Best Searcher virus – a potentially unwanted program that could spy on its users

Best Searcher virus is categorized as a browser hijacker because it changes certain browser settings, such as the new tab, homepage, and the default search engine, without permission. All of this is done to redirect all search inquiries through tailsearch.com – a fake search site that doesn't generate any search results – it only redirects to legitimate providers like Google or Bing (depending on its user's geolocation), applying ads on top.
These types of applications are advertised as tools that will increase browsing privacy and security, but in reality, they do the opposite – collect browsing-related data. This gathered info can be shared with third parties. This browser intruder can be installed in two ways, either as a browser extension or as a program.
Best Searcher browser hijacker was distributed through Google Chrome Web Store (not available anymore), although apps like this can be delivered in many sneaky ways. Due to the way it functions and its spreading techniques, this app is deemed as a potentially unwanted program[1] (PUP). This article explains how these PUPs are spread, how they function, and how to eliminate them.
| name | Best Searcher |
|---|---|
| type | Browser hijacker, redirect virus |
| IP address | 104.27.146.124 |
| Promoted search engine | tailsearch.com |
| Symptoms | Altered browser settings (search engine, new tab, homepage) without the consent of the user, slower internet connection, redirects, impeded overall browsing experience |
| Risks | Best Searcher gathers browsing data that can be shared with third-parties such as advertisers or cybercriminals |
| Distribution | Google Chrome Web Store, deceptive ads, freeware installers |
| Removal | Manual removal is possible, but reliable anti-malware tools should also be used. Full instructions are at the bottom of this article |
| Repair | The FortectIntego system repair tool should be used to restore any system irregularities |
Developers of Best Searcher virus and PUPs alike spread their apps using various techniques. They can be downloaded from official browser web stores, deceptive ads, freeware bundles, etc. This particular browser intruder was offered through a deceptive ad when visiting a shady website.
The ad insisted on downloading a Flash SD App, and then users were redirected to Google Chrome Web Store where they could add Best Searcher browser hijacker to their Chrome browsers as an extension. Although, other browsers such as Safari, Edge, Firefox, etc., could be affected too.
There are thousands of PUPs like Best Searcher virus lying in wait on the internet. All of them, like HelperService virus, Js/Adrozek.A virus, Cassiopesa.com virus, and others operate similarly. They change browser settings to redirect all searches through a site of their choice to generate revenue, show unwanted ads, redirect their users to questionable sites, and collect browsing data, such as:
- list of visited sites,
- search queries,
- geolocations,
- IP addresses,
- browser/device information, and so on.
That being said, it's unwise to keep using this PUP as it will only impede your browsing experience and could even pose privacy threats. We recommend our readers remove Best Searcher virus. That can be done with dependable anti-malware software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.

Although some pieces might be left behind, so we provide a manual Best Searcher virus removal guide at the bottom of this article. It will take just a few seconds, and you don't have to be tech-savvy to do it as we provide detailed step-by-step instructions.
To restore your system back to normal, repair any damaged system files, and fix any altered system settings, cybersecurity experts at LosVirus.es[2] recommend performing a system tune-up with powerful system repair apps like the FortectIntego tool or similar.
Pay attention to what's being installed on your device
There are exceptions, but most potentially unwanted programs are distributed using freeware bundling. This technique is used to get PUPs on devices without the direct consent of the user. And that happens if a Quick/Standard installation is chosen.
All boxes are preselected to install all the software in the bundle. It might be just two apps, but it could be five. So to keep your device clean and safe make sure you choose the Advanced/Custom installation method and remove ticks opting in for installation of software that you don't trust, don't want, or didn't even think would be installed in the first place.

Best Searcher virus removal instructions
As we made clear in the first part of the article, it's unsafe to use Best Searcher browser hijacker for various reasons, including browsing tracking, slower internet connection, possible redirections to questionable websites, and so on. So our team compiled a simple guide to get rid of this PUP.
First of all, you'll have to scan your system with professional anti-malware tools. When the threat scan is complete, remove Best Searcher virus and any other dubious files. Restart your device. Sometimes removing the threat automatically won't do the trick.
If that happened, then refer to our manual Best Searcher virus removal guide posted below this paragraph. Don't forget to run a system repair and make sure you keep an eye on what's being installed on your device if you choose to get some apps from a freeware bundle.[3]
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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