Livemediasearch.run – a browser hijacker that tries to appeal to users with “enhanced” functionality
The browser-hijacking app gathers various non-personal details.
Livemediasearch.run is a fake search engine associated with the Smart Music Search browser extension. The dubious application promises enhanced functionality. According to developers, it helps users to search music straight from their address bar.
Nevertheless, the program is a browser hijacker which affects Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and only serves the purpose of bringing financial gain for its developers, while the end-user is being spied on, as well as presented to a significant amount of sponsored content.
Name
Livemediasearch.run
Type
Browser hijacker
Sub-type
PUP (potentially unwanted program)
Danger level
Low. Affects only browsers, other computer systems and components remain untouched.
Purpose
To gain revenue for the developers by tricking victims.
Tricks users by
Providing fast access to various music and making it look like a comfortable feature.
Removal
You must use proper security applications to remove this and any other cyberthreats
System fix
Employ the FortectIntego PC repair tool to fix all system-related errors automatically
Livemediasearch.run hijack can occur after users download and install shareware of freeware from the internet. Developers of unwanted programs often use the bundling technique for PUP distribution. This guarantees the infiltration of some computers, as users often tend to skip steps while installing new software from the internet and miss the opportunity to decline optional installs.
Although a browser hijacker is not considered to be malware, some users go as far as calling it a virus. Some security experts agree and call potentially unwanted programs “legal malware,” as it can compromise system's security by leading users to unsafe websites and injecting bogus programs by using scare tactics (such as survey or tech support scams).
Additionally, according to IT professionals[1], browser hijackers usually gather non-personally identifiable information,[2] which may include:
Pages visited;
Links clicked;
Search queries;
Saved bookmarks;
IP address;
Software information;
And other similar data.
Sometimes the browser hijacker might lead you to pages where unknown third parties may track your personal data, especially if you enter it into “required” fields. In order to avoid such harm, you need to remove Livemediasearch.run from your PC. We recommend doing that with the help of an anti-malware tool such as Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. The complete process will take just a few minutes. Alternatively, you can use the guide for manual elimination prepared by our experts below.
What is more, Smart Music Search authors try to direct users to sponsored domains. This means that, whenever you search for shoes to buy online, the presented results will be not genuine ones, but covered in sponsored links. This guarantees increased traffic to less-known websites, as well as increases partners' sales and profits. In return, the hijacker's developers receive pay-per-click[3] revenue.
However, the end-user is left with a bloated browser that displays ads whether he or she likes it or not, redirects to questionable sites, and tracks internet browsing activity, which some people may want to keep private. Searching for music online is easy, and, nowadays, there are plenty of legitimate platforms created, such as Spotify or SoundCloud.
Thus, if your homepage is hijacked, proceed with Livemediasearch.run removal, and use legitimate software instead. If you want your device as if you just bought it, we highly recommend using the FortectIntego system diagnostics tool which will delete all tracking cookies and maintain core system settings at bay.
Livemediasearch.run - a potentially unwanted program which provides fast access to various music. Distribution methods of PUPs, and ways to avoid them
As mentioned above, PUPs spread using deceitful methods. Browser hijackers and other dubious programs might be included together with freeware or shareware. This may lead to PUP multiplication and finally to malware infection. To avoid such consequences, download software from legitimate sources only.
However, potentially unwanted programs can also be included in the legitimate software, as well as its updates. Therefore, even if you are sure that the download is coming from a genuine source, pay attention to the installation process. Make sure to select Advanced/Custom installation mode instead of Recommended or Default one, and eliminate all optional components before the installation is finished.
In some cases, users are tricked into installing browser hijacking programs themselves. Authors of PUPs typically do not disclose the full functionality of their software and promise the benefit of using it instead. Nevertheless, as it should be clear by now, hijackers are unwanted guests on any computer and should be avoided at all costs.
Remove Smart Music Search to regain control of your browser
To remove Livemediasearch.run virus from your web browsers you will need to eliminate all harmful components that might have been provided by the browser hijacker. Delete all browser extensions, suspicious apps, and other bogus software. As soon as that is done, you will have to reset all installed browsers manually. You will find the instruction below.
Automatic removal can be performed as well and is highly recommended, especially if you are not that familiar with computers and their processes. Additionally, this method is a quick solution for anyone who does not want to spend too much on the elimination.
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.
Compatible with Microsoft Windows
Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Quickly delete the browser-hijacking app with the help of these instructions:
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.
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 Livemediasearch.run 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 browser hijacker
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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