Comet Search (Easy Removal Guide) - Free Instructions

What is Comet Search?

Comet Search is a browser hijacker that inserts ads into your searches

Comet Search is a potentially unwanted program that changes web browser settings in order to deliver advertisements

Comet Search is a potentially unwanted program that is typically distributed via software bundle packages, which results in unintentional installation. Once inside, the app modified web browser settings of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or MS Edge in a way that would allow it to perform its deceptive activities. For example, the PUP sets find.cometsearch.info as the homepage and new tab address of the web browser and appends a customized search engine to it.

As a result, users who browse via the Comet Search hijack affected browser would quickly notice that all their searches are redirected to Yahoo. While this might seem like not a big deal, most would not be satisfied that their default search engine has changed. By far, the bigger issue is that the browser hijacker injects sponsored links and ads into search results and spies on users with the help of data-tracking technologies.^[1]

Potentially unwanted programs such as browser hijackers can be encountered in various places, although the most common trait that unites them is that they are mostly installed without asking users for direct permission. This happens due to deceptive techniques that the developers of such apps use, and Comet Search is not an exception – software bundles, deceptive ads, suspicious websites, and other methods can be used.

Browser hijackers are generally not perceived as a high security threat. Indeed, the main goal of Comet Search is to change web browser settings and use the built-in resources to deliver sponsored links in search results. By clicking on these links, users provide financial benefits for the developer. Unfortunately, there is so much more to it.

First of all, CometSearch would redirect all searches to Yahoo – a renowned search engine that is legitimately used by millions of people worldwide. Despite this, the tech giant has nothing to do with the hijacker, and the search results that are filtered through the hijacker are not genuine, so users might struggle to find relevant information.

These ads are not random, however, as Comet Search tracks’ user online behavior with the help of cookies and other technologies:

We may use standard Internet technology, such as web beacons, cookies and other similar technologies, to track your use of the CometSearch Services (see our cookies policy). Web beacons are small pieces of data that are embedded in images on the pages of sites.

The collected data includes the following:

• Provided personal data (name, email, phone number, username and password, etc.);
• Browser-related information (type, language settings);
• Software installed on the device and all the connected devices;
• IP address
• Search information (links clicked, keywords, time stamp, pages viewed, search history, etc.).

Another potentially malicious trait of this browser hijacker is that it might set the “Managed by your organization” setting on the web browser, which might significantly reduce the chance of a successful Comet Search removal. In other words, the PUP abuses built-in settings in order to keep the app installed on the system for as long as possible – a trait that is common to malware and prompts the “Comet Search virus” description from many.

Comet Search is a browser hijacker that is usually spread via software bundles

This is why PUPs should not be treated lightly – some of them can cause major browsing inconveniences, reduce the security of the computer, and prevent users from eliminating them. For that reason, security experts^[2] highly advise users to remove Comet Search from their browsers as soon as possible. If you are unable to do so, you should reset the web browsers as explained below, look for other suspicious programs and then scan the machine with security and optimization software – we recommend using FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, and Malwarebytes.

Ways browser hijackers sneak into computers and methods of prevention

As previously mentioned, potentially unwanted programs such as browser hijackers typically show up on users’ machines seemingly out of nowhere. If that happened to you, you should check what applications from third-party websites you have recently installed on your computer, as PUPs are mostly distributed via software bundle packages.

Freeware websites are extremely popular, as users are keen to download applications that they believe are free. However, most of such apps (unless they are open-source) use various alternative methods for monetization; these include advertisements, pay-per-install schemes, and others. As a result, each user who installs such programs becomes a monetization vector, and many apps attempt to abuse that fact.

While showing advertisements is a legitimate way to monetize, potentially unwanted programs use various deceptive claims to make users believe that the program is useful, promising “enhanced searches” or “discounts and coupons.” In reality, users are fed with ads and get no value out of the installed programs of such type.

To avoid browser hijackers, adware, scareware,^[3] and other potentially unwanted software, you should follow these tips:

• If possible, download apps from official sources and avoid third party sites;
• During the installation, always pick Advanced mode instead of Recommended one to stay in control of the process;
• Decline all the deals and offers;
• Remove ticks from checkboxes (unless it is ToS agreement);
• Read the fine print;
• Install powerful security software that would warn you about PUPs.

Comet Search is known to hijack browsers and set the 'Managed by your organization" setting to prevent its removal

Uninstall CometSearch and check for other unwanted apps and malware

Typically, users can uninstall browser extensions easily – all they have to do is access the settings of their web browsers. CometSearch removal would not be a difficult process as well if the browser hijacker would not use persistence mechanisms, which render the browser immune to user inputs. Luckily, there are several ways how to bypass this.

To remove CometSearch successfully, you should first do the following:

• Navigate to C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome and delete everything
• Reset Google Chrome (or another) web browser as explained below.

Finally, you should also check your computer for other potentially unwanted programs and malware by scanning it with powerful anti-malware software. You can also look for unwanted apps manually – you can find detailed instructions below.

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.