This article has been created with the sole purpose of helping you by showing how to remove the Searchtab(.)net redirect “virus” completely from your computer system.
Suspicious software, believed to be installed in the form of toolbar associated with the name Searchtab(.)net has started appearing on unsuspecting users computer, displaying various different types of advertisements. The software aims to modify the browsers of the affected computers by it and may change their homepage to Searchtab(.)net – a suspicious website which uses over 16 tracking technologies to collect information from your computer. Since this software may slow down your computer with various third-party advertisements, it is often regarded as a low-level threat. However, since it can also lead you to suspicious third-party websites that in some cases may even be malicious, it is recommended to read the following post and learn how to remove Searchtab(.)net from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | Searchtab(.)net |
| Type | Browser Hijacker/PUP |
| Short Description | Displays suspicious advertisements on your computer, which may eventually lead to infection with malware. Collects information. |
| Symptoms | A lot of advertisements, slow PC, changed browser home page, browser redirects. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Searchtab(.)net. |
Searchtab(.)net “Virus” How Did I Get It
The main method which could be used by the one spreading this suspicious software could be to utilize a rather aggressive strategy for marketing, also known as bundling. Bundling is basically to include the program files of Searchtab.net hijacker in the installers of other programs. The software may not even be seen in the installer, but if noticed, it may look like it is added “as a free extra” to the current installation.
Besides this method, there are other ways by which this suspicious software could have slithered into your system, such as:
- Other adware or malware that has previously infected your PC.
- Being downloaded by landing on a redirect or advertised page.
Searchtab(.)net “Virus” – Analysis
Generally the Searchtab(.)net software is not regarded as malicious, since it does not perform any administrative modifications on your computer that may be harmful to it or your files. However, we have detected that the software may modify various aspects of your web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and change their settings to it’s interests. This means that your web page that is set as default, may be changed to Searchtab(.)net, for starters:
Another activity done by this so-called “virus” may be to install suspicious browser extensions on your favorite web browsers which additionally stuff it with unnecessary ads, causing your computer to run slower than usual.
But this is not all. When we take a look at the website itself, we have detected at least 16 different tracking technologies, such as:
- Pixels.
- Tags.
- Cookies.
- LSOs (Local Shared Objects).
- Other.
The tracking tech used by the company, behind the Searchtab(.)net website, called “Apply Advanced Mobile Technologies Inc.” may be used to obtain your:
- IP address.
- Location.
- Language.
- MAC address.
- Browsing History.
- Online clicks history.
- Search history..
The company may even collect personal information and disclose it, while hiding it with clever words under it’s privacy policy, as you can see below:
Reality may be that this information may be used to target you with suspicious advertisements that may either boost someone’s third-party website by having you clicked on the ads or causing browser redirects. The bad news here is that the software works with various third-party websites, which may also result in redirecting you to malicious or phishing websites, that could infect your PC with malware or trick you into entering your financial information, for example. This is the main reason why security experts recommend removing the Searchtab.net related virus from your computer.
Remove Searchtab(.)net Fully from Your PC
If you are seeing all of the symptoms of this suspicious software above, bear in mind that it creates multiple different objects on your computer which prevent it to be deleted the conventional ways. This is why we recommend removing the virus thoroughly by following our removal instructions below.
For maximum effectiveness and fastest removal, be advised that experts recommend using an advanced anti-malware software which will automatically perform all of those activities automatically.
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.
Follow Me:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Searchtab(.)net from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Searchtab(.)net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Searchtab(.)net 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 Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)net (Windows).
Get rid of Searchtab(.)net from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)net files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)net (Mac)
Remove Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)net will be removed.
Eliminate Searchtab(.)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".
Searchtab(.)net-FAQ
What Is Searchtab(.)net?
The Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)net Work?
Once installed, Searchtab(.)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.
Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)net Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)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 Searchtab(.)net threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.