How to remove Akamaihd

Akamaihd is a legitimate content delivery network that might be used by adware authors to insert ads into your browser

Akamaihd is a content hosting provider, and many high-profile companies such as Facebook or Steam use this service to host a part of their content to reduce the load on servers. However, this is not a definition that regular users would expect, as domains like freefiremobile-a.akamaihd.net, searchinterneat-a.akamaihd.net, rvzr-a.akamaihd.net, and many others, hijack their Google Chrome (or another browser) and redirect them to ad-filled, scam, and similar unsafe sites. To make matters worse, both Windows and macOS/OS X users experience the browser hijacking activities by Akamaihd.

The truth is, however, that the developer, Akamai Technologies, has nothing to do with this dubious browser behavior that users are experiencing, as the main culprit is adware.^[1] The so-called ad-supported software is designed to secretly infiltrate machines of thousands of users and direct them to affiliated pages; unfortunately, they often utilize legitimate networks in order to insert pop-ups, banners, deals, in-text links, and other commercial content into users' web browsers without permission. Fortunately, there is a way to remove Akamaihd ads by eliminating the adware associated with it or replacing the preset homepage with a default one on Safari.

Adware that redirects users to Searchinterneat-a.akamaihd.net domains usually infiltrates machines with the help of software bundling. This marketing campaign is prevalent when it comes to PUP distribution because users often prefer using Recommended/Default settings, just to be done with the process faster. However, most do not realize that there are several rogue programs hidden under Advanced/Custom installation mode, and users skip this step most of the time.

Some users reported that they got infected with the A.akamaihd.net virus when they encountered a fake Flash Player update prompt. This is a very common infection technique used by online crooks, as they fill random pages with bogus alerts that claim that Adobe Flash Player is out of date, and needs to be updated to view the underlying content. However, as soon as users download the application, they find that a PUP has hijacked their web browsers.

Akamaihd removal should be performed ASAP if redirects to dubious sites occur regularly. If unfortunate enough, users could land in malware-laden site, where such cyber infections like ransomware^[2] or a trojan can be acquired. Therefore, having your browser redirecting to unknown sites might result in system corruption, personal data leak, or malware infections.

Additionally, Searchinterneat-a.akamaihd.net adware gathers non-personally identifiable information, including, but not limited to:

• IP address
• Technical information
• Websites visited
• Links clicked
• Bookmarks added, etc.

Tracking cookies, beacons, and similar technologies are used to harvest relevant information about users' browsing habits to support targeted advertisement. While it is a legitimate practice when done right, most adware programs simply flood the browser with junk and potentially dangerous content. Therefore, it is vital to remove Akamaihd ads by terminating adware associated with them.

In some cases, however, adware might be hard to detect and eliminate, as it often disguises as a useful program or lacks uninstallation file. However, most of the comprehensive security solutions are capable of detecting potentially unwanted programs efficiently.

Nevertheless, most of the browser hijackers can be eliminated manually – you can follow the instructions in our removal section. In most cases, a browser reset would stop the unwanted behavior, as the PUP might actually be a browser extension. Experts also recommend performing a scan with repair software FortectIntego in order to prevent system instability and other issues after adware/malware infection is eliminated.

Akamaihd adware variants

As we already declared above, Akamai Technologies is a well-established and reputable file hosting service provider and is often used by high-profile companies. However, those pesky adware authors come up with multiple ways of manipulating a legitimate service for their own advantage. There are several other versions of the Akamaihd virus – all listed below.

Searchinterneat-a.akamaihd.net

This variant is a browser hijacker with adware components. After infiltration, the potentially unwanted program modifies Windows Registry and sets its address as a default one for Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or any other browser. Searchinterneat-a.akamaihd.net hijacker is known to promote misleading software, such as bogus optimization tools and fake updates. Additionally, users might find additional applications installed on their machines without knowledge.

Fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net

Fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net is another adware application used by PUP developers. It usually gets installed together with bundled software or is introduced via deceptive advertisement online. The adware redirects users to dubious domains and promotes popular software, such as Java, Flash Player, Media Player, etc. As soon as users agree to download these applications, they are redirected to sites that install more adware (such as DealCoaster, YoutubeAdBlocker, CouponDropDown).

This version of the virus is also responsible for excessive data tracking when it comes to users' browsing habits. Experts recommend uninstalling any suspicious applications before entering any sensitive data into the browser.

Asrv-a.akamaihd.net

Asrv-a.akamaihd.net is a marketing platform that is being misused by cyber crooks for their personal monetary gain. Just as its previous variants, it tries to trick users into installing other potentially unwanted applications on their systems and continually disturbs web browsing sessions of users with disruptive pop-ups, coupons, banners, deals, offers, and similar commercial content.

Never click on any content or links provided by Asrv-a.akamaihd.net. You might end up installing other adware, more PUPs, or even malware on your machine. Therefore, use extreme caution, and don't get tricked by scams.

Rvzr-a.akamaihd.net

Rvzr-a.akamaihd.net often redirects users to scam sites that promote fake updates for such well-known apps like Java, Adobe, FLV Player, Flash Player, and many others. Do not believe these claims as all of them are fake, and none of the applications installed need an update. If you proceed, you will be introducing additional unwanted apps and further infect your computer.

If you noticed your Google Chrome or other browser behaving strangely, like redirecting you suspicious sites, displaying sponsored links in search results, lag, and similar issues, it is time to take care of Rvzr-a.akamaihd.net removal by either using reputable security software or getting rid of it manually.

