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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Nov 2020

How to remove IStreamingSearch

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Olivia Morelli · Ransomware analyst

IStreamingSearch – a browser extension that seeks to earn money from your clicks on ads

IStreamingSearch

IStreamingSearch is a potentially unwanted program that travels as an extension that is compatible with Google Chrome, MS Edge, or Mozilla Firefox web browsers. Typically, most users do not install the app intentionally, as its main distribution method is software bundling – a technique that compiles several programs into a single installation package. Alternatively, the hijacker could be pushed through random websites and deceptive ads online.

Once installed, IStreamingSearch would change the homepage and the new tab address of the browser to portal.istreamingsearch.com or feed.istreamingsearch.com and redirect all search results to Yahoo or another provider. Unlike regular search engines, this one would provide several sponsored links ad the top, marked as “Ads.” Unfortunately, not all users notice this marking and visit these pages anyways – these could not always be appropriate or as informative as genuine links.

Name IStreamingSearch 
Type Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
IP address 172.67.192.254 
Distribution Software bundle packages, deceptive ads on various sites
Symptoms Search results are filled with sponsored links and ads; homepage and new tab address is set to portal.istreamingsearch.com or feed.istreamingsearch.com; overall increased amount of advertisements
Risks Installation of other potentially unwanted programs, information disclosure to potentially unsafe parties, monetary losses
Removal You can uninstall potentially unwanted programs by following the manual guide below or by scanning the computer with powerful anti-malware
Optional steps Computer infections can cause significant damage to system files or disrupt normal settings. To revert these changes and remediate the OS, perform a full system scan with FortectIntego repair software

Since the app might show up on users' machines without permission, some might call it IStreamingSearch virus. While the intrusion is less than welcome, it is important to note that technically if is not a virus, but rather a browser hijacker – a type of a potentially unwanted program. In fact, if not the changed homepage and new tab URL, some might not even notice that their browsers have been hijacked.

Even when spotted, some users might decide to keep IStreamingSearch hijack regardless, as it attempts to lure people with extra features – in incorporates a calculator, a cryptocurrency converter, PDF converter, etc. Despite this, it is important to note that these features can be accessed through numerous websites for free, so there is no need to have your browser hijacked for this.

And, IStreamingSearch is just one of many creations provided by an unknown developer. It is a part of the broader browser hijacker family. Previous creations include StreamSiteSearch, HDSportSearchs, Spacerin Search, and many others. All these apps are virtually identical, apart from the logo, name and the color scheme, although their goal remains the same – feed users with ads, record various information and generate revenue in the process.

In the meantime, if you happened to have this app installed, you will have to suffer from misleading search results. The hijack might also hinder finding relevant information quickly. The only way to stop this activity is to remove IStreamingSearch from your web browser and then employ SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or another security software to check the system for other infections. Experts[1] also recommend using FortectIntego after the PUP termination to ensure healthy operation of the computer post elimination.

IStreamingSearch hijack

IStreamingSearch removal is not only mandatory to prevent ads but also due to privacy reasons. If you check the Privacy Policy of the hijacker, you would find more details about its information collection practices. It is said that the collected data includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • device type;
  • IP address;
  • browser type;
  • language settings,
  • search logs
  • time stamps, etc.

Additionally, the developers also collect personal information if such is provided, although search queries and the IP address can also be considered personal data. Thus, if you value your privacy and want to return to a clutter-free browsing experience, uninstall IStreamingSearch by eliminating the extension from your browser.

Software bundling and other methods used for browser hijacker distribution

One of the main reasons why many people tent to call browser hijackers viruses is due to their distribution techniques, namely, software bundling. Freeware developers and software distributors use this method to ensure that less attentive people install applications without providing direct consent. Bundle packages are extremely common, and mostly reside in third-party websites. This is why many users who find their browsers hijacked usually believe that “the virus” arrived to their systems automatically.

To avoid potentially unwanted applications such as browser hijackers, adware, scareware,[2] and others, you should always be aware and cautious during the installation of free programs, especially when dealing with third-party sites. According to research, even the most popular software distribution sites bundle software,[3] so you should never rush through the installation steps, read the fine print, decline all the deals/offers, watch out for pre-ticked checkboxes, and, most importantly, always pick Advanced/Custom settings instead of Recommended/Quick ones when prompted. This will allow you to stay in control of the installation process from start to finish and see which apps are being installed.

IStreamingSearch virus

IStreamingSearch removal instructions

While changed web browser settings do not always correlate with the name of the browser hijacker, you are likely to find and remove IStreamingSearch virus after eliminating the extension of the same name. All you have to do is access the settings section of your browser and uninstall it. This way, you will stop the continuous redirects to alternative search providers and an increased number of ads. Nonetheless, we also recommend clearing the web browser by deleting cookies and other web data to ensure the hijacker is not keeping track of you even after you delete it.

An alternative method for IStreamingSearch removal is security software. Keep in mind that anti-virus programs use different criteria to describe hijackers and PUPs, so some apps might not detect this particular extension. However, security programs are excellent when it comes to invisible malware detection, so you should scan your system regardless.

It is also important to note that browser changes might also be related to another application that is installed on your system and is not related to the web browser. In such a case, you can use our manual elimination instructions provided below and delete all the found PUPs.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. 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.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

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