Yahoo search virus. 11 Variants listed. Removal guides for 2020

Yahoo Search is a legitimate search engine, although is often associated with various browser hijackers

Yahoo Search virus is a term used to describe browser hijacker redirects to this search engine.

Yahoo Search is a legitimate search provider that has been developed in 1994 by a well-known company Oath and a decade ago sold to the Verizon Media. The search provider is topping the charts of most visited sites, especially in the USA. However, regardless of its popularity, Yahoo Search sometimes cannot be trusted. For the past years, it has been actively misused by browser hijackers while trying to reroute users' traffic to a specific site and fill its search results with sponsored content.

Questions about search.yahoo.com redirect

• Being redirected to yahoo while trying to login to aol  25/04/19 1
• Having Search.yahoo.com redirect problems  14/07/17 1
• Search.yahoo.com redirect virus keeps bothering me. WHY?  26/01/16 1

Web browsers infected by browser-hijacking apps are often redirected to search.yahoo.com or guce.yahoo.com sites, which have been found showing sponsored content. These redirects are typically performed on the affected web browser without the victim's permission, once he/she adds a search query to the browser hijacker's page. As a result, numerous online forums have been filled with claims about the Yahoo Search virus.^[1] 

The main reason why users have started discussing Yahoo Search virus is its misusage to display sponsored search results by impersonating legitimate services. Since browser hijackers are considered to be potentially unwanted programs, (PUPs) criminals, try to find ways how to trick users into believing that they are trustworthy. Using legitimate Search.yahoo.com services is one of the methods to increase the program's credibility. 

If you have already noticed redirects to Yahoo Search on IE, Mozilla, Chrome or another web browser, you should think what free software^[2] have you recently installed on your PC. Usually, these unwanted activities are noticed after installing one of the following programs which might hide a browser hijacker inside:

• Download manager;
• PDF creator;
• Video streaming software;
• Etc.

As soon as browser hijackers are installed on the system, they initiate system changes, tracking of people's search sessions,^[3] collecting their non-personally identifiable information, and causing ads or redirects to sponsored websites by using the so-called Yahoo Search virus.

Yahoo Search virus applies malicious techniques to redirect users' search query results to Search.yahoo.com site.

You could suspect that your computer is infected with Yahoo search virus if this search provider has become your default search engine suddenly. Other symptoms of the affected web browser might be:

• inability to set preferred homepage or/and search engine;
• an increased amount of online ads;
• the random text turned into hyperlinks;
• new bookmarks added;
• redirects to suspicious sites.

If any of these activities can be noticed on any of your web browsers, be aware that your browser might be hijacked. Usually, Yahoo services are categorized as malicious and should not be. However, experts note that the Yahoo Search virus term stands for the potentially dangerous activity initiated by browser hijackers on the user's computer without his or her authorization. 

Yahoo Search virus can hide in the system under Yahoo Powered and similar terms.

We strongly recommend choosing reliable download sources to avoid browser hijackers. If you want to protect your PC and private data, you should get rid of the virus right after it appears on your web browser. If you are also looking for a way how to remove Yahoo Search, choose a manual elimination way. In this case, you will only need to reset your web browser to its primary settings by performing several simple steps.

However, before you go with that, make sure that the browser hijacker which brought Yahoo search to your computer is gone. Note that there are numerous hijackers that are using misleading techniques to make users take them seriously or make them struggle while trying to get rid of them. Thus, scan your system with a professional security tool to get rid of infections. We also recommend making sure that there are no virus leftovers left on the system. For that, we recommend software like ReimageIntego.

After Yahoo Search removal, you should try to browse the web more carefully. Usually, browser hijackers infiltrate systems through their backdoors and then modify browser settings to stay on the system as the primary search provider. Likewise, it is essential to read every term and condition while installing freeware on the system. If, after rebooting your computer, Yahoo comes up, it means that you failed to decline an offer to install optional software on your computer. In this case, the easiest way to find unwanted software is to use anti-virus or anti-spyware software.

Google Search switches to Yahoo phenomenon explained

Google Chrome is the most popular web browser in the world, crushing all its competitors by a mile – over 68% of users choose precisely this browser.^[4] By default, most users use Google's search engine for their daily web browsing, and people got used to it so much that even the term “Google it” is very common nowadays.

Therefore, users are baffled when they enter a search query and are redirected to Yahoo, as many are keener on using Google for the purpose. Since the change is visually apparent, users notice right away, although some might not understand why Google Search switches to Yahoo.

While there are certain malware strains that could start search.yahoo.com redirects, in most cases, the culprit is a browser hijacker or an adware app that was installed on the system behind users' backs. Luckily, in most cases, these unwanted programs can be eliminated relatively easily, although some PUPs are incredibly persistent and can cause serious troubles when trying to remove Yahoo Search redirects.

Below you will find the list of most commonly-encountered applications that begin search redirects to Yahoo as soon as they are established on the device.

Storm Search

Storm Search, also known as a Storm Search virus, is one of many browser hijackers that was released recently. While the app can be downloaded from official sources such as Google Chrome web store, it is also often spread via software bundle packages – it means that some users do not install it intentionally.

