Search1.me adds a fake search engine and changes the homepage to monetize user activity
Search1.me is a browser hijacker that changes the main settings, like the homepage, new tab address, and search engine. Users are forced to use only selected channels for browsing which raises many user privacy and security concerns. Such apps can also read all the browsing history and track user activity.
Normally, browser plugins are meant to provide some kind of benefits that are not available on a default browser. People love add-ons that can block ads or automatically apply coupon codes for the biggest discounts while shopping online. However, downloading plugins from unsafe websites or not doing enough research can introduce problems.
Browser hijackers can lead to dangerous websites that use social engineering to trick people into providing personal information or downloading PUPs (potentially unwanted programs)[1] and malware. The extension can also generate commercial content from rogue advertising networks that lure people into scam sites.
In the past few years, we have seen a rise in hijackers as people download plugins carelessly, sometimes multiple add-ons at once, to test which one is better. Because the settings change seemingly out of nowhere, many think that they have been infected with a virus.
| NAME | Search1.me |
| TYPE | Browser hijacker; potentially unwanted program |
| SYMPTOMS | The main settings of the browser get changed, like the homepage, new tab address, and search engine |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites, deceptive ads, software bundling |
| DANGERS | The extension may lead to dangerous websites; display misinformation, inaccurate search results; track browsing activities |
| ELIMINATION | Remove the extension by going to your browser settings |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to fix any remaining damage and optimize the machine |
Distribution methods
Usually, people get infected with bogus extensions by browsing through shady websites that engage in illegal activities. They are full of deceptive ads, and sneaky redirects because they are unregulated. People can get redirected to sites that promote browser hijackers and get fooled into downloading them.
Often fraudsters try to make the extensions as attractive as possible by stating that they were created in collaboration with big tech companies like Google. You may also encounter messages like “Recommended by Chrome.” Such statements should not be trusted as they are only used to make the product look legitimate.
It is best to only use official web stores, as they are the safest place you can get add-ons from. Extensions that get listed, go through a lengthy review process, however, you should still do your research. Read the reviews, look at the ratings and how many users they have. It is best to choose extensions that are popular, and have plenty of feedback.
Another way your browser could have been hijacked is by a PUP. Such applications usually get installed from freeware distribution sites that use software bundling[2] to generate revenue. The problem is that often they include programs that are unsafe and can start causing unwanted behavior on the machine.
You should be careful about what you let into your digital bubble as that can have detrimental results. One wrong click and you can be in a lot of trouble. It is important to install software that you fully trust as fraudsters take advantage of every possible opportunity to monetize your activity.
Cookies[3] are used to track your browsing behavior – your IP address, geolocation, websites you visit, links you click on, and things you purchase online. This information can later be sold to rogue advertising networks and other third parties. That is why security experts recommend clearing cookies and cache regularly.
Unfortunately, a lot of users forget about this task so it is good to have a tool that can do it automatically. FortectIntego can clear cookies and catch with a click of a button, as well as fix various system errors, corrupted files, registry issues, which is especially helpful after a virus infection.
Remove the unwanted extension
You can remove browser add-ons by going to your settings. Find the list of extensions installed in your browser and remove Search1.me. We show how to do that in the guide below:
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.
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.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Mozilla Firefox
- 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.
Safari
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
PUP elimination process
Sometimes removing only the extension is not effective and users still continue to experience unwanted symptoms. In that case, you will probably have to scan your machine for PUPs. Simply removing the add-on will not be enough, and the settings will keep changing until you completely eliminate a PUA from your machine.
One of the most common ways that PUAs are spread is through freeware installation sites. The creators of these platforms have learned that they can include additional programs in the installers and earn money that way. This method is known as software bundling and is very effective as most people rush through the installation process and skip all the steps.
The program that is causing settings changes could be disguised as a “handy” tool, so if you are not sure what to do and you do not want to risk deleting the wrong files, we suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, eliminate it, and prevent such infections in the future by giving you a warning before a PUP can make any changes. If manual removal is what you still prefer, we have instructions for Windows and Mac machines:
Windows 10/8:
- 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.
Windows 7/XP:
- 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.
Mac:
- 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.
If you want to avoid PUPs in the future, always choose “Custom” or “Advanced” installation methods, read the privacy policy and terms of use to find out what information will be collected and what the application will be allowed to do in your system. The most important part is to check the file list and untick the boxes next to any items that you think are suspicious or unrelated.
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