Users have begun to increasingly complain about a browser hijacker that changes the home and hew tab page to Startgo123.com – a suspicious search engine that may display different types of adverts and even causes browser redirects to computers that have been affected. The hijacker was also reported to have associated with several third-parties and heavily use cookies to track different statistics. Since the behavior caused by Startgo123.com browser hijacker might be harmful indirectly to users, malware researchers strongly advise removing it. To learn more about it and ways to remove it fully, you should read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | Startgo123.com Redirect |
| Type | Browser Redirect, Hijacker |
| Short Description | Startgo123.com is associated with an ad-supported browser hijacker that comes to the computer, collects information and may cause browser redirects. |
| Symptoms | The user may see Startgo123.com as his home page or new tab page, see advertisements and browsers redirects to sites he or she did not go to in the first place. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundled downloads or suspicious browser extensions/add-ons. |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Startgo123.com Browser Redirect. |
Startgo123.com Browser Hijacker – More Information
After being installed successfully on your machine, the browser hijacker may heavily modify the registry entries of your web browsers, for example, it may create values in these keys (if you have them):
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\Mozilla Firefox\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Opera\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Internet Explorer\
This may add it as a browser extension, change your home page and new tab page to Startgo123.com and make it concealed as well. Some modifications of the registry entries may even allow Startgo123.com browser hijacker to cause browser redirects and make it more difficult to delete as well.
And this is just the beginning when it comes to Startgo123.com redirects. The browser hijacker also uses cookies related to multiple different source domains:
Furthermore, this web page does not support a secure connection to it, i.e. it lacks HTTPs connection. This is considered potentially harmful as well as highly untypical for search engines.
Not only thus, but when the user searchers for something, he receives a browser redirect with Google results:
The Stargo123.com web page may also show ads which leads us to believe that the hijacking software using it as a home page may be created only to generate revenue. This is usually done by performing a service to pay-per-click networks and other ad-supported scheme by boosing traffic. The browser redirects may be to completely legitimate websites, but they may also lead to harmful websites that may either scam inexperienced users or infect your computer with malware, like Cerber Ransomware, for example. And since the creators of the Startgo123.com browser hijacker may usually not mind what it is they cause redirects to, you may be at risk while having this software on your computer. This is the primary reason why malware researchers advise the removal of Startgo123.com browser hijacker.
Startgo123.com Hijacker – Distribution Methods
The browser hijacking software is believed to enter your device through third-party software installers that are known as bundled downloads. The software related to the page may be present in the installation process of programs that are often downloaded by users, like their favorite medial players, torrent downloaders as well as other free applications. To best detect this software, malware investigators advise users to customize the installers if this is available because they may spot bundled programs for profit, like Startgo123.com browser hijacker, may be.
Remove Startgo123.com Browser Redirects Completely
For the removal of Startgo123.com to be performed effectively and fully, we recommend following the removal instructions which we have posted in the accordion below. This is because they are created to remove this threat methodologically proper. To be even more effective in removing Startgo123.com browser hijacker and other threats and be protected in the future as well, we advise users to focus on removing Startgo123.com redirects using and an advanced anti-malware program which will swiftly scan for, detect and delete it.
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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- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Startgo123.com Redirect from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Startgo123.com Redirect with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect (Windows).
Get rid of Startgo123.com Redirect from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect. 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 Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Startgo123.com Redirect, 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 Startgo123.com Redirect (Mac)
Remove Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect will be removed.
Eliminate Startgo123.com Redirect 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".
Startgo123.com Redirect-FAQ
What Is Startgo123.com Redirect?
The Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect?
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 Startgo123.com Redirect?
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 Startgo123.com Redirect Work?
Once installed, Startgo123.com Redirect 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.
Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Startgo123.com Redirect 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 Startgo123.com Redirect?
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 Startgo123.com Redirect threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.