Soon after the infiltration, Storm Search will change the web browser settings of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another web browser:

• Attach Storm Search browser extension
• Change homepage and new tab URL to hxxps://find.stormsearch.net
• Sets the “Managed by your organization” status on the web browser
• Redirects all searches to Yahoo or another reputable search engine
• Fills search results with affiliated content and ads.

Storm Search is one of many annoying add-ons that should not be trusted, and if it appeared on your browser seemingly out of nowhere, you should get rid of it as soon as possible.

Fake Flash Player installers

Fake Flash Player updates can represent a variety of shady applications – the name of “FlashPlayer.exe/.dmg” can hide potentially unwanted programs, as well as malware inside. In most of the cases, users are misguided by a misleading pop-up or a notification, which claims that the Flash Player is either missing or needs updating:

Your Flash Player is Ready to install

Run all your video, audio and games online

Update the latest version for optimal performance

However, what most users don't realize is that Flash is no longer needed, as most modern browsers and websites use new technologies, such as HTML5.^[5] Since users believe that the plugin is required to play multimedia content on sites, and it is so embedded in their memory, malicious actors are ready to abuse it to proliferate malware and PUPs.

Fake Flash updates are often the cause of the installation of potentially unwanted programs and malware which can start Google redirects to Yahoo

Thus, never trust fake Flash Player prompts, as they can easily be the reason why your Google Search switches to Yahoo.

Quick Mac Fixer

Quick Mac Fixer is a macOS application that belongs to the scareware category. These apps typically abuse users' lack of knowledge in the technical field and often show exaggerated or even fake scan results to make users believe that their device is compromised, regardless of its actual condition. As soon as users are convinced that their Mac needs to be repaired, they are redirected to the payment page, where they are asked to purchase a full version of the Quick Mac Fixer to fix the alleged problems.

Besides being a scam, Quick Mac Fixer also uses persistence techniques in order to stay on the machine as long as possible and changes web browser settings without permission. As a result, users' searches are redirected to Yahoo, and the developers of the app can acquire ad revenue as long as the app is installed on the system, regardless if a full version is used or not.

If you are using a Mac and noticed Google Search redirects to Yahoo, you should check if your machine is not infected with Quick Mac Fixer or a similar scareware application.

Advertising activities help PUP developers generate revenue

It is evident that Yahoo has been used for advertising purposes and gaining easy income. Usually, users infected with the so-called Yahoo Search virus can notice a significant increase in online ads, the survey offers or other commercial content. Keep in mind that developers gain pay-per-click^[6] or pay-per-install^[7] revenue and might even promote potentially dangerous applications and websites through this legitimate search provider. 

Therefore, if you happen to suffer from unexpected redirects to a site filled with commercial content, do not ignore this matter. You should leave the site immediately and consider Yahoo Search removal from the system. For that, we recommend scanning your computer with ReimageIntego to see if there is any hijacker hiding in it. Anti-malware/anti-spyware^[8] software helps identify computer infection and clean the device safely.

Yahoo.com Search virus has been misused by numerous browser hijackers without company's notice.

Yahoo search virus can be found under different names

Colleagues from Germany^[9] have warned the Internet community that PUPs have been abusing Yahoo under different names. Keeping them on the system can lead you to danger as they can not only collect non-personally identifiable information but sometimes try to get access to personally identifiable details.

It goes without saying you need to uninstall the following apps if you want to protect sensitive information. If your logins, banking information and other details are visible for cybercriminals, you might suffer from money loss or identity theft:^[10]

Yahoo Toolbar

Yahoo Toolbar is the most popular variant of Yahoo-related apps that promises personalized web browsing experience. However, the rating of this plugin has decreased because of its aggressive distribution which can take over the web browser and then start showing Yahoo search results without your approval. If you prefer, let's say, Google, such discovery can really disrupt your work online. The next issue regarding this toolbar is that it fails to leave the system when you use traditional techniques. You should be especially careful with Yahoo toolbar 1.4.1 which is vulnerable to HTTP Yahoo Toolbar Helper ActiveX BO and can be used for attacks.^[11]

Yahoo Powered

Yahoo Powered has mostly been used by its developers to redirect users to us.search.yahoo.com page. As we have mentioned several times, all these pages are legitimate, but there is a risk of being presented with altered search results that are filled with sponsored links or ads. The distribution technique used by the PUP involves third-party software which typically presents such apps as “free offer”. However, the developers intentionally fail to mention what system changes can be made after accepting this offer and letting Yahoo Powered into the system.

PUP.Optional.WinYahoo

Alternatively known as WinYahoo, this virus has been mentioned in Malwarebytes scan reports. This potentially unwanted program has been known for its persistent aims to stay on the affected computer system and reappearance that is typically noticed after the computer's reboot. In this case, it is highly recommended to check the system for browser helper objects (BHOs) used for such cases. While you can't find such components manually, run the previously-mentioned app or your own anti-virus.

