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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Oct 2020

How to remove Search.searchworm.com

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

Julie Splinters · Anti-malware specialist

Search.searchworm.com – a fake search engine that is injected by New Tab Theme Buddy or another potentially unwanted program

Search.searchworm.com

Search.searchworm.com is a suspicious web address that users might find as their homepage on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, Safari, or another web browser. If that happened to you, it means that your web browser has been hijacked by the New Tab Theme Buddy extension or application. However, the browser changes can also be associated with another app that is hiding on your computer.

Since potentially unwanted programs[1] are typically distributed using deceptive practices (software bundles, fake updates, etc.), users typically are surprised when they notice Search.searchworm.com hijack suddenly. They notice that the homepage is completely different and that their searches now include an increased number of ads. In the background, the PUP (potentially unwanted program) collects various data about users' internet usage, some of which may include personal information such as an IP address. 

Name Search.searchworm.com 
Type Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
IP address 13.249.93.7 
Distribution Software bundles, Google Chrome Store, ads
Symptoms New Tab Theme Buddy or another extension installed on the web browser; unknown app installed on the computer; homepage and new tab address is set to Search.searchworm.com, search results are filled with sponsored links and ads
Risks Installation of other potentially unwanted programs, privacy risks due to information gathering practices, financial losses
Removal You can uninstall potentially unwanted programs by following the manual guide below or by scanning the computer with powerful anti-malware. To get rid of the browser-hijacking extensions, clean your web browser promptly by removing web data and cache
Optional steps Computer infections can cause significant damage to system files or disrupt normal settings. To revert these changes and remediate the OS, perform a full system scan with FortectIntego repair software

The so-called Search.searchworm.com virus can target both Mac and Windows operating systems and appear on all compatible web browsers. As previously mentioned, the app can get installed without asking for direct permission, although some users might be interested in it via Chrome Web Store or another legitimate source.

Cyber SearchSearch.grilime.com, or Comet Search are similar browser-hijacking apps that claim to improve user experience, hence being useful to users. Search.searchworm.com is not an exception and boasts of its ability to “enhance web browsing experience” by including a “personalized” greeting, as well as a different wallpaper every 24 hours.

However, these functions are merely a trick to make people believe that they are being treated as special – regardless of who installs the app, these greetings and wallpapers remain the same, just a little bit randomized. The functionality is utterly useless, as any modern browser allows users to set their own wallpaper and append links to their homepage they prioritize. 

Search.searchworm.com hijack

Search.searchworm.com does not even use a custom search engine and uses Google's instead. As evident, it participates in its affiliate program. Nevertheless, those who install the app guarantee profits for its developers, as they soon see an increased number of advertisements during each of these searches. In other words, without the browser hijacker, users would not be shown promotional offers and ads at the top of search results (it uses Google's search engine, so what is the point of it in the first place?).

Besides, Search.searchworm.com removal should be warranted by the fact it collects a variety of information about users. In the Privacy Policy, it is clearly stated that there is a wide range of data that is harvested as long as the extension is installed- it includes:

  • Technical information (installed apps, device type and version number, operating system details, location, IP address, ISP, cookies,[2] etc.)
  • Usage information (software services, internet browser usage, language settings, search queries, visited websites, etc.)
  • Support related information (email and other voluntarily-provided data).

We advise you to remove Search.searchworm.com hijacker by checking your web browser settings. Don't forget to clear cookies and other traces that might remain. Besides, we highly recommend scanning the machine with SpyHunterCombo Cleaner security software to ensure that no other potentially unwanted or dangerous apps are present. Finally, FortectIntego can be used to fix virus damage.

Search.searchworm.com virus

Avoid potentially unwanted programs by being careful with new app installation process

Browser hijackers are extremely widespread. From users who found the app in Chrome Webs Store by the promised enhanced web browsing experience to those who were dumbfounded by the unexpected browser changes. The first group of people install PUPs as they believe that they are actually useful – and such is the goal of the developers. Software bundles, on the other hand, expand the delivery to many more computers, as users are tricked into installing apps they otherwise would not.

Therefore, before you install a new app to your computer or append an extension to your web browser, you should check the reviews online, as these often serve as a good indication of whether the app is actually useful. Additionally, you should be very careful when installing free programs from third-party websites, as it is well known that almost all of them bundle software.[3] Never rush the installation, read the instructions carefully, decline all the offers, and always pick Advanced/Custom settings if prompted.

Also, watch out for deceptive ads and fake updates. If a popup or a notification on a random site claims that something is missing, is outdated, or that your computer is infected ignore these warnings as they are all scam. Visit official sources to update your software instead.

Search.searchworm.com removal instructions

In most cases, users should have no problems with Search.searchworm.com removal – all they have to do is access the settings of their web browsers and uninstall the New Tab Theme Buddy extension. However, it is important to note that the homepage and other browser changes can be related to a completely different program that might be installed on your Windows or Mac machine. Thus, we advise you to check the installed app section of your computer, as explained below.

Search.searchworm.com search results

Additionally, a scan with security software might also help you remove Search.searchworm.com virus automatically. If a scan finds another infection, such as a Trojan, you should also employ FortectIntego repair tool in order to prevent your system from crashing or delivering errors in the future.

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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