virus?
The Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus?
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 Yahoo Search Virus?
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 Yahoo Search Virus Work?
Once installed, Yahoo Search Virus 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.
Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus?
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 Yahoo Search Virus threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
Esto de virus y antivirus, es como el juego de los policías y ladrones, al final de cuentas van de la mano, en fin todo sea por obtener trabajo, solo que el método no es aceptable a base de perjuicio.
This yahoo powered search virus is driving me crazy! Everything I search for opens yahoo and I don’t want to use this search engine. I’ve reset the default browser settings but searches and new tabs are still infected by the yahoo virus.. help please
Hey Martha,
As I understand you’ve tried to clean the browser but it didn’t work. Probably, there is a suspicious program on your device that is still causing the Yahoo search redirect. This program should be uninstalled from the operating system (Windows or macOS). In Step 2 and Step 3 you can see how to perform the removal process and eventually get rid of anything unnecessary or harmful.