Omyweb (Removal Instructions) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
Omyweb Removal Guide
What is Omyweb?
Omyweb – a browser hijacker that redirects all searches to a fake keysearchs.com search engine
Omyweb is a browser hijacker because as soon as it ends up on a computer it changes its default search engine to keysearchs.com. That search engine is fake, meaning it doesn't produce any search results itself., it redirects people to other legit search engines. Due to the stealthy manner of installation, this software is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP).
When Omyweb virus is installed, and users type something in the URL bar they get redirected first to the keysearchs.com and then, depending on their geolocation, either to google.com or through a sequence of two websites – my-search.com, search-checker.com, until getting to a proper search engine in bing.com
name | Omyweb |
---|---|
type | Browser hijacker |
Distribution | Google Chrome app store, freeware bundles |
symptoms | Depending on users geolocation, all search is redirected from keysearchs.com to either google.com or bing.com (through two other sites) |
Risks | Browser hijackers are known to collect browsing and private data which might be sold to third-parties |
removal | Users who decide to remove Omyweb should do it with the help of professional anti-malware tools |
system fix | Browser hijacking add-ons/software might damage system files and registry. After Omyweb removal it's highly recommended to use a system tune-up tool like the FortectIntego app to repair any system irregularities |
Typically, browser hijackers[1] change all browser settings, such as the new tab preference, the home page, default search engine, and so on. Furthermore, Omyweb PUP creators collect browsing and personal data of the users, that includes IP addresses, geolocations, visited sites, search inquiries, etc. Then this collected data can be sold to third-parties, which may not necessarily be the good guys.
On top of that, browser hijackers like Omyweb could push additional installation of PUPs. And what's it promotes websites that pay the most, so it could be sites of cybercriminals with malicious content on them. As soon as someone is redirected to these kinds of sites a payload file of severe malware could be downloaded instantly and infection would be started.
That's why keeping browser hijackers is a risky business. We recommend uninstalling it as soon as you notice changes in your browser preferences. You can do it manually using our guide shown at the bottom of this article. If you can't be bothered with manual Omyweb removal, then use a powerful anti-malware app like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes to do the dirty work for you.
When you remove Omyweb or any other browser-based threats like adware or hijackers, you should run a full system scan with a powerful system repair program to find and fix any modifications done to computer system files and their settings. Apps like the FortectIntego will fix these issues caused by any malware with a push of a button.
Stealthy installation techniques of browser hijackers
Although some browser hijackers are offered in-browser app stores, most of them are installed using a more stealthy approach – software bundling.[2] With this method, more than one application is offered, and with the installation of the desired program, at least one or two PUPs are preselected for installation.
To evade potentially unwanted programs from installing on devices, everyday computer users should always opt for the Advanced or Custom installation instead of the Quick one. When the latter is chosen, all software within the bundle will be installed automatically.
When choosing the Advanced/Custom mode, the users can look through what would be installed on their devices. Users should unmark all of the pre-ticked boxes if the apps that are offered isn't what they wanted and get just the one they need.
Uninstalling Omyweb browser hijacker from your device
Unwanted PUPs aren't considered as severe malware but it surely can deliver one. Furthermore, browsing and personal data collection that is being done by the browser hijackers like Omyweb virus could lead to identity theft, loss of finances, or becoming a victim of some sort of cybercrime.
We advise to remove Omyweb from all devices as soon as any changes are noticed in the browser preferences, like the changed default search engine, the altered home page, etc. Either use our guide below or trust anti-malware software to do the work for you.
Experts[3] advise using a powerful system repair tool after Omyweb browser hijacker removal to undo all changes made to the system registry and other core settings that the browser intruder could have done.
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 Omyweb. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
You should go through the system and remove Omyweb from the machine
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
You might want to reset the browser to default, so the browser is running normally again
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 Omyweb 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
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
- ^ Browser hijacking. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Bundled Software. Techopedia. Professional IT insights.
- ^ Viruset. Viruset. Spyware and security news.