Search.smartmediatabsearch.com virus (Free Instructions) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
Search.smartmediatabsearch.com virus Removal Guide
What is Search.smartmediatabsearch.com virus?
Search.smartmediatabsearch.com search results promote possibly dangerous third-party sites
Search.smartmediatabsearch.com search engine (by Stepitapp LTD and Aztec Media Inc.) is not a trustworthy one, and if it flashed on your computer screen as you opened your web browser, you should think about your next moves to get rid of it immediately.
This suspicious website typically becomes browser’s homepage after installing the SmartMediaTab extension, which has the permission to set your search settings to hxxp://Search.smartmediatabsearch.com/.
If you’re wondering why this potentially unwanted program (PUP) wants you to use its search engine so badly, we have an answer to that. This questionable browser hijacker[1] strives for pay-per-click revenue, therefore it pretends to be providing a useful search engine that has several “useful” shortcuts on its main page.
However, the real menace emerges when you decide to use its search services. At this point, this questionable program pumps results’ pages with sponsored entries and waits until the victim clicks on them. Each of these clicks generates revenue for the developer of SmartMediaTab, exposing the computer user to various Internet hazards at the same time.
The problem is that this questionable extension is set to advertise websites that are not even endorsed by the developers of it. To put it shortly, if you decide to explore sites promoted by this suspicious search engine, you risk visiting dangerous third-party sites. It goes without saying that deceptive web pages can try to trick you into installing bogus browser toolbars, extensions, programs or software updates[2], besides, such sites can also attempt to swindle personal information from you.
If you do not want to run into websites that are designed to take advantage of you, remove Search.smartmediatabsearch.com as soon as you can because although it does not pose a threat to your privacy or security on its own, it can easily show you a path to dangerous sites.
Search.smartmediatabsearch.com virus is developed by Aztec Media, Inc., a company that is the author of many browser hijackers meant to change victim's search settings and push sponsored content via search results' pages.
Speaking of this browser hijacker, we must mention that it attempts to collect some information about the users of Smart Media Tab Search. It mainly seeks to find out user’s language preference, type of browser used, also search queries, page views, impressions, and clicks, as well as IP address. It can also collect your private information if you willingly provide it. Remember that it is very easy to misuse such information; therefore we suggest you think twice before you decide to continue using this search engine.
Distribution of the annoying browser hijacker
Most users complain about Search.smartmediatabsearch.com hijacking their browsers without their knowledge or permission. Surprisingly, this program can access victim’s computer only with user’s permission. Therefore, it has to obtain this permission somehow. It decides to rely on software bundling techniques, which allows slipping a couple of additional programs into victim’s computer without his notice.
To avoid installing software bundles without realizing it, we suggest staying away from vague file sharing sites and avoiding Default/Standard software installation settings when installing new programs.
These settings typically contain statements that grant user’s permission to install all “recommended” software. To prevent sneaky programs from infiltrating your PC, rely on Custom/Advanced settings and deselect every optional component added to your download.
Search.smartmediatabsearch.com removal methods explained
Unfortunately, it won’t be enough to change homepage and search settings to remove Search.smartmediatabsearch.com virus from your browsers. We have decided to prepare a comprehensive removal tutorial for those willing to uninstall this highly questionable browser hijacker manually. However, for best results, we suggest scanning your PC with an anti-malware program to complete Search.smartmediatabsearch.com removal firmly.
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.smartmediatabsearch.com virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
To eliminate the described hijacker, do the following:
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)
Clean Firefox by eliminating every questionable add-on from it, including SmartMediaTab.
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
Follow the given instructions to navigate to Extensions tab and once you open it, locate and remove SmartMediaTab extension.
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.smartmediatabsearch.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
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.
- ^ Robert Siciliano. What is Browser Hijacking?. McAfee Blogs. Securing Tomorrow. Today.
- ^ Lee Mathews. New Mac Malware Found Hiding In A Fake Adobe Flash Update. Forbes. Focuses on Business, Investing, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Lifestyle.