This write-up presents you details concerning TopicFirst browser hijacker and also provides aid for the elimination procedure of all suspicious and also possibly undesirable data from the afflicted system.
TopicFirst is a questionable search engine that is classified as a browser hijacker as a result of its invasive behavior. Once it accesses a target web browser it changes main setups without your authorization. Modifications typically allow it to force you into utilizing its deceitful solutions as they could influence the start web page, brand-new tab web page, and also default search engine of your recommended web internet browser.
TopicFirst Hijacker
The existence of TopicFirst hijacker in your recommended internet browser is most likely triggered by any kind of possibly undesirable program that has taken care of to fool you into mounting on your device. Because such programs are normally spread with the help of unethical strategies you possibly mounted the one connected with this nasty hijacker unnoticeably.
There are numerous different cost-free third-party applications that are designed to supply potentially undesirable programs on customers’ tools. Generally, their installers are configured to mount the extras in addition to the key application. Regrettably, the main part of these installers is commonly designed in a way that conceals the visibility of added apps. That’s why we suggest you the Advanced/Custom configuration choice when available. Often, there you can expose the existence of included apps and also pull out their installment.
Additionally, you should review thoroughly all information mentioned in the Certificate Contract terms. Or else, a click on the Agree button could cause the undetected installment of any extra program that comes in a bundle with the key one.
Threat Summary
| Name | TopicFirst |
| Type | Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your PC. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss TopicFirst. |
TopicFirst Hijacker– Description
Frequently utilized web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Traveler, Microsoft Side, Opera and also Safari could be affected by TopicFirst hijacker.
TopicFirst is a bogus online search engine that hijacks important internet browser setups without asking for consent. After it handles running affiliated files on your device it learns to impact the begin web page, brand-new tab web page as well as a default search engine in every target web browser.
Evidently, TopicFirst has a simple style that looks like a lot the layout of among the most popular search engines. At first, this might misguide you that despite the fact this hijacker invades your internet browser without asking for permission, it could be a suitable alternative for a search engine. Nonetheless, what we can advise you is to consider its full removal from the affected system as soon as possible.
In fact, TopicFirst is a hoax online search engine that mainly aims to acquire sensitive information from impacted internet browsers so it can after that move them to its servers. According to its privacy plan, it gathers every one of the complying with information:
- Checked out URLs and sites
- Web browser’s home page
- Browse questions
- Look queries on the gone to website
- Type of utilized browser
- Operating system type
- Web method (IP) address
- Geographical place
- The domain of current Access provider (ISP).
Diagnostic details which explain how their Services are operating the system.
Despite the fact that data collection purposes are not clearly identified we can presume that amongst them are targeted marketing and cash earnings. Since the program that presses this hijacker could be of adware kind you might become a target of different aggravating online ads. Sponsored results might additionally appear in search results shown by TopicFirst.
This could be clarified by the truth that such a method allows its proprietors to receive money from various advertisers that wish to advertise their products/services, they are likely to set their hijacker with the help of this hijacker.
Regrettably, the advertisements you see may present a serious risk to your on-line safety and security. You require to beware with them, as a few of them may be set to arrive at.
Remove
Just How to Eliminate TopicFirst Hijacker.
In order to remove TopicFirst hijacker and all linked files that sustain its look in the internet browser, you need to travel through numerous elimination actions. They are all presented in the elimination overview listed below. The overview enables you to choose in between hands-on as well as automatic removal techniques. Our suggestions are to integrate the actions as this will enable you to eliminate this particular undesirable program and enhance the safety of your gadget.
If you have additional questions or need added help with the removal procedure, do not think twice to leave a comment or contact us at our e-mail.
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 TopicFirst from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for TopicFirst with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst (Windows).
Get rid of TopicFirst from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst. 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 TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as TopicFirst, 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 TopicFirst (Mac)
Remove TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst will be removed.
Eliminate TopicFirst 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".
TopicFirst-FAQ
What Is TopicFirst?
The TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst?
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 TopicFirst?
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 TopicFirst Work?
Once installed, TopicFirst 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.
TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TopicFirst 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 TopicFirst?
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 TopicFirst threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.