Search.searchonin.com virus (Virus Removal Guide) - Free Guide
Search.searchonin.com virus Removal Guide
What is Search.searchonin.com virus?
Search.searchonin.com is the search engine that triggers various issues to occur
Search.searchonin.com (by Polarity Technologies, Ltd.) is a search site that appears in web browsers after installing the Online Insider extension[1] for Chrome. Once installed, it changes the default start page and search engine settings, making the victim experience redirects through query.searchonin.com on a daily basis. If you are looking for relevant search results, you should never count on a virus like this or any suspicious program.
The redirect virus has earned such title for its ability to reroute the victim to sites that one did not intend to visit. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) serves ads in the form of search results and convinces the victim to believe that these are regular search results. In fact, it provides modified Yahoo search results that are altered by Safer Browser virus.
Name | Search.searchonin.com |
---|---|
Type | Browser hijacker |
Symptoms | Redirects, affected browsing sessions, speed issues, changed the default homepage and search engine preferences |
Issues | PUPs like this can access various information about users' habits online and even expose them to malicious online material |
Distribution | Freeware installations, other PUPs, ransom sites, and torrent pages |
Elimination | Removing the program can get difficult, so rely on the guide below or run the anti-malware tool to do that automatically |
Repair | Recover system files and functions with system tools like FortectIntego |
Firstly, you should never use search tools that appear in your browser all of a sudden, and the same can be said about the unexpected and excessive amount of ads that appear on your screen. Clicking questionable search results or ads can trigger redirects to external sites of unknown reputation and make you encounter potentially dangerous content. In the worst scenario, you can even unknowingly install malware[2] on your computer.
Besides, this questionable search tool can collect data regarding your browsing habits, including, but not limited to:
- Phrases and keywords you use when searching the Internet;
- Browsing history;
- Ads and links that you click;
- Your IP address;
- Geolocation and related data.
Having such information allows the developers of this questionable tool to analyze your interests and then select ads based on the content you like. However, remember that these ads can be used as bait to lure you into vague web pages. In addition, if you enter some personal details when searching the web, such details are going to be transmitted to developers of Search.searchonin as well.
The virus hijacks the web browser to modify its settings and set a certain search site as the default start page and primary search engine so that the user would start using it.
To protect your privacy while browsing the world wide web, LesVirus.fr experts recommend[3] you remove the browser hijacker. To clean your browser from its remains, consider using anti-malware software like Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. However, it is not necessary to use automatic spyware or malware removal tools if you do not want to. You can also rely on the Search.searchonin.com removal instructions we prepared – we provided them below the article.
Distribution of browser hijacking extensions and programs
You can encounter potentially unwanted programs while browsing through various file-sharing sites, but most frequently these programs hide in installers of well-known and popular free programs. In the majority of cases, you can find them in games or media streaming software.
When installing free programs, pay attention to the installation options provided to you. Do not rush and pick the right option to install your download. Usually, software installers suggest choosing Default/Standard installation settings, offering them as the “safe and easy option” to set up your preferred program. Sadly, these installation options often hide additional components that will be installed alongside your download.
For this reason, you should always pick Custom or Advanced settings and drop unwanted elements by deselecting them.
Efficient Search.searchonin.com removal technique
If you want to find a quick and easy way to remove the virus, read the tutorial provided below the article. It explains how to uninstall potentially unwanted programs and delete the components they dropped on your computer system.
A clever way to complete Search.searchonin.com removal is to perform a system scan using anti-malware software. It helps to locate and eliminate software that uses sophisticated obfuscation methods and attempts to avoid detection.
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.searchonin.com virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
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
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.searchonin.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 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.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. Browser Extensions Are a Privacy Nightmare: Stop Using So Many of Them. How-To Geek. For Geeks, By Geeks.
- ^ Tom Spring. ‘HoeflerText’ Popups Target Browsers With RAT and Locky Ransomware. Threatpost. The First Stop for Security News.
- ^ LesVirus. LesVirus. Malware, Spyware Removal Directions.