TopIncognitoSearch Redirect
The poorly secured website that presents itself as TopIncognitoSearch is just another suspicious search engine that hijacks popular web browsers. The essence of this search engine is not malicious but it is still dangerous to use it.
Browser hijackers like TopIncognitoSearch are misused for bogus purposes the main of which is aggressive advertising. Since the ads they generate may link to unreliable sources, sites infected with malware, and misleading offers we recommend that you consider an immediate removal of TopIncognitoSearch redirect/hijacker.
In this guide, you will find instructions on how to get rid of TopIncognitoSearch redirect and remove all associated files from the infected PC.
TopIncognitoSearch Summary
| Name | TopIncognitoSearch (portal.topincognitosearch.com) |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable search enigne that hijacks main browsing preferences. It may affect the homepage, new tab page and default search engine on installed browsers. Files related to its appearance may support the unnoticed infection process. |
| Symptoms | When you open an affected browser you see the hoax search engine TopIncognitoSearch. It forces you to use its bogus services. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites |
| Detection Tool |
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TopIncognitoSearch Redirects – Safe or Not?
TopIncognitoSearch search engine may somehow replace the default search engine on your web browser and start forcing you to use its deceptive services. The reason for this unwanted issue is very likely to be a nasty browser extension added to the browser or a browser hijacker installed on the system.
Either way, you should check both your browser and system for any present unwanted/harmful files and applications. It is very likely that you missed the moment when such an app had landed on your PC. But don’t be so hard on yourself.
Potentially unwanted programs like TopIncognitoSearch tend to infect systems and browsers with the help of shady methods of distribution. One such method is software bundling. It enables fraudsters to add undesired extra apps to the installers of various free, open-source apps and hide the install by default setting. That’s how a click on the Finish setup button may result in the activation of a PUP as well.
Let’s now reveal how safe it is to use TopIncognitoSearch (portal.topincognitosearch.com). Is it safe at all? Well, the short answer is no. This search engine endangers your online security by redirecting all searches to another browser hijacker called Searchlee. Both search engines are developed to generate revenue for their owners.
To do so the TopIncognitoSearch hijacker alters main browser preferences that enable it to deliver suspicious ads. Every time you click on an ad generated by TopIncognitoSearch, its owners get paid for your click. However, not all ads will link to safe sites. Suspicious search engines and potentially unwanted programs are misused for shady advertising campaigns sometimes. This, in turn, lowers online security and makes the PC vulnerable to different malware attacks.
For the sake of your PC security, please do consider a scan for any present potentially undesired files and objects on the system right now. Once you remove TopIncognitoSearch redirect you will be able to safely use the search engine you prefer.
TopIncognitoSearch Redirect Removal Guide
In order to remove the TopIncognitoSearch redirect along with all associated files that enable its appearance in the browser, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below presents all the steps required for the complete removal of browser hijackers like Your Weather Info. If you want to make sure that no undesired and potentially harmful files are running on your system, we recommend that you follow the guide to the end. Have in mind that some of the installed files installed by Your Weather Info browser hijacker may be named in a completely different way so that they can be hard to find, hence, hard to remove.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment right below the removal steps.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove TopIncognitoSearch from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for TopIncognitoSearch with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch (Windows).
Get rid of TopIncognitoSearch from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch. 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 TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as TopIncognitoSearch, 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 TopIncognitoSearch (Mac)
Remove TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch will be removed.
Eliminate TopIncognitoSearch 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".
TopIncognitoSearch-FAQ
What Is TopIncognitoSearch?
The TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch?
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 TopIncognitoSearch?
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 TopIncognitoSearch Work?
Once installed, TopIncognitoSearch 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.
TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TopIncognitoSearch 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 TopIncognitoSearch?
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 TopIncognitoSearch threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.