Aiosearch.com virus (Virus Removal Guide) - updated Feb 2019
Aiosearch.com virus Removal Guide
What is Aiosearch.com virus?
AioSearch is a search engine that spreads as a browser extension for Google Chrome or other browsers
Aiosearch.com is a browser hijacker and a potentially unwanted program that spreads with the help of software bundling or via the insecure sites. The tool allegedly compiles multiple search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo and others. Another part of the infection, AioSearch, is a browser extension for Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or other browsers. The application alters new tab address, homepage (which is filled with links to unsafe torrent sites) and a new tab functionality, displaying alternative search results. Additionally, AIO Search is known to redirect users to suspicious websites and deliver intrusive ads for monetization purposes with the help of pay-per-click[1] scheme.
Name | Aiosearch.com |
Extension | AioSearch |
Type | Browser hijacker |
Related | Torrent virus |
Distribution | Software bundling, Google web store, insecure sites |
Main dangers | Malware installation, personal data leak |
Elimination | Install anti-malware software or check our manual removal guide below |
Recovery | Use FortectIntego to recover from AIO Search virus damage |
The primary theme of AioSearch is to provide thousands of links to torrent sites, in addition to legitimate search engines. It is a well-known fact that torrent sites, similarly to porn ones, are not safe to use.[2] They often lack the security precaution used by legitimate website owners and lend out ad space for malicious actors that can abuse software vulnerabilities to inject malware automatically. Therefore, AioSearch hijack should not be ignored, as navigating to unsafe sites can easily lead to malware infection.
Though AioSearch website aims to encompass everything and satisfy even the pickiest users’ needs, such excessive advertising of third parties inevitably leads to security concerns.
It is commendable that the AIO Search domain provides the privacy policy, but it contains several ambiguities. Indeed, it disclaims of collecting personal information, but considering the number of third party services stuffed into the website, your privacy still remains under the question.[3]
Users who value their privacy may proceed to Aiosearch.com removal. You can opt for automatic elimination with the help of automated tools (especially if you surfed through torrent sites) or make use of our manual instructions below. Additionally, we suggest you scan your device with the help of FortectIntego to restore the system to its healthy state.
Quantity surpasses quality
This saying perfectly defines the services promoted by Aio Search virus. Though it promotes some legitimate domains, but persistent “activities” of one tool may interfere with another – in short, you might get crammed with ads and commercial offers.
We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our Web site. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address or telephone number) about your visits to this and other web sites in order to provide advertisements on this site and other sites about goods and services that may be of interest to you.
If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, please click here.
There is no surprise if you get to a corrupted domain due to AioSearch.com redirect issue. What is more, even if you a fan of gaming or can’t help downloading a movie torrent, you will soon find out that some of the offered torrent sites simply do not work.
Some of the AioSearch affiliated third parties, such as Mindspark Interactive Network which offers you ask.com services, might aggressively promote their services which result in users’ frustration. They also spy on users’ online habits quite aggressively.
Note that some of the domains may even identify your email address and pile you with spam messages. Such emails may not always be harmless.[4] Firefox and Chrome users are likely to be bombarded with the promotional offers as it offers its AIO Search extension in Chrome Web Store and offers Firefox toolbar.
Speaking of the specifically targeted countries, the search engine does manifest a preference, thus, whether you live in Denmark[5] or Czech Republic, you should get rid of the extension and toollbar right away.
Spreading the PUP in multiple ways
Since the hijacker partners with multiple search engines, torrent sites, search engine, service providers, it is not surprising if you get redirected to this domain after visiting one of the affiliated domains.
Speaking of AioSearch.com hijack, hardly you will encounter it, but you should not exclude the probability that it may travel as an optional download option attached to free application. Thus, retain vigilance while downloading any application. Choosing “Custom” or “Advanced” settings will enable you to pinpoint similar applications on time and stop their installation.
If you opt for using torrent services regardless of dangers, we suggest you take extra precaution measures:
- Use a reliable VPN (note: torrent sites may offer the VPN. NEVER download these tools and rely on official applications instead);
- Make use of ad-blocking software;
- Employ an anti-virus program;
- Scan all download files with tools like Virus Total;
- Do not download “cracks” or “keygens”;
- Update your system and the installed software to prevent hackers from exploiting its vulnerabilities.
AioSearch elimination suggestions
Since this search engine does not only alter your default browsing engine settings, but it may also lead you into accepting its browser extension and add-on, you should perform AioSearch removal with care.
Uninstall its primary search engine and delete associated browser extensions.
You can do it manually. Our below provided instructions will help you stay on track. Speaking of a faster solution, you may remove AioSearch.com virus with the assistance of malware elimination tool.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of Aiosearch.com virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
To uninstall Aio Search from Windows, make sure you remove all of its components, including Dogpile Search engine, DuckDuckGo and others.
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- 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.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- 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.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- 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.
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 on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (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 Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
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.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
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.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
To fix Firefox, proceed thru every step given below. If the problem persists, make sure you get rid of Aio Search web scripts by resetting your web browser.
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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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 unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Aiosearch.com registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting browser hijacker
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
- ^ Pay-per-click. Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia.
- ^ Paul Bischoff. Torrenting: Know What Risks You Take. Information Security Buzz. An independent resource that provides the best in breaking news for the information security community.
- ^ Nikita Mehta. The curious case of free internet and user privacy. Telangana Today. latest breaking news on Telangana.
- ^ Danny Palmer. Ransomware: More and smarter scams coming soon. ZDnet. Technology News, Comments, Analysis.
- ^ Eliminate computer threats. Udenvirus. IT News, Reviews and Virus Removal Guides in Dannish.