Browser redirect virus (spam) - 2020 update

What is Browser redirect virus?

Browser redirect virus is a PUP that deteriorates your browsing experience

Browser redirect virus is a browser hijacker^[1] which takes over the targeted browser, for example, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) can significantly worsen the experience during your browsing sessions as it causes continuous redirects to affiliate websites, prevents from using a safe search engine, and displays advertising content.

Getting infected with a Browser redirect virus is easy – all you need to do is to install freeware ^[2] inattentively. If you skip a pre-selected agreement to replace your current search engine or overlook other third-party entries bundled in a software package, you might deal with unwanted activities on your browser.

After the hijack, Redirect virus might:

• modify default homepage,
• replace current search engine with an unknown domain,
• display intrusive ads,
• initiate redirects to questionable sites,
• track information about users,
• etc.

If you are being redirected to delta-homes.com, YourSites123.com, or search protect while browsing through Google, Yahoo, Bing or some shady domains load immediately after you launch your browser, take it as a tell-tale sign that your computer has been infected with a Browser redirect malware.

Nevertheless, applications belonging to this category are not malicious themselves; redirects, ads, and links might lead to potentially dangerous websites.^[3] Thus, you might be redirected to an infected site that has been created for spreading malware, fake tech support site, phishing site, or become a victim of other online crimes.

In addition, it can easily track your browsing habits and collect information related to your browsing habits, such as your search queries, most visited websites, information that you submit when visiting these sites, your computers' IP address and location. This information is considered personally non-identifiable ^[4], but its leaks can result in various issues, including an increased amount of spam, more aggressive targeted advertising, and similar problems.

Noticing strange activities on the browser is a sign that you should take care of the computer’s security and focus on Browser redirect removal. There are numerous types and versions of these cyber infections; however, they all should be treated either automatically using anti-malware software or manually by investigating the system and deleting all malware-related entries yourself.

The redirect virus is a potentially dangerous cyber threat which causes unwanted redirects to shady sites and infuses commercial content on frequently visited pages.

If you suspect your device has been taken hostage by a browser hijacker, you should remember that you can always remove Browser redirect virus with the help of automatic security utilities such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. To remediate issues caused by the virus, try FortectIntego.

Learn how to avoid browser hijackers and other PUPs

Usually, various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and browser redirect viruses are distributed together with free applications via a popular marketing scheme called bundling. This technique allows the developers of browser hijackers to hide their software among the optional components in the installer of other programs. Likewise, people unconsciously install both, freeware and PUP if they do not pay attention during the procedure.

Although, there are some tips that can help you protect your computer from browser hijackers and allow downloading free software. Make sure, that you read the steps indicated below attentively.

Read the “Privacy Policy” and “End User's License Agreement.” If there are any mentions about data collection, commercial content, and similar things, you should look for another, more reliable service.

1. Avoid “Quick,” “Basic” or “Recommended” installation option;
2. Select “Custom” or “Advanced” installation modes;
3. Remain attentive when going through the installation wizard and carefully read the information provided within each of the installation windows;
4. If you see any pre-checked option allowing to make changes to your start page or the default search engine, you should uncheck them;
5. Decline offers to install unknown browser add-ons, extensions, and plugins on your computer ^[5];
6. Install reputable anti-spyware and keep it up-to-date. It will help you avoid browser hijackers that may be hidden inside the freeware packages.

Ways to get rid of Browser redirect virus

Before you try to remove Browser redirect virus, keep in mind that the procedure might be tricky as such PUPs tend to reappear after some time. Likewise, we suggest you rely on an automatic elimination method. It merely requires you to download a professional antivirus and let it check your computer files. After you run a scan with the preferred security tool, we strongly recommend FortectIntego to get rid of corrupted system files that might have been affected by the virus.

To perform virus removal manually, find the instructions at the end of the post. However, if suspicious activities won't stop, you should opt for the automatic option then. Security tools will find and delete malicious entries that you have missed.

We want to point out that it’s important to remove virus-related components from each of the web browsers that are installed on your computer. Besides, you have to reset Internet Explorer, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera or another browser you use. We have prepared guidelines on how to terminate suspicious entries from these browsers below.

Instructions to remove Browser redirect from Mozilla Firefox

Firefox redirect virus removal can be tricky, as some additional components prevent you from changing the modified browser's settings to the primary state. Thus, you must search for and delete all suspicious and unknown extensions or plug-ins that might be related to the browser hijacker.

