Initialpage123.com is a browser hijacker that alerts web browser settings
Initialpage123 is a browser hijacker that has been disturbing users for years. The program is also considered a potentially unwanted application due to its deceptive infiltration practices. It affects a variety of browsers, including Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc.
Soon after the infiltration, Initialpage123 modifies each of the installed browser's settings by setting a new tab URL, homepage, and search engine to hxxp://initialpage123. From that point, users will be forced to browse through a hijacked engine and will encounter countless sponsored links, pop-up ads, redirects to suspicious websites, and other unwanted activities.
| Name | Initialpage123 |
| Type | Browser hijacker/PUP |
| Affected browsers | Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Opera etc. |
| Distribution | Software bundling, insecure sites |
| Main dangers | Data exposure, malware infection |
| Elimination | Check our guide below or use security software |
| Optimization | After the PUP is deleted, scan your PC with FortectIntego to ensure the best results |
Unfortunately, Initialpage123 can quickly fill your search results with the sponsored links that can redirect you to fake survey sites or domains that promote infected updates. Keep in mind that you should be very careful with this search engine and don't forget to remove it from the system if it has already infiltrated it without your approval.
Beware that your attempts to replace the suspicious domain with another one can fail. The majority of these kinds of applications might append arguments to various shortcuts or install browser helper objects that protect this hijacker. However, you can perform automatic Initialpage123 removal on your computer. In this case, make sure you employ reliable anti-spyware, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.
Eliminating browser hijackers is necessary for several reasons. First of all, it was installed without your knowledge and made modifications without asking your permission. Secondly, this simply designed search engine may not perform its primary function smoothly and credibly. Nevertheless, it provides results from the Yahoo database; they still might be altered. Therefore, instead of relevant links, you might find sponsored content on the results page.
The main concern is related to Initialpage123.com redirect issues. Clicking on third-party content might be dangerous. Search results or ads may redirect to the infected, phishing[1] or tech support scam[2] sites. So, using this tool might increase your chances to suffer from various cybercrimes.
The third reason why you should hurry up to remove the threat is that this application might collect personal information[3] about users, such as name, gender, date of birth, and country. The biggest problem here is that aggregated details might be shared or sold to third parties and affiliate companies.
Distribution techniques used by a browser hijacker
Distribution of potentially unwanted programs is usually performed with the help of other software. Method, which is applied to install several programs in one pack, is called “bundling.”
Sure, this virus is not a dangerous cyber infection that could infect computers just like ransomware viruses do. However, it can easily trick you to let it in. If you haven’t opted out of optional applications during software installation, there is no surprise that you have to deal with hijack now.
If you installed a new program under Quick or Standard setup, you could not stop browser hijackers from entering the system. If you quickly rushed through Advanced or Custom setup, you probably have overlooked a pre-selected statement where you agreed to replace your former search provider.
Therefore, this PUP sneaked inside your device with your recently installed software. Next time make sure you choose Advanced/Custom installation wizard and carefully follow each step.
The full Initialpage123.com removal guide
The threat removal does not require complicated steps because the virus does not belong to the family of hazardous cyber infections.[4] To get rid of this potentially unwanted program, you need to uninstall it via Add/Remove Programs list at first. Then, make sure you reset each of your web browsers to remove Initialpage123 from the device completely.
As we mentioned in the beginning, you can also opt for the Automatic removal option to fix your computer after infiltration of this browser hijacker. In this case, you will be capable of thoroughly investigating the system and deleting all hijacker-related components.
To remove Initialpage123.com using this method, you need to install an anti-malware program and scan the affected computer with an updated tool. Within several minutes, all suspicious entries will be eliminated. Then, reset your browser and choose your preferred homepage address and search engine.
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.
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