Search.hfastmapfinder.com (Removal Instructions) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
Search.hfastmapfinder.com Removal Guide
What is Search.hfastmapfinder.com?
Search.hfastmapfinder.com is a PUP that features all characteristics of a browser hijacker
Search.hfastmapfinder.com by Polarity Technologies Ltd. is a search engine that may occur as a default start page, search provider, and a new tab URL on Chrome, Firefox or any other web browser. Usually, it manages to settle down on web browsers with the help of freeware. On such grounds, cybersecurity experts have already assigned it to browser hijacker and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)[1] category.
| Name | Search.hfastmapfinder.com |
|---|---|
| Type of malware | Browser hijacker |
| AV detection | PUP or PUA |
| Targeted web browsers | Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Opera, etc. |
| Danger level | Low. It does not have a destructive effect on the system. However, it can initiate redirects to suspicious third-party websites and generate excessive amount of pop-up ads |
| To get rid of a browser hijacker from any web browser, run a full system scan with FortectIntego | |
Browser hijackers like search.hfastmapfinder.com spread on the Internet in the form of unwanted software that aims at modifying web browser's settings to promote affiliate parties. To reach its goal search.hfastmapfinder.com virus replaces the existing homepage, search engine, and installs Fast Map Finder Toolbar without asking for permission.
Typically, it is capable of infiltrating Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, IE, Safari and other web browsers. As a result, browser's sessions become abnormal due to an excessive amount of ads and continuous redirects to questionable websites.
Some of the browser hijackers may contain tracking cookies.[2] These small files are injected into web browsers by default and once enabled start collecting browsing-related information, including but not limiting to search queries, pages viewed, IP address, most frequently visited websites, computer’s IP, its location and similar. While it may look not that dangerous, the loss of such data can increase the amount of spam in your email inbox or catchy commercial ads on random sites.
The most intrusive trait of search.hfastmapfinder.com hijacker is that it forces people to use its search engine. As soon as it drops the extension on the web browser, it starts filling search results with links to its partner's websites, for example, Yahoo, Amazon, Wallmart, etc.
However, some of the links provided by search.hfastmapfinder.com redirect virus can be more than suspicious. Some of them may even be filled with malicious content. Thus, when not careful, you might be tricked into installing some questionable products or programs.
Commercial ads are yet another problem related to this search. Since it's task is to increase visitors' traffic to specific domains, it may display not only related links, but also generate intrusive pop-up ads, banners, interstitial ads, and similar content. Note that they are usually created on behalf of people's Search Data that is collected with the help of cookies. That's why most of them correspond to your preferences.
If you want to restore your web browser to the previous state, you have to remove search.hfastmapfinder.com virus from your PC. You can do that with the help of FortectIntego or follow a step-by-step guide given below and eliminate it manually.
Browser hijackers spread by bundling
When installing apps from the Internet, you can also download browser hijackers, adware and similar potentially unwanted programs in a bundle. Typically, users allow these optional components because they do not monitor installation of the freeware. Keep in mind that you must double check every installation window while installing software from the Internet. For that, you need to select Custom or Advanced installation mode and deselect all optional components.
In some of the cases, PUPs, including browser hijackers, are distributed via legitimate sources, such as Google Play Store or third-party download sources as stand-alone installers. That's why exerts, including NoVirus.uk[3] cybersecurity researchers, claim that it's essential to select freeware to install extremely careful. Before downloading it, read reviews, people's comments on IT forums, search for the name of the app next to keywords like “virus” or “hijacker.” That should be sufficient to find out the status of the tool you opt for installing.
Learn how to remove Search.hfastmapfinder.com virus
Proper search.hfastmapfinder.com removal is important to prevent infiltration of additional viruses on your computer. Firstly, what you can do is to remove this malware automatically by using a professional anti-malware program. By scanning your computer with one of the programs that we recommend below, you will get rid of harmful objects and delete unwanted browser'a component that may redirect you to doubtful websites.
Alternatively, you can perform search.hfastmapfinder.com removal procedure manually. All you have to do is to eliminate each potentially unwanted program that might have been installed in a software bundle. After that, reset your web browser's settings to default to disable related extensions. If you don't know how to do that, you can take advantage of the guide submitted below.
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 Search.hfastmapfinder.com. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Those Windows users who have never dealt with a browser hijacker before can take advantage of the removal instructions submitted below. Note that malware removal won't delete unwanted components from the web browser. Thus, you will have to reset your web browser's settings after all.
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)
Mozilla Firefox users often fall victims to browser hijackers. If that what's happened to you, make sure to eliminate unwanted programs that were installed on your PC via software package and then follow the instructions below to reset your web browser's default components.
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
Web browser's restore guide for Google Chrome users is given down below. Please follow the steps given. Beware that Chrome's reset will delete all customized settings.
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 Search.hfastmapfinder.com 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 stealing programs
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ Chris Hoffman. PUPs Explained: What is a “Potentially Unwanted Program”?. How-To Geek. Online tech publisher.
- ^ Tracking cookies and GDPR. Bozho's Tech Blog.
- ^ Novirus. Novirus. Spyware and virus news.