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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Aug 2019

How to remove Search App by Ask v2 virus

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

Lucia Danes · Virus researcher

Search App by Ask v2 is a widespread browser hijacker that collects a variety of information about you

Search App by Ask v2

Search App by Ask v2 is one of the most common browser hijackers users might find on their Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and other browsers unexpectedly. The browser plugin, which can be downloaded from official sources, usually gets installed without users' notice and assigns search.ask.com as a homepage and new tab address.

Besides, Search App by Ask v2 uses a customized search engine developed by Ask Media Group, which exposes users to a variety of sponsored search results as soon as they press the “Search” button. It means that the results are not organic, and all the top links are rather paid for by affiliates.

Search App by Ask v2 also collects a suspiciously large amount of information about the users and, unlike most other hijackers, this one gathers data that can easily disclose users' identities, their views, interests, and other private details. Security experts[1] highly recommend proceeding with Search App by Ask v2 removal, especially if the pest appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

Summary
Name Search App by Ask v2
Type Browser hijacker
Category Potentially unwanted program (PUP)
Developer Ask Media Group
Homepage set to search.ask.com
Distribution  Software bundles, Java updates, third-party sites, official stores 
Chrome web store user rating 1/5
Dangers  The plugin gathers various information about you; sponsored links might lead to unwanted software installation or money loss 
Termination  Either use security software like FortectIntego or terminate the PUP manually by using our guide below 

The dubious distribution, operation and persistence techniques of Search App by Ask v2 browser hijacker

Initially being question and answer site, Ask Media Group rapidly expanded in the 2000s and acquired multiple organizations. Its own search engine was developed, along with the notorious Ask Toolbar that was viewed extremely negatively by the security community.[2] The trend continued when Search App by Ask v2 was released, as it also uses dubious distribution, operation, and persistence techniques to stay on users' machines as long as possible.

It is not surprising that users called this hijacker “Search App by Ask v2 virus” or “Search App by Ask v2 malware,” and there are plenty of negative reviews about its dubious operation techniques. One Google Chrome user wrote:[3]

should be blocked from the store.. as with others this was installed without notification

Most of the users complained about its suspicious installation, as they did not install Search App by Ask v2 intentionally. While in most of the cases the browser plugin is bundled with other free software from third-party sites, some installs come from Java update, which is owned by Oracle.

Upon the installation, Search App by Ask v2 changes web browser settings without asking. Nevertheless, if you are using modern browsers, such as Google Chrome, it will notify you that the changes were made, and offer you to go back to your default settings. If that is the case, do not agree and pick your previous configuration.

Search App by Ask v2 negative reviews

However, those who do agree to change the way their browser operates and start relying on a customized search engine will soon notice that their search results are filled with sponsored links. These links lead to sponsored sites, and might not necessarily be useful. Nevertheless, Search App by Ask v2 generates money for each click[4] made to such sites. Considering a large number of users who have this unwanted program installed against their will, the revenue generated is enormous.

Finally, those who decide to remove Search App by Ask v2 from their devices might experience difficulties, as users complained that the plugin simply gets reinstalled after its termination. To make sure all the components are deleted and the unwanted app does not come back, scan your computer with anti-malware software such as FortectIntego.

Search App by Ask v2 can gather you personal data from your Facebook profile

To increase the profits, Search App by Ask v2 wants to show you ads and direct you to sites that are relevant to you. For that, certain type of information is gathered about you, such as:

  • IP address;
  • Mobile phone ID;
  • Technical data about the computer or mobile device;
  • ISP or mobile network provider;
  • Preferences and settings;
  • Cookies;
  • Search history;
  • Links clicked, sites visited, search results selected;
  • Goelocation, etc.

While most of such data is collected by various providers (including Google), Ask does not stop there. The PUP also collects data that can disclose your personal information, as it also collects your search queries and comments. For example, if you disclose certain personal information while your browser is hijacked, it will be recorded and sent to Asks servers.

In some situations, Search App by Ask v2 can also harvest data on your social media, as it is explained in the Privacy policy:[5]

These third parties may also provide us with information about your interactions with their products and services and/or activities on third party websites. For example, use of Service functions that connect to your social media account (e.g., Facebook Connect) may permit us access to your social network profile information, including your first name, last name, gender, birth date and email address, in accordance with your settings on the social network. If you choose to post information to your social media account via the Services, you will be making this information available to other users of these Services.

Search App by Ask v2 PUP

It goes without saying that information is one of the most valuable assets a company might have, as it can be used for profits. However, what does this mean to you and what ramifications such excessive data gathering can bring? It is up to you to decide, but we would highly recommend you remove Search App by Ask v2 to stop the background activities and go back to regular search results on our browser.

Be wary when installing software updates and third-party software

Many techniques are used to distribute browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted programs. While you can easily download the browser extension on the official web sites like Chrome web store, other distribution methods are not so straightforward, or even fair.

Beware PUPs may infiltrate your computer unnoticed because they are added to various freeware installers. Here, they are presented as “optional components” that can be either accepted or declined. However, the latter option might be a little tricky, and users who do not pay close attention to the installation process can often miss the point where they can reject the PUP.

This is because unwanted apps are often hidden under pre-ticked boxes, misleading button placements, and Recommended/Quick settings. Thus, always be attentive during the installation of new software, as well as software updates, as PUPs can be included inside and kept out of sight. Do not forget to pick Advanced/Custom installation options, as this is usually where all the unwanted apps are hidden. In such a way, you can decline the optional components before they enter your device.

Search App by Ask v2 removal methods

Search App by Ask v2 is now an old application, and it is less likely to be spread around. Nevertheless, you can still easily download it with other software from third-party sources. Thus, if your browser is hijacked, be aware that the information about you is being tracked and you are not presented with organic search results.

Search App by Ask v2 modified search results

If you decide to remove Search App by Ask v2 from your computer, you need to go to the installed program list and look for the program entry. However, you need to make sure that you reset each of the installed browsers as well, as traces of the app might still be present, and browser changes might not go away.

Besides, you can use security software for comprehensive Search App by Ask v2 removal. The anti-virus program will delete all the entries automatically within just a few minutes, and you will be able to enjoy browsing soon again.

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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