Yahoo Redirect virus

There are thousands of browser hijackers released continually, and many of those redirect their searchers to Yahoo. This is because Yahoo offers third-party advertisers to participate in their affiliate program and allows potentially unwanted program authors to use a well-established search engine. However, this redirection practice comes with a price, and users the ones who are paying for it. Because the hijacker is linking people to Yahoo, it intercepts the search results, providing multiple sponsored links at the top, preventing users from getting the genuine information they need.

Therefore, if you want to use Yahoo search engine, do so without the help of browser hijackers that redirect you there anyways (besides adding unnecessary and fake search results as the primary ones).

Yahoo Community Smartbar Engine 

Yahoo Community Smartbar engine is the add-on from Linkury Inc. The main executable – smartbar.exe. The PUP has been spreading around for several years now and, because of its intrusive activity, been found under different names, including Adware.Linkury.B, Adware.Linkury or PUP/Linkury. You can find this smart bar added to your browser without expecting this because it has been actively downloaded by unaware users as an optional component of other apps. However, if you like other search providers, not Yahoo, you should decline offers to add it to your web browser.

Yahoo Startnow

Yahoo Startnow browser hijacker changes the search engine of the browser to StartNow and sets homepage, as well as new tab address to yahoo.startnow.com. It establishes itself after a browser extension developed by Zugo Limited is installed on the machine. In most cases, users are tricked into installing applications that are entirely worthless and bring no benefit to their browsing experience or inject the add-on when they install freeware or shareware (software bundling method). Yahoo Startnow is most prevalent in India and the United States.

Us.yhs4.search.yahoo.com

Us.yhs4.search.yahoo.com is yet another version of Yahoo redirect virus. Note how browser hijacker authors include Yahoo's name in the address, resulting in the illusion of legitimacy. Users are more keen to trust websites that are associated with reputable names, and PUP authors are well aware of that.

Therefore, gullible users should not be tricked by such techniques, and rather opt for a legitimate search engine, such as google.com, yahoo.com, bing.com, etc. If you see your web browser redirecting you to Us.yhs4.search.yahoo.com and your search result are filled with sponsored links, it is time to take care of removal of the browser hijacker. You will find all the instructions below this article.

At.yhs4.search.yahoo.com

At.yhs4.search.yahoo.com is another browser hijacker that belongs to Yahoo redirect virus category. While the URL is almost identical to the above-mentioned hijacker, this variant is quite a bit different. The main website looks plain, but has Yahoo logo right on top of the page, again playing on users' trust. Additionally, the applications are designed to German-speaking users.

While possessing certain differences, the distribution method of potentially unwanted programs remains the same – users install if with bundled software or click on deceptive links online. Furthermore, the primary goal of At.yhs4.search.yahoo.com is gaining revenue by linking users to sponsored sites, providing fake search results and prompting them to install useless software.

Yahoo Search virus is a PUP that infiltrates the system and sets this legitimate search engine as the homepage, the default search engine, and new tab URL.

Product bundling allows browser hijackers to enter the targeted systems

A vast of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) use the same distribution techniques to reach targeted computers. One of the most popular ones is called bundling which allows browser hijackers to travel as one program with third-party Spigbot apps, including the following:

• Extensions^[12];
• Plug-ins;
• Add-ons;
• Toolbars.

As soon as the person installs the software-bundle, the computer is infected with a browser hijacker. This issue shows up on all the most popular web browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer. To prevent this from happening, you should always pay an appropriate amount of attention to the freeware's installation process.

It's advisable to read EULA, Privacy Policy, and other accessible information about your selected program. By the way, you should opt for an Advanced or Custom installation option and carefully check the entire process.

During software installation, your main task is to find the list of “optional downloads” and opt out of all programs that are promoted there. NEVER agree to set an unknown search site as your start page and search provider because you may later experience various issues.

Uninstalling so-called Yahoo Search virus requires professional help

Even though you might find Search.yahoo.com among Yahoo search virus versions, this application is not categorized as a malicious program. In fact, it is classified as a potentially unwanted program that does not perform system changes. However, experts warn that browser modifications are not essential for an enhanced browsing experience. Thus, it is better to remove Search.yahoo.com.

For that, we present you two different options – manual Yahoo Search removal and automatic elimination option. According to PC security experts, the first option can be used only when you know the names of potentially unwanted programs that are causing redirects to this search engine.

The question of how to get rid of Yahoo search on Mac prevails on online forums

How to remove Yahoo Search on Mac is the main question that can be found on various Mac-related forums^[13]. Since people believe that Macs cannot be affected by malware, such as adware or browser hijackers, they tend to believe that unwanted modifications of a web browser are the result of their negligence. 

The truth is that the Yahoo Search virus on Macs is equally or even more frequent if comparing it to Windows. It infiltrates Macs via legitimate freeware apps distributed on various sources and sets the search.yahoo.com engine on Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another Mac-compatible web browser that is used as default. In addition, the search site may be promoted via third-party software updates. 

In order to perform Yahoo Search removal from Mac, you should also know the names of related adware. If you are not sure what kind of the virus has infected your device, then we strongly recommend opting for the automatic Search.yahoo.com removal and let anti-malware program for Macs to identify and remove it. The same applies to Windows users. After a complete malware elimination, reset web browser's settings to recover the changes

You may remove virus damage with a help of ReimageIntego. 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.

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