Speed Dial Search hijacks the browser to monetize and monitor user activity
Speed Dial Search is classified as a browser hijacker because it can change the main settings, like the homepage, new tab address, and search engine. It takes over the browsing experience by forcing users to search only through selected channels. This introduces many user privacy and security concerns.
Being in charge of the main settings gives the opportunity for browser hijackers to lead users to dangerous websites that could trick them into providing their personal information, download PUPs (potentially unwanted programs),[1] and malware. Web-based apps can start displaying ads, injecting promotional links in the search results, and promoting misinformation with fake search engines.
The extension was recorded redirecting users' queries through addonsearch.net to Yahoo. Even though Yahoo is a well-known and legitimate engine, a lot of times fraudsters add searches that are malicious and do not provide accurate results. If you experience such symptoms you should read our guide to learn more about infection methods, and the removal process.
| NAME | Speed Dial Search |
| TYPE | Browser hijacker; potentially unwanted program |
| SYMPTOMS | The main settings of the browser get changed, like the homepage, new tab address, and search engine |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites, deceptive ads, software bundling |
| DANGERS | The extension may lead to dangerous websites; display misinformation, inaccurate search results; track browsing activities |
| ELIMINATION | Remove the extension by going to your browser settings |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to fix any remaining damage and optimize the machine |
Distribution methods
Users usually infect themselves with browser hijackers like Speed Dial Search by browsing through shady websites that are full of deceptive ads and sneaky redirects. Crooks sometimes even create dedicated promotional websites for these browser plugins that use social engineering to convince users to download them.
You may see that often fraudsters try to make it look like the extension is recommended by Chrome or created in collaboration with a well-known company like Google. They might also write about all the non-existent functions to make it look very useful and needed.
You should never download plugins from random pages. Use official web stores or developer websites because it is the safest way you can get them. Add-ons that get listed on web stores go through a lengthy review process. However, that does not mean that you do not need to do any research.
You should always make sure that apps are safe to install and read the reviews, look at the ratings, and how many users they have. You are much better off choosing popular plugins that have plenty of feedback. You will often find that if you enter the name of a hijacker into the search, not many results pop up.
That being said, not being careful while surfing the web is not the only way users get their browsers hijacked. The symptoms can also be caused by a PUA hiding in the system. Such apps sneak into the system as bundled software from freeware[2] distribution platforms, so if you have installed anything recently, there is a big chance you may have it.
Remove the unwanted extension
You can remove browser add-ons by going to your settings. Find the list of extensions installed in your browser and remove Speed Dial Search. We show how to do that in the guide below:
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 the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
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 on Uninstall at the bottom.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Mozilla Firefox
- 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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Safari
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
When you get rid of any potentially malicious add-ons, you should take care of your browsers. Websites and web-based applications use tracking technologies to record your IP address, geolocation, pages you visit, links you click on, and things you purchase online. To stop any shady sites from following your browsing activities, clear cookies,[3] and cache.
These small data files can also be sold to rogue advertising networks or other third parties and used to target you with unsafe ads even more. A maintenance tool like FortectIntego can delete cookies and cache automatically with a click of a button. Besides that, this powerful software can fix serious system errors, corrupted files, and registry issues, which is especially helpful after a virus infection.
Scan the system for PUPs
Sometimes removing only the extension does not get rid of the symptoms and users still have their settings changed. In that case, you will probably have to scan your machine for PUPs. Simply removing the add-on will not be enough, and the settings will keep changing until you completely eliminate a PUA from your machine.
One of the most common ways that PUAs are spread is through freeware installation sites. The creators of these platforms have learned that they can include additional programs in the installers and earn money. This method is known as software bundling and is very effective as most people rush through the installation process and do not notice the apps.
Another thing that makes the removal of PUPs complicated, is the fact that often they are disguised as “handy” tools. It could look like an antivirus, system optimizer, media player, etc. Manual removal sometimes also fails because users fail to eliminate all the related files and entries.
We suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, eliminate it, and prevent such infections in the future by giving you a warning before a PUP can make any changes. If manual removal is what you still prefer, we have instructions for Windows and Mac machines:
Windows 10/8:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Mac:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
If you want to avoid PUAs during the installation, always choose “Custom” or “Advanced” methods, read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use to find out what information will be collected and what the application will be allowed to do in your machine. The most important part is to check the file list and untick the boxes next to any items that you think are suspicious or unrelated.
Keep in mind that adware[4] and other potentially unwanted programs are mostly distributed through freeware, torrent, and peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms. By getting software the legal way, you will most definitely slim your chances of getting infected. Even though it might get costly, you will most likely save in the long run by maintaining a healthy system.
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