Default290941114-a.akamaihd.net

Default290941114-a.akamaihd.net is yet another parasite that seeks to infect Mac users. However, users complained that after they started to look for adware on their computers to get rid of, they found nothing. Additionally, even scans with anti-malware software returned no results, keeping the unwanted URL as a default search provider.

Default290941114-a.akamaihd.net sets itself as a search provider on Safari or Google Chrome web browsers, redirecting all the search results to suspicious sites. However, users reported that the culprit of the malicious activity was a malicious Profile established from (an already removed) adware application. In order to get rid of Default290941114-a.akamaihd.net hijack on macOS/Mac OS X, users need to go to System Preferences… > Profiles and get rid of an unrecognized profile by pressing the minus “-” icon at the bottom-left.

lkysearchds1694-a.akamaihd.net

lkysearchds1694-a.akamaihd.net is a website that users might be redirected to when they are using their search engines, although they might not notice the difference between the regular Google Chrome search engine and the malicious one unless they look at the URL bar.

Just as its predecessors, lkysearchds1694-a.akamaihd.net browser hijacker filters web traffic in order to show users sponsored search results, redirect to suspicious domains, expose users to constant advertisements (pop-ups, deals, offers, in-text links, etc.) and otherwise disturb their web browsing activities. If you noticed too many ads when browsing the web and using your search engine, you should check your computer for adware and stop the unwanted actions altogether.

BrowserGuard-a.akamaihd.net

BrowserGuard-a.akamaihd.net is yet another variation of the virus. Just as all the previous variants, this adware program enters machines mostly with the help software bundling, although users might install it accidentally by clicking on dubious adverts. As soon as the hijack occurs, the potentially unwanted program modifies browser settings to display commercial advertisements every time you browse the internet. Users also reported that pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, deals, offers, and similar unwanted ads could be displayed even if the browser is not being used at all.

We advise you remove BrowserGuard-a.akamaihd.net from your system immediately, as, just like any other adware infection, it can cause more damage over time.

Freefiremobile

Freefiremobile-a.akamaihd.net is a legitimate website that is used for a survival Battle Royal mobile game Freefire by Garena. While the site itself is not malicious, there are many adware applications that can inject ads from it into users' web browsers without permission. As a result, you may encounter banners, offers, deals, in-text links, and other sponsored content presented to you regularly.

The original website also comes with downfalls, as Freefiremobile-a.akamaihd.net is marked as only partially secure:

Your connection to this side is not fully secure

Attackers might be able to see the images that you're looking at on this site and trick you by modifying them. 

Just as with other virus versions, Freefiremobile can alter web browser settings and then prevent users from reverting these changes until the potentially unwanted program is uninstalled from their systems. Despite this, the ads might not go away until web browsers affected by the treat are reset as per the instructions below.

To remove Freefiremobile game, users should go to the installed apps section on their Android or iPhone device and eliminate it manually.

Beware of bundled software – adware programs are usually hidden as optional installs

As we already mentioned, software bundling is the primary source for potentially unwanted program distribution. Unfortunately, not many users are aware of it, and PUP authors are quick to abuse that. In most cases, freeware developers add extra applications to the installation wizards. However, optional programs are not disclosed for those who pick Recommended or Default installation mode in most cases, although distributors might use other deceptive methods, such as pre-selected boxes, fine print text, misleading deals, or deliberately misplaced “Skip”/”Decline” buttons.

Therefore, users should always pay attention to installation instructions, never rush or skip steps. Advanced or Custom installation settings can disclose a full list of additional programs, which can be declined before then the process is finalized. Users need to remove check marks from the pre-marked boxes.

Another important thing to remember is that Flash update prompts are fake – especially if they are encountered on Google Chrome, as this browser uses a built-in functionality of the plug-in. Additionally, it is also important to note that regular users should not be using the Flash in the first place, as it is a very flawed and outdated component and soon won't even be supported by Adobe.^[3]

Additionally, experts^[4] advise using professional security software that could prevent most unwanted programs from entering the computer in the first place.

Get rid of Akamaihd adware either manually or automatically

When it comes to adware and potentially unwanted programs, it is not always apparent what to look for, as the uninstallation executable might be missing, or it might not be clear which program is associated with the PUP. However, there are several steps that people can take to remove Akamaihd virus from their machines permanently.

We suggest you try Akamaihd removal by following out instructions below this article. We have guides for both, Windows and macOS users. After the elimination, you will have to reset each of the installed browsers manually to stop redirects to various suspicious websites

We also noticed a large number of macOS/Mac OS X users who complain about the changed homepage on their Safari browser only. If that is the case for you, please follow these steps in order to change the web browser to your preferred one and eliminate a.akamaihd.net one for good:

Check for unwanted extensions:

• Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions;
• Disable all of the extensions and see if you still suffer from browser hijacking issues;
• If the unwanted behavior is gone, enable one extension at the time, and see which one is causing the issue;
• Get rid of the malicious extensions by clicking the Uninstall button.

Set your preferred search engine:

• Go to Safari > Preferences;
• Select General tab;
• In the Homepage field, enter your preferred address (such as Google.com);
• DO NOT press Return at this point, as all the changes will be undone;
• Instead, click on one of the tabs at the top of the window, such as Passwords, or Privacy
• If the confirmation prompt shows up, select Yes
• Go back to General tab to ensure that the homepage was changed

If, after performing all these steps, you are still suffering from the Akamaihd hijack, you should perform a full system scan with reputable anti-malware software – security application should be able to detect and remove all the remnants of potentially unwanted programs or their settings on your computer automatically.