You can check your extensions by following this path:

• Firefox;
• Add-ons;
• Extensions.

Here you will see current active toolbars and other applications. If you find some unknown entries, remove them.

However, sometimes computer infections hide under legitimate and popular program names. Usually, malicious or potentially dangerous applications use the name of Flash Player. However, keep in mind that seeing Flash Player under the extensions tab is suspicious. It should not appear here.

In addition to extension removal, you have to reset the browser as well. You can do that by following these steps:

1. Click on the Firefox menu.
2. Choose Troubleshooting Information.
3. You will Reset Firefox to its default state option.
4. Click Reset Firefox button.

However, if you continue to see suspicious ads, cannot replace the default homepage, and deal with similar problems, you should lookup up the virus-related programs in the computer’s system and uninstall potentially dangerous programs.

Guide to uninstall the virus from Google Chrome

The easiest way to find out that Chrome redirect virus is present on your computer is to check whether your default search provider is set to an unknown search engine. Keep in mind that the imposters usually try to look similar to popular search directories. Although, if you encounter suspicious redirects when clicking on query results, your browser is surely hijacked.

This cyber threat might also display various ads and pop-ups that are connected or related to Google. These problems might be caused by Trojans, Rootkits, or suspicious browser extensions that may have been installed with freeware or shareware.

In order to get back access to the browser and get rid of these redirects, users have to look through the list of installed extensions and remove suspicious entries. You can access Chrome’s extensions by opening:

• Chrome’s settings;
• Tools;
• Extensions.

Once you remove them, you should reset the browser via Reset browser settings options in Chrome’s settings.

However, if you cannot find potentially dangerous extensions installed on the browser, you should look up suspicious programs installed on your PC. If you cannot find anything unknown, you should scan the computer with a reputable malware removal program. Most likely you are dealing with a more serious infection than a browser redirect virus.

Delete redirect malware from Internet Explorer

The main feature of browser hijackers is that they can lead the user to shady and suspicious websites. Note that it happens once you perform the search and appear on Google, Bing, or Yahoo site where links are provided. Despite how legitimate it looks, the indicated links redirect to affiliate and commercial sites.

Although, the significant feature of the IE redirect virus is that it can employ browser helper objects (BHO) to launch undesired tasks on the browser. For instance, the hijacker might alter the browser’s settings, set a new search engine, or install third-party extensions.

To check if suspicious BHO’s have been installed to the Explorer, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the browser.
2. Choose Tools.
3. Select Manage Add-Ons.
4. Look through the list and remove suspicious entries.

If you cannot find unknown add-ons or Explorer continues causing problems, you should not hesitate and run a system scan with malware removal programs.

Measures to take once the Safari is hijacked by redirect virus

The main problem you can encounter after the Mac redirect virus starts its malicious activity is the redirect to various non-English speaking sites. Unfortunately, most of the websites this browser hijacker leads to are potentially dangerous, including tech support scam pages or websites aimed at malware distribution.

Usually, these activities are triggered by some Safari extensions. Even if you haven’t installed any extensions, plugins, or toolbar directly, it may have entered bundled when you downloaded some application from third-party sources.

To stop these activities, you have to look through the list of your extensions:

1. Open Safari.
2. Click on Safari in the main menu section.
3. Select Preferences.
4. Open Extensions tab.
5. Click the Uninstall button near each of the suspicious components.

Once all potentially dangerous entries are deleted, you have to reset the browser. It helps to delete tracking cookies and other elements that are related to browser redirect virus.

Cleaning Opera from redirect issues

Once Opera is infected with the virus, users may receive numerous and intrusive pop-ups, banners, and in-texts on frequently visited pages. Also, when performing a query, the search engine redirects to unknown pages and shady websites, including gambling, and adult-only sites.

After the hijack, users might also find unknown toolbars or extensions installed in the browser. The problem is that some of them might be responsible for flooding the browser with ads and tracking various information.

Once your browsing sessions are disturbed by these activities, you should check the list of extensions and add-ons:

1. Open the browser.
2. Choose Tools.
3. Click on Extensions.
4. Select Manage Extensions.

If you cannot find any suspicious entries installed, you should opt for the automatic elimination option and let anti-malware to eliminate Safari redirect virus.

You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.