What Is Smartshopsearch.com?
If you notice that your browser’s address bar searches are being redirected through Smartshopsearch.com, it’s possible that an unwanted browser extension has been installed on your system.
Smartshopsearch.com is categorized as a rogue search engine, typically associated with the installation of an undesirable, ad-supported browser extension. Once this extension is added to your browser, it may alter your home page to Smartshopsearch.com, along with other critical browser settings. These modifications are often made without your consent, leading to the classification of Smartshopsearch.com as a browser hijacker.
What Is a Browser Hijacker?
Smartshopsearch.com is categorized as a browser hijacker. Typically, these hijackers alter the browser’s homepage and default search settings. However, more aggressive ones may inject ads and redirect users to potentially hazardous websites without consent. In some cases, hijackers may even harbor keyloggers, capturing user keystrokes and potentially compromising sensitive information like account credentials entered on websites.
Smartshopsearch.com Details
| Name | Smartshopsearch.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUA |
| Short Description | A suspicious browser extension that hijacks your browsers. |
| Symptoms | Your default page is replaced. Ads may be displayed. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Smartshopsearch.com – What Should I Know? How Is It Distributed?
If you don’t recall intentionally downloading anything related to Smartshopsearch.com, it’s possible that the extension was included in the installer of another program. This practice, known as software bundling (a bundled installer), is not illegal but can generate profit on a pay-per-install basis. Hence, it is advisable to avoid downloading bundled software.
Bundled installers are often found on download sites that host packaged archives containing adware, browser plugins, potentially unwanted applications (PUAs), and even malware. You might have unknowingly downloaded such an installer while trying to obtain a legitimate application.
Alternatively, unsafe browsing practices could have led to the appearance of Smartshopsearch.com. For instance, clicking on fake pop-up warnings, like a notification suggesting that your antivirus has expired or that Adobe is out of date, are common examples of fake tech-support scams known to cause browser redirects and unwanted downloads on affected computers. Staying cautious and vigilant while browsing can help prevent such issues
Is Smartshopsearch.com a Virus?
Suspicious browser extensions and search sites such as Smartshopsearch.com are not classified as computer viruses. However, they are known to take users to suspicious pages. If you interact with any of the content Keywordssearching.com provides, you can unknowingly install other potentially unwanted apps or even malware.
Is Smartshopsearch.com Dangerous?
Due to the reasons described in this article, this website is considered potentially dangerous. Such sites are often used by scammers to redirect users to malicious websites that contain malware and fake software downloads.
How to Protect My Computer from Suspicious Extensions
To effectively guard against Smartshopsearch.com, consider cultivating healthy online habits and exercise caution while browsing the web or downloading free software, as they might contain adware. Always read user agreements thoroughly and exclusively download programs from trusted and official sources. Ensure your operating system and web browsers are regularly updated, as this serves as a preventive measure against potential infiltration of malicious or unwanted programs on your device. Staying vigilant and proactive in these aspects will enhance your online security significantly.
How to Remove Smartshopsearch.com
To eliminate Smartshopsearch.com and all its related components, you need to follow several removal steps. The instructions below offer both manual and automatic removal methods. For a thorough cleanup of files installed by unwanted applications, we advise combining these steps.
It’s essential to note that manual removal can be a complex process that demands tech-savvy skills. If you don’t feel confident in performing the manual steps, opting for automatic removal is a safer choice.
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An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Smartshopsearch.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Smartshopsearch.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.com (Windows).
Get rid of Smartshopsearch.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.com (Mac)
Remove Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.com will be removed.
Eliminate Smartshopsearch.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".
Smartshopsearch.com-FAQ
What Is Smartshopsearch.com?
The Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.com Work?
Once installed, Smartshopsearch.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.
Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.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 Smartshopsearch.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.