Best Searcher virus (Removal Guide) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
Best Searcher virus Removal Guide
What is Best Searcher virus?
Best Searcher virus – a potentially unwanted program that could spy on its users
Best Searcher is a browser-hijacking virus that displays inaccurate search results
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 SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
Best Searcher virus is a potentially unwanted application that uses tailsearch.com to insert ads into search results
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 might be downloaded from a suspicious third-party website
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]
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 Best Searcher virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
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)
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 Best Searcher 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
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. PUPs Explained: What is a “Potentially Unwanted Program”?. Howtogeek. Online technology magazine.
- ^ LosVirus. Losvirus. Spyware and security news.
- ^ Bundled software. Computerhope. Free online computer help site.