Wawsearch.com search engine is the option that shouldn't be used as default
Wawsearch.com virus belongs to a huge group of potentially unwanted programs (PUP) [1]. Speaking more specifically, it is a browser hijacker that is designed to take over web browsers and provide commercial content for the users. Usually, hijackers are used for boosting traffic for various websites and developers generate revenue from this activity.
The browser hijacker gets inside computers bundled [2] with other software as an optional component. Once it stops in the system, it attacks all web browsers and alters their settings. It sets its domain as the homepage and search engine and prevents users from setting their preferred websites.
When it settles in, the hijacker starts modifying search results, redirecting to various sites, delivering misleading ads, and spying on the users. All these activities are not only annoying but might also be dangerous. That’s why we recommend full virus removal as soon as this bogus website shows up on the screen.
| Name | Wawsearch.com |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
| Problems | Searching online becomes difficult, various settings and preferences get altered on the web browser. Default search engine, homepage, new tab changed to the questionable site |
| Distribution | Freeware installations when software bundling is used, deceptive content online |
| Danger | Redirects and pop-ups expose the user to dangerous or potentially malicious content |
| Elimination | Your machine should be thoroughly cleaned using anti-malware tools |
| Recovery | The machine should also get checked with the tool like FortectIntego so affected parts get fixed |
The main page of the browser hijacker includes shortcuts to popular social media websites, online shops, email services, and a search engine. For many computer users, this search engine might look reliable because it is “Powered by Google.” However, it is not Google. The developers of the Wawsearch.com virus can alter search results and include sponsored links. In this case, they can trick users that it is relevant to the search results and they click it.
However, the disappointment of the website’s irrelevance is the least problem. Some of these links might lead to infected websites that have been created for spreading malware. The redirect issues are concerning because hijackers can also provide misleading advertisements that can redirect to questionable third-party sites. Besides, some ads [3] might offer fake software downloads and updates.
During this time these ads might look more and more familiar and similar to the latest search queries. Indeed, it might happen because the hijacker might be capable of monitoring and collecting browsing-related activity. Unfortunately, the main page of the website includes only an inactive link to the Privacy Policy.[4]
We cannot tell what specific information might be interesting for the developers or if they share aggregated information with third parties. It’s the last reason why you should remove Wawsearch.com immediately; besides, you can speed up the process with a tool like anti-malware or security software like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.
Infection methods rely on users habits
The virus cannot get inside computers on its own. It’s not such a strong and powerful computer infection. Hijacker steps into the system with the help of other free programs that users download from the Internet. Many users believe that they install one program and don’t have a clue that it might be a software package full of optional applications. Therefore, the hijack might occur when users least expect it.
Additional programs can sneak inside silently and without asking permission when users install new programs using “Quick” or “Standard” settings. However, if they choose “Advanced” or “Custom” installation mode, they can stop PUPs from getting inside [5].
During the installation, they might see the checkbox of pre-selected applications or the statement “I agree to set [questionable site] as my homepage.” All they have to do is to deselect all these ticks. However, if the installation wizard does not let to do it, users should quit installation and look for another reliable program.
Steps for the proper Wawsearch.com removal
Probably, you have tried to reset your Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox a hundred times. However, browser hijacker does not let you get rid of it so simply. You will be able to customize your browser and browse the Internet safely again only when you remove Wawsearch.com from the system. You can do it either hard or easy way by choosing a manual or automatic elimination method.
Both methods are effective, but we always recommend saving your time and leaving computer infection’s removal for professional tools. Our advice is automatic PUP removal; however, we know that lots of computer users prefer the manual elimination method. For this reason, our team has prepared illustrated step-by-step guide on how to get rid of it manually.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
Did this guide help?
Be the first to comment