StreamFrenzy – a hijack which modifies browsers' settings to perform its own activity

StreamFrenzy is a browser hijacker[1] that is presented as a search tool that allows finding the latest music information online. The program is created by APN, LLC and is available on the official website and Chrome Web Store[2]. It manages to change the affected browser's homepage, new URL bar, and default search section to StreamFrenzy.com. It enters the system unnoticed and starts its activity slightly. Notice that such changes can be reversed only if you get rid of the infection caused by the PUP[3].
| Name | StreamFrenzy |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Sub-type | PUP |
| “Useful” feature | Allows finding the latest music hits thru the web |
| Fake search engine | StreamFrenzy.com |
| Symptoms | Web browser's settings such as the homepage, new tab URL, search engine, and others, are modified, you might start facing unwanted redirects, it might even display commercial links and ads, the affected browser might start struggling even when performing simple actions, etc. |
| Prevention | Download software only from original sites, avoid visiting dubious pages and clicking on questionable links, stay away from third-party sources, install an antivirus program for higher protection |
| Elimination | Use FortectIntego |
Once installed, StreamFrenzy hijack can read data on visited websites, browsing history, manage downloads, apps, and themes. To control user’s browsing habits, it might modify the system and targeted web browser. After that, it might:
- set its domain as default search engine, homepage, and new tab URL address;
- alter search results;
- display commercial links and ads;
- trigger redirects when browsing the web;
- collecting information about the user’s browsing habits.
StreamFrenzy virus changes the default search engine to mysearch.com which is a Google-based search tool, and you are redirected to that site each time you manage to do browsing activity. However, developers of the hijacker might slightly modify search results and search queries might provide misleading answers. The End User Licence Agreement notes that the Search Application can include sponsored links based on the user’s browsing history.

Even though this potentially unwanted program (PUP) is not dangerous itself, it might create all needed conditions to get infected with a serious cyber threat. This browser hijacker might be used by developers of shady applications, scammers or malware creators. Therefore, one of another StreamFrenzy.com redirect might lead to a dangerous website, where you might be tricked into installing a malicious program or revealing personal information.
However, it’s not the only reason, why you should remove StreamFrenzy virus immediately. The Privacy Policy of the program also tells about data tracking activities. The dubious program uses cookies and might collect non-personally identifiable information which allows delivering personalized ads and sponsored links. However, as we have mentioned, some of them might include malicious content. Thus, targeted ads[4] might be used to trick you into clicking. Use FortectIntego to get rid of the program.
To avoid possible damage and get back control over your browser, you should perform the StreamFrency removal with a trusted anti-malware tool. Make sure you get rid of all PUP-related components. Additionally, you can follow the manual elimination guide that is displayed below the article.

Bundling helps to hide the hijacker in the software installer
Even though these questionable search tools usually have official websites and are available on the Chrome Web store, most of the time, a browser hijacker occurs during the installation of freeware or shareware.
The majority of PUPs use the same distribution strategy. Thus, you should pay attention to freeware installation and follow these tips prepared by the NoVirus[5] team:
- Switch from Quick/Recommended to Advanced/Custom installation settings;
- Read EULA and Privacy Policy to look for suspicious statements;
- Follow the installation wizard attentively and unmark ticks from “optional downloads.”
A piece of advice would be to download and install antivirus protection if you do not have one running on your computer yet. Make sure you choose a trustworthy one and keep it always up-to-date. Such tool will scan your system regularly and look out for any cyber infections possible.

Uninstall StreamFrenzy from Chrome, Firefox, Explorer and other browsers
If you want to remove StreamFrenzy virus manually, you need to get rid of all unwanted components that were added by the PUP. Such content includes dubious browser extensions, plug-ins, and various applications. You can find a detailed guide below the article. Follow each of the steps attentively to delete hijacker-related entries from the computer and web browsers entirely.
However, if you want to speed up the process or the hijacker returns to your homepage, opt for the automatic StreamFrenzy removal. For such purpose, we recommend installing an anti-malware program. This method helps to eliminate the PUP quickly and effectively.
After you complete the StreamFrenzy hijack elimination process, be sure to refresh browsers that were affected by the browser-hijacking application. It will let you be sure that browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and others, are completely clean.
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.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.

Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.

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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