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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Jan 2021

How to remove Linkey

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

Julie Splinters · Anti-malware specialist

Linkey – a browser hijacker which is still causing problems to Windows and Mac OS X users

The picture of Linkey virus

Linkey is a browser extension created by Aztec Media Inc. It is known as a browser hijacker which has been filled with the features of the adware.[1] Thus, instead of improving the browsing experience, this tool causes numerous problems, such as changing the homepage and search engine to default-search.net, installing cookies and tracking data,[2] delivering aggressive ads, redirecting to suspicious websites, and causing system/browser slowdowns and freezes. By the way, Linkey provides search results from a legitimate search engine Yahoo which makes this extension even more useless.

Linkey might affect the major web browsers that are installed on Windows and Mac computers. Typically, it finds its way to the computer when it arrives in a bundle with freeware and shareware as a “free addition” or “additional download.” There is no surprise why this ad-supported program manages to hijack so many computer systems – numerous free applications distribute it. 

Name Linkey
Developer Aztec Media Inc.
Type Browser hijacker
Detected for the first time 2015
Operating systems affected Windows; Mac
Compatible with web browsers Chrome, Firefox, IE
Main distribution method Bundling
Related search engines
  • Linkeyproject.com;
  • Search.linkeymac.com;
  • Default-search.net.
Main dangers
  • Redirects to sponsored sites;
  • Fills your search results with ads;
  • Tracks personal and non-personally identifiable information;
  • Uses tricky techniques to prevent removal.
Elimination Uninstall Linkey from the system and run FortectIntego to make sure that there are no leftover files 

In order to avoid Linkey hijack, you have to pay more attention to the installation process of such free programs and find the check mark that says that you agree to install this program on your computer. We have made some research and found out that a variety of users have been struggling to get rid of this browser hijacker from their Mac machines.

If Linkey virus manages to enter its targeted PC system, it shows up on all web browsers that are installed on it. That’s because it's compatible with Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and other popular Internet browsers. Furthermore, you can find its extension on the Google Chrome Web Store but that does not make it good of usage.

However, like all developers, Linkey creators also try to promote their product in the most attractive ways as possible. If you ever search for this extension on the Chrome Web Store, you will be provided with this type of app promotion:

Linkey is a simple but powerful browser extension that enables a quick and easy access to top sites with a visualised and friendly interface.

In addition, the browser hijacker starts collecting data that is related to the victim's search sessions and then begins to display annoying pop-up ads. After clicking them, you may be redirected to its affiliate sites, which might be unreliable.[3] Some third-party websites can reveal content that can appear to be dangerous, so it is better to hurry up with Linkey Mac removal or eliminate it from Windows OS.

If you don't want to be bombarded by ads that seek to push you into visiting unknown, unsafe, questionable and suspicious places, you should remove Linkey virus from your computer. For that, we highly recommend using reputable anti-spyware that is capable of finding and eliminating such apps without delay. Use FortectIntego to see if your system is infected.

Linkey browser hijacker

Mac OS is a new target of Linkey

PUPs rarely attack Mac users. However, this time people should not overlook Linkey ads that might disturb browsing sessions. This nasty adware has been noticed spreading and causing problems for Apple product users as well. On Macintosh devices, adware acts similarly like on Windows. It displays ads, redirects to potentially dangerous third-party sites and tracks browsing-related information.

However, users report that they cannot uninstall Linkey from Mac.[4] The problem might be related to the extension’s ability to make system modifications or installing additional components to protect it. Therefore, even if you uninstall this add-on from Firefox, Safari, Opera, Chrome or another web browser, you might find it again after rebooting the device.

Thus, if you are looking for a way how to remove Linkey from Mac computer, we can assure that the best way to do it is to use reputable anti-malware software. Running a full system scan with an updated tool will quickly clean all malicious components from the device.

The image of Linkey adware

Browser hijackers related to the PUP

Search.linkeymac.com

Search.linkeymac.com is a fake search provider which has been exceptionally attacking Mac computers. This browser hijacker presents itself as a reliable way to reach the most popular sites on the Internet. It provides such categories as Search, Images, Videos, Shopping, News, and Games. However, according to the Privacy Policy of the site, the site might be used to collect personal information:

You can use the Site and access software without providing any Personal Information (defined below). However, in connection with other activities through the Site, you may be asked to provide certain personally identifiable information, which may include your name, email address, age, gender, address, telephone number(s), areas of interest, login name, login password and other self-identifying information (all “Personal Information”). 

Additionally, this collected data can be shared with third parties seeking to misuse it for financial benefit. As a result, you can notice more spam in your email inbox, more ads appearing while you are browsing the web, etc. Having in mind that spam is almost the most popular method used by ransomware to infiltrate the systems, we do NOT recommend revealing such data.[5]

Linkeyproject.com

Linkeyproject.com is yet another browser hijacker related to the Aztec Media Inc. company. It was spotted in 2015, but it seems that it is still actively spread via bundled downloads. The site is filled with numerous links leading users to third-party sites. Most of them are safe. However, the search results provided by this PUP can be filled with sponsored links that can end up on unsafe websites. We highly recommend avoiding this search provider.

Linkey travels with the help of free programs

We have already mentioned how people are tricked into installing this adware on their computers. It can be downloaded voluntarily, or it may show up on the system after downloading freeware and shareware.[6] To avoid a similar situation in the future, you should start monitoring the installation of every freeware. Les Virus[7] security team provide these short and simple tips:

  • Select only Custom or Advanced installation option when downloading video streaming software, download managers, and similar applications.
  • Deselect agreements to install bundled software.
  • Unmark all pre-selected agreements to change your homepage or search engine.

Therefore, if you are wondering what is Linkey on my computer or where did it come from, you should think about recently downloaded and installed software. This ad-supported application probably sneaked to your device with it.

Get rid of Linkey in Mac and Windows to go back to safe browsing

People often complain that Linkey uninstall fails and that they are unable to get rid of the program. It seems that this computer pest roots deeply in the system or uses advanced techniques to prevent users from uninstalling it. This problem might occur on both Windows and Mac OS.

Therefore, to remove Linkey virus, we strongly recommend using the malware removal software. It’s a quickest and easiest method to delete the program together with all its browser helper objects and similar entries that are typically hidden in the system and are used to prevent virus elimination.

If you do not have such software, you can to delete the virus manually by following Linkey removal guidelines that we have prepared. Please, make sure you uninstall each of its components and then use tools given below to double check the system for hidden components. Let us know how did the whole removal procedure go.

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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