Iiiu.xyz is a homepage address that is set on the installed web browsers as soon as the potentially unwanted program from QxSearch is installed
Iiiu.xyz is a potentially unwanted program that specializes in a full takeover of the installed web browsers. Unlike genuine applications, this browser hijacker is usually installed without asking for users' permission and initiates settings changes on Google Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and other browsers. This way, the search engine is replaced by a customized one, and the homepage, as well as the new tab address, is swapped to Iiiu.xyz.
Upon typing and looking for a search query, users are then redirected to hxxps://iiiu.xyz/results.php?wd=, where they can see multiple sponsored links at the top instead of organic search results that other engines like google.com or bing.com would present. Additionally, Iiiu.xyz is known to gather several types of information about users' web browsing habits to spam them with targeted ads.[1]
| Name | Iiiu.xyz |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Category | Potentially unwanted program |
| Developer | QxSearch Inc. |
| Installation | Users typically install a potentially unwanted program via bundles software packages without realizing it. In other cases, the app may be installed deliberately without fully knowing its functionality |
| Symptoms |
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| Risks | Users may be led to potentially dangerous sites that incorporate phishing, scam or other deceptive techniques in order to acquire their personal information or make them install bogus applications |
| Detections | Virus Total report shows that one engine marks the site as “Phishing” |
| Termination | Browser hijackers are relatively easy to remove – simply follow our guide below this article; nevertheless, it is always recommended to scan your machine with anti-malware software (such as FortectIntego) to make sure that no other malicious software is present |
Iiiu.xyz does not only influence which websites users visit but may also lead them to places that are deemed inappropriate or even dangerous from a security point of view (scam, phishing). Therefore, it is better to get rid of the potentially unwanted program developed by QxSearch Inc. and revert the web browser modifications.
As a general rule, browser hijackers are not considered to be a major security threat, so calling the PUP “Iiiu.xyz virus” is quite a bit of an exaggeration (viruses infect internal OS files and propagate further that way, hijackers do not possess such functions).[2] However, as users' online complaints and security scandals that relate to high-profile organizations piling crapware into brand new laptops[3] show, unwanted programs may also be a huge cause of concern.
QxSearch, the developer of the Iiiu.xyz browser hijacker has other multiple PUP releases, including:
Such companies are leading a successful business, all by installing unwanted applications on unsuspecting users' computers and exposing them to sponsored content. Nevertheless, users sometimes may struggle with Iiiu.xyz removal, as not many are happy with web browser changes that result in web surfing difficulties.
The main problem with browser hijackers like Iiiu.xyz is that their usability and benefits are highly questionable, as reputable search engines can do the job much better, without interrupting web browsing activities with ads and, while both parties collect browsing data, high-profile companies like Google can be trusted with it.
To remove Iiiu.xyz hijack, you will have to locate the unwanted program that is located on your Windows or Mac computer and uninstall it. Check out the instructions below. If you are still having trouble, you can get rid of the unwanted app with the help of security software such as FortectIntego.
Watch out for optional components inserted into the installation wizards
In most of the cases, users are exposed to deceptive behavior of software installers when they download them from third-party websites. While many sites that host applications do have certain security procedures in order to prevent malware from being distributed on their sites, it does not mean that they do not try to insert and adware or a browser hijacker into your machine – and they do it in a manner that is not considered fair.
A lot of times, software installers are filled with optional installs, and the developers or third-party sites try to hide them from users' eyes deliberately. Of course, a major role is also played by users as well, as they are the ones that do not look at the installation process carefully. However, software bundling practices are long known to be unfair and also sometimes result in adware, other PUP, or even malware installation (the latter is particularly relevant for sites that host pirated software).
Security experts from lesvirus.fr[4] advise users to be vigilant and spot unfair marketing practices:
- If the app is available on official stores, always opt for it instead of third-parties' hosted version;
- Check if Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and other relevant documents are provided;
- Before installing the application, make sure it is not deceptive – check out the comments or reviews online;
- During the installation, watch out for pre-ticked boxes, file print text, misleading button placements, etc.
- When prompted, always select Advanced or Custom installation settings and get rid of optional programs.
Uninstall Iiiu.xyz hijacker from your system for a better browsing experience
If you are looking for Iiiu.xyz removal options, you cant to the right place. Luckily, browser hijackers are relatively easy to terminate in most of the cases. The main problem inexperienced users may encounter is that they might not know which app is related to the Iiiu.xyz hijack. Nevertheless, if you are well aware of which application does not belong on your computer, you can check our uninstallation guide below.
You can also try to remove Iiiu.xyz with security software. Besides, this method will assure you that your computer is clear from much more serious infections such as Trojans, rootkits, RATs, cryptojackers, and other malware. Note that you should perform a full browser reset after you eliminate the unwanted app, as the hijack may come back otherwise.
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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