This article will aid you to remove WiseSearches.com completely. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions at the bottom of the article.
WiseSearches.com is the web domain and search engine of a browser hijacker redirect. The company ClientConnect Ltd. is the developer, which also made Trovi Search and similar browser hijackers. You might witness targeted advertisements and third-party content from the WiseSearches.com hijacker. Your current homepage, new tab window and default search engine of all your browsers will be replaced.
Threat Summary
| Name | WiseSearches.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Every browser on your computer could be affected. The hijacker might redirect you and will filter all your searches. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which can be changed are the homepage, search engine and new tab. You could see sponsored advertisements and third-party content. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss WiseSearches.com. |
WiseSearches.com – Distribution Ways
WiseSearches.com can be distributed using different methods. Third-party installations seem to be the primary one. An example of that would be when a free program like a media player or a bundled app places this hijacker onto your computer. Such setups can have been configured to put additional components for installation, by default. The hijacker could have changed a heap of settings in your browsers before you even realize. To prevent unwanted programs with browser hijacking capabilities to install on your PC is manageable. You just have to find a Custom or an Advanced options menu, from where to deselect everything that is not needed.
WiseSearches.com could also be distributed in other ways. A typical one is through advertisements, such as banners and pop-ups displaying on suspicious websites. This hijacker can also distribute with the help of redirect links generated by these websites. The owners of these websites could be in an affiliate program or partnership with WiseSearches.com. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
WiseSearches.com – In Detail
WiseSearches.com is the domain and search engine for a browser hijacker of the same name. ClientConnect Ltd. is the company that developed this hijacker as well as various other hijacker redirects related to Trovi Search. You can preview how the main page of the website looks like from the below snapshot:
The web page at WiseSearches.com is made of a search bar, toolbar, and a few links to the Privacy Policy, End User License Agreement and similar pages. That same online page will be shown each time you start your browsers on their homepage when you open a new tab, and when you try doing a search. Aside from your default search setting, others could be altered as well.
If WiseSearches.com has any software associated with it inside your PC or browsers, you will see the changed settings, which were mentioned above. Most software tied to the website service can find its way to your computer through bundled programs. Browser extensions, plus plug-ins, and add-ons can generate advertisements and redirects to the websites you are browsing. You might see websites with targeted content, that is hosted by third parties. The third parties might be affiliates of WiseSearches.com.
The picture above is a clear example of how WiseSearches.com redirects you to reputable search engines each time you do a search. In this example, it is the search engine of Bing that is being used for the redirect. There could even be advertisements spread across the results or in-text links which can redirect. Do not get tricked by this hijacker as it only links to legitimate search engines’ results page to earn your trust.
Everything you enter into a search bar of WiseSearches.com will be filtered by its servers and stored there. Browser cookies and other tracking technologies can acquire more information as well. Be careful of what information you provide along with your searches, especially if it’s personal. Continue reading to find out what information is gathered by WiseSearches.com.
WiseSearches.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the WiseSearches.com website is found on a sub-domain of the website. Near the end of it, a statement claims that the hijacker is part of the company ClientConnect Ltd. that has developed Trovi Search hijackers in the past. By reading the policy, it is revealed that personally and non-personally identifying information is collected from you. Any of the acquired information may be disclosed or sold to third-parties, like affiliates and partners of the company.
You can take a peek at the Privacy Policy from the screenshot below:
The policy separates the collected data into a couple of information types:
Technical Information
- Your browser type
- Type, name and version of Operating System
- Type, name and version of other software
- Your ISP (Internet Service Provider)
- Your physical location
- Your Internet protocol (IP) address
- Anonymous user identifiers
- Device configuration and identifiers
- The version, configuration and settings of their Software
Usage Information
- Your use and interaction with your device
- When and how you use their software
- How you use your internet browser and internet search related applications
- The web pages you visit and the content you see
- Your interactions with offerings and advertisements that you view
- Your search queries
- The time and date of your searches
Social Networks Information
- Your interactions on social networks via their software
- Friends or contact lists
- Notes
- Updates
- Photos
Registration Related Information
- Information you provide when you register for their software
- Your name
- Home or work addresses
- Your E-mail address
- Telephone and fax numbers
- Your birth date
- Your gender
Support Related Information
- Your email address
- Your name
- Any information voluntarily submitted by you
Information that may be collected by the site “unintentionally”
- Social security numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Login information
You should read the following quotation from the Policy, regarding third-party content:
Certain Software & Services may include Content which may be in the form of apps, buttons, gadgets, advertisements, websites, products and services (including search services and advertisements) provided to you by third parties
By using any service or software connected to WiseSearches.com is automatically considered for your permission of personal collection of information. Inside the policy is also stated that browser cookies are utilized for obtaining data as well as similar technologies.
Remove WiseSearches.com Fully
To remove WiseSearches.com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided down here. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the hijacker and all its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove WiseSearches.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for WiseSearches.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.com (Windows).
Get rid of WiseSearches.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.com (Mac)
Remove WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.com will be removed.
Eliminate WiseSearches.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".
WiseSearches.com-FAQ
What Is WiseSearches.com?
The WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.com Work?
Once installed, WiseSearches.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.
WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.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 WiseSearches.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.