Feed.incognitosearches.com virus (Virus Removal Guide) - Free Guide
Feed.incognitosearches.com virus Removal Guide
What is Feed.incognitosearches.com virus?
Reasons to scan your computer after noticing Feed.incognitosearches.com in your browser's URL bar
Feed.incognitosearches.com is an untrustworthy domain associated with a potentially unwanted program (PUP) called Incognito Searches. Once installed, it replaces current browser’s search settings and allows launching private browsing mode during each browsing session. Unfortunately, it also fills search results with deceptive ads[1] and poses a threat to user’s security.
IncognitoSearches.com aims to convince the user that searching in private mode ensures user’s privacy. However, the extension it promotes cannot be called trustworthy. First of all, it collects each search phrase entered into browser’s URL bar.
Besides, it redirects the user to incognito mode[2] only when searching via search box that appears after clicking the Incognito Searches extension icon. Since users tend to rely on browser’s bar more frequently, it means that the described potentially unwanted program is basically useless.
At first, it seems that this browser hijacker simply serves Yahoo search results. Unfortunately, if you compared the URL address after performing a search via yahoo.com and via Feed.incognitosearches.com, you would notice that the latter tracks your IP address. You can see the difference between regular URL and the one serving altered search results in the picture below.
Keep in mind that the unwanted search tool can track your search queries, IP address, clicks, downloads, and even more information without letting you know. We believe that the user should not be attacked with advertisements based on daily online activities, especially when such tracking happens without user’s knowledge. That is just one of the reasons why we recommend you to remove Feed.incognitosearches.com from your browser.
If you want to reset your browser’s settings, you should know that it won’t be possible as long as the described hijacker stays on the system. You must find and eliminate all of its components and complete full Feed.incognitosearches.com removal in order to perform any changes regarding browser’s settings. We highly suggest using anti-spyware software like FortectIntego as it can quickly identify and delete hijackers keeping control of your browser’s settings.
Of course, you can always opt for manual uninstall option and delete the Incognito Searches virus using typical browser hijacker removal instructions customized by our experts.
Feed.incognitosearches.com virus tracks user's IP address and serves ads based on other browsing-related data it collects during victim's browsing sessions.
Ways of installing unwanted search tools
Many computer users install unwanted or unknown browser tools, extensions, and other spyware-type applications during installation of well-known free programs. The problem is that developers of free programs still need to monetize their services somehow, so they often opt for a pay-per-install revenue model. All they have to do is to suggest installing vague third-party applications in a bundle with their products. As a consequence, users may install programs like Incognito Searches.
First of all, this is not useful for them in terms of their reputation. Inexperienced computer users hardly spot the difference between several apps, especially because they do not even know about installation of additional programs at all. All they notice is that “pop-ups and ads, browser redirects and other problems” started bothering them after installation of a particular program.
The main issue is that users tend to install new downloads hastily, and that is why they end up with a couple of programs on their computers instead of one, say experts from Utanvirus.se[3]. To drop off unwanted components, we highly recommend selecting Custom or Advanced installation settings.
While these installation options allow rejecting unwanted extras, bear in mind that Default or Standard options won’t. That is why we do not recommend relying on them.
In addition, the described hijacker is promoted via install.incognitosearches.com/?pid=11111 page. If you were redirected to this site, we strongly advise closing it immediately.
Remove Incognitosearches.com hijacker in a few easy steps
If your computer is compromised by Incognitosearches.com virus already, do not delay its removal any longer. The first thing you want to do is to choose how you want to uninstall it – manually or automatically.
To remove Feed.Incognitosearches.com, we strongly suggest using instructions provided below this article. We have added screenshots that will help you to navigate through computer’s panels and configure the right settings safely.
To finish Feed.incognitosearches.com removal, consider using one of the provided anti-spyware or anti-malware solutions. While we do not insist on using automated tools for spyware removal, we have to say that can significantly ease the process and help you save some time.
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 Feed.incognitosearches.com virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
The instructions below explain how to remove Incognito Searches search redirect virus with ease. In addition, we suggest looking out for questionable programs installed on your PC without your permission. In short, use the guide given below to uninstall all shady software from your PC.
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
Go to chrome://extensions page using instructions provided down below. Locate IncognitoSearches extension and delete it without hesitating for a minute.
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 Feed.incognitosearches.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 stealing programs
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.
- ^ Advertisers held responsible for display of ads through adware companies. Lexology. Free-To-Access Legal Updates, Analysis and Insights.
- ^ Browse in private. Google Chrome Help. Official Google Chrome Help Center.
- ^ UtanVirus. UtanVirus. Spyware Removal Guides, Security News.