This article will help you remove SearchSecretly.net absolutely. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions at the bottom of the article.
SearchSecretly.net is the main Web address for a browser hijacker redirect that has the same name. The hijacker can redirect you to the most popular search engines and to unknown websites. Moreover, it could show you targeted advertisements and sponsored content whenever you use the services of SearchSecretly. The hijacker will change the homepage, new tab, and your current search engine for all browsers you use. A browser extension is featured on the main domain page as well as on the Google Chrome Web Store.
Threat Summary
| Name | SearchSecretly.net |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Each browser application on your computer might get affected. The hijacker will redirect you and could display advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which will get altered are the homepage, default search engine and the new tab page. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SearchSecretly.net. |
SearchSecretly.net – Methods of Distribution
The SearchSecretly.net hijacker could be distributed using various methods. One of them is via third-party installations. The installer setups might be inside bundled applications and freeware which could be designed to install more components by default. That might happen without you knowing. You could have tried installing a converter app or other free software and got your browser settings altered by the hijacker. Preventing undesired programs like these from installing on your computer is doable if you find Custom or Advanced settings in the setup.
SearchSecretly.net could be distributed with other methods such as a direct download button on its main page. Another method is via a page on Google’s Chrome Web Store as seen in the above picture. Such methods typically involve a browser extension or an add-on to be installed on your browser applications. Other distribution methods use advertisements, like banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, and redirect links. Targeted content, as well as sponsored advertising on suspicious websites might also distribute the hijacker. Those websites could be partnered up or affiliated with SearchSecretly.net in a way. The following browsers can be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
SearchSecretly.net – Detailed Analysis
SearchSecretly.net is the main domain for a browser hijacker that has the same name – SearchSecretly. The service claims to allow you to search in secret, albeit that is not true. You could experience redirects other than those leading to the popular search engines, and might even see targeted content from the search results. Be aware that links which can be found through this service as they might lead to places you don’t want to visit. The main page is shown down below in the screenshot:
SearchSecretly.net is a usual browser hijacker, which has a false promise as its motto and will redirect you to various places. Not to mention, that it could display lots of advertisements when you are using it for surfing the Web. The search results will load in a redirect that represents a fake page of a popular search engine. Every search inquiry that you make can send information to servers connected to this hijacker, before the landing page with search results load. The page that is shown above switches the homepage, new tab and the default search engine for each browser on your PC with ones associated with SearchSecretly. Extensions and add-ons which are related to the application can be found around the Web, having similar browser hijacking capabilities as the redirect.
Such a browser extension is currently located on the Google’s Chrome Web Store as well as the main page of the hijacker and does the following things, when it gets installed:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Communicate with cooperating websites
- Change your search settings to: searchsecretly.net
- Communicate with cooperating native applications
The image that is displayed under this paragraph shows a clear example of a search query, made with through the SearchSecretly.net service. The search results show a fake page for the Yahoo! search engine. The hijacker will filter every search query that you make, so be careful. So, everything that you input as data will be sent to the servers connected to the browser hijacker in question. Here is an example of a search result:
The website can display various advertisements across webpages you visit and redirects which can fill your computer machine with browser cookies that can track you. Other tracking technologies might have been implemented, too. Refrain from clicking on links and advertisements, as they could gather information about you and your online habits.
SearchSecretly.net – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the SearchSecretly.net site is located at the footer of the main Web address of the website. The company that is stated as the developer of the hijacker is Visicom Media Inc.. The policy provides enough insight about the data collection done by the browser hijacker. Read on to see what data specifically can be collected from you when you are using the services of SearchSecretly.net.
You can preview the Privacy Policy from the image shown here:
The information provided down below will get collected from you, according to the Policy.
- Your IP address
- Your E-mail address(es)
- Contact information given when registering/installing
- Other information you provide
- Information gathered by cookies, and special identifiers
Adding to the information that is stated to be collected above, multiple browser cookies are also dropped by the site and services of SearchSecretly.net and could acquire more information about you and your browser activity.
The following quote regarding data collection is also something to take note of:
By its very nature, our Site contains links to third-party Web sites. Please be aware that we cannot control and are not responsible for the information collection practices of third-party Web sites.
The above quotation means that other websites pushed by the hijacker can collect information from you and their respective Privacy policies are in play, as well.
In conclusion, you should be careful of what information you give out to search engines and websites, such as these and also, in the case you do not like personal information to be gathered from you by this browser hijacker, you should consider removing it.
Remove SearchSecretly.net Efficiently
To remove SearchSecretly.net manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the hijacker redirect and its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer safe in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove SearchSecretly.net from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for SearchSecretly.net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.net (Windows).
Get rid of SearchSecretly.net from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.net files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.net (Mac)
Remove SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.net will be removed.
Eliminate SearchSecretly.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".
SearchSecretly.net-FAQ
What Is SearchSecretly.net?
The SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.net Work?
Once installed, SearchSecretly.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.
SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.net Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.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 SearchSecretly.net threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.