How to remove Kwiqsearch.com browser hijacker

Kwiqsearch.com hijacks your browser to deliver you promotional links

Kwiqsearch.com is an URL that is related to the infection of a potentially unwanted program known as a browser hijacker.^[1] These apps apply a new homepage and new tab address to the web browser and change the search provider to something else. As a result, users are constantly redirected to search results they weren't expecting; they are also commonly filled with sponsored links and ads.

Besides, browser hijackers are also known to be spread in various unfair methods, for example, via software bundling^[2] or deceptive ads. This particular browser add-on is known to be spread along with an illegitimate version of a Google Translate add-on, commonly downloaded from insecure third-party websites.

It is also important to note that browser hijackers collect user data to profit from targeted advertising and data sharing practices. While in most cases, only anonymous information is collected, sometimes there is a fine line between that and a privacy breach. For example, some hijackers collect search queries, which could also include sensitive user data. In any case, if you care for your privacy, potentially unwanted programs are something you should get rid of.

If you have experienced Kwiqsearch.com hijack, you should not worry and clean your system by using the instructions we provide in this article below. Also, we give some tips on how to stay safe online easier.

There are plenty of other browser hijackers we discussed before, including UpdateSearch, CapitaSearch, Search.searchumrz.com, etc. While all of these apps have much in common (mainly browser hijacking and ads display), some features make them unique.

Browser hijackers are normally not considered malicious, at least never to the point of being treated as malware. However, Kwiqsearch.com can not be categorized as a simple, potentially unwanted program, as its developers are engaging in persistence techniques that are commonly used by hackers and cybercriminals.

To be precise, once installed, the potentially unwanted program applies the “Managed by your organization” setting on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or any other web browser (although this is not the only trait that makes this hijacker a very undesirable addition to the browser). This is done deliberately to prevent users from removing Kwiqsearch.com from their browsers. 

Initially, the feature is legitimate and is often used in a corporate environment to prevent users from tampering with certain settings on the web browser. If employed by a browser hijacker, it makes it immediately malicious since hope users lose control over their browsers. In order to remediate it, we strongly recommend you check the instructions below.

Why you shouldn't trust altered search results

Browser hijackers change web browser settings with only purpose – to deliver users advertisements that can be later monetized by their creators. While there is nothing wrong with ad monetization, many users choose to avoid websites that are overly filled with ads – it is simply annoying. Besides, some advertisement networks might not be as secure as one might like, hence encountering malicious links is also possible.

This becomes a much greater concern about ads promoted from within the browser or a computer, namely when a browser hijacker is installed. In this particular case, your homepage might not seem different from your regular one, although once you try to use the search tool, you will see that the results are being forwarded to Bing, Yahoo, or another provider.

While these are legitimate companies and can be trusted, the search results should not be whenever they are promoted via a hijacked browser. Top search results are always filled with ads and promotional links, which might be inaccurate or even dangerous.

Besides the safety element, it is also important to understand that your browsing activity is different. You might struggle to find relevant information, as the first page might be filled with ads (so you might end up on a different website than you expected).

All in all, a hijacked browser is problematic, and the Kwiqsearch.com virus makes it even worse due to the deceptive distribution tactics and persistence mechanisms it implements once it's installed.

“Managed by your organization” setting might make it much harder to remove the hijacker

If speaking of browser hijackers as a whole, they are very easy to terminate. In most cases, they come as a browser extension and can be removed with just a few clicks. Alternatively, some older PUPs can also be uninstalled via the Control Panel, just like any other program.

However, the developers of some PUPs implement various techniques that prevent their easy removal. For example, if web data and cookies are not cleared, users might continue to encounter various ads on visited websites and be constantly tracked. In such a case, we recommend cleaning web browsers automatically using the FortectIntego maintenance tool.

When dealing with the “Managed by your organization” setting, clearing web browsers is not enough. First of all, we recommend removing all the suspicious add-ons (the fake Google Translate in particular). This might or might not work. If it doesn't, employ powerful anti-malware software (for example, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes) and perform a full system scan.

Finally, if your Chrome browser still can't be controlled, you should reset it:

• Open Chrome and go to Settings
• Scroll down and click on Advanced
• Locate the Reset and clean up section
• Click on Restore settings to their original defaults
• Confirm with Reset settings.

If a browser reset did nothing, you should proceed with the following:

• Press Win + E on your keyboard to open file explorer
• Navigate to the following location to access Google folder (note: if you are unable to view this location, click on view and then tick the Hidden items box):
  C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Google
• Select everything and press Shift + Del on your keyboard.

In order to find out how to reset other browsers, check the instructions below.

Quick tips to avoid PUPs

Most users do not install potentially unwanted programs on purpose – they are usually tricked into doing so. In this instance, the Kwiqsearch.com search engine is promoted via a fake version of the Google Translate extension. The original app and be downloaded from the Chrome web store, so there is really no need to go to third-party websites to get it.

Nonetheless, many users might have installed it along with other software downloaded from the internet. This is especially true if you are keen on visiting websites that promote illegal/pirated software installers. Software cracks are often used to distribute threats such as Reqg ransomware – malware that can be devastating and result in personal file loss.

Thus, choose your download sources very carefully. If possible, always download apps from official websites instead of third-party ones. In fact, even the trusted sites use software bundling for monetization, so you might end up with plenty of junk apps you never intended to install in the first place.

To avoid that, follow tips from novirus.uk^[3] experts:

• Use powerful anti-malware software and keep in up-to-date;
• Do not download illegal software;
• Patch your system and apps with the latest updates;
• When installing new software, always pick Advanced/Custom mode instead of Recommended/Quick one, as it will provide you more control over what is installed on your system;
• During the installation of an app, watch out for pre-ticked boxes, misleading offers and misplaced buttons.