Search60.com virus (Free Instructions) - Removal Guide
Search60.com virus Removal Guide
What is Search60.com virus?
Search60.com is a browser-hijacking app you should not ignore
Search60.com is a deceptive search tool that has a plain homepage design. Despite this, it does not change the fact that it is a potentially unwanted application that most commonly does not arrive on users' systems intentionally. Once installed, it changes the preferences of Google Chrome or another browser and sets its URL as a preferred search provider. Later, the top results provided are usually littered with ads and promotional links.
Let us assure you that it does not hijack your browser nor plagues you with ads. On the other hand, such a scenario is possible due to the scarce privacy policy and the absence of HTTP protocol[1]. Therefore, you might want to remove the PUP from the browser if you get redirected there often.
| Name | Search60.com |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Distribution | Third-party websites |
| Symptoms | Changes to homepage and new tab URL; search results filled with sponsored links |
| Uninstall | You can get rid of the browser hijacker by either scanning the device with antivirus software or following manual instructions |
| System fix | After the elimination of adware or malware, we highly recommend running a scan with FortectIntego repair software |
Other negative aspects
The search engine delivers the search results from its own database. In comparison with other search engines Google, Yahoo, or Bing, Sixty60 provides fewer results. Furthermore, this search tool does not support security plug-ins[2]. This is one of the major flaws, especially if you value cybersecurity. Without it, the risk of visiting infected site increases.
The “About us” section does not leave a positive impression either:
Search 60 are firmly positioned as global leaders in search engine marketing and web traffic generation. Founded on the vision that no goal is too ambitious, Search 60 has evolved into a leading global provider of search-based advertising to publishers globally.
It mentions that no personal information is collected, only non-personal which includes IP address and browsing history. This data is said to be used for service improvement. They also mention that the tool contains multiple links to third parties. They are not obviously visible, so redirects are possible. Due to it, you might get directed to quite insecure websites.
Lastly, the search tool emphasizes that the privacy policy only applies to hotsearchresults.com site, though it does seem to work properly. Due to these aspects, the search tool has been labeled as a browser hijacker. Likewise, there are more than enough reasons to start its removal. FortectIntego or Malwarebytes comes in handy in this situation.
PUP promotion techniques
Because this search tool includes links to external sites, it is possible that the hijacker might be promoted in sponsored domains. In that, clicking on an ad or video link directs you to Search60.
Alternatively, the search tool might be promoted as an additional plug-in to free file editors and media players. However, due to an underdeveloped network of this search tool, it is unlikely. In any case, to stop the installation of an unwanted program, opt for “Custom” mode.
It will disclose optional tools, and you will be able to deselect them before the installation. Likewise, if you pick “Recommended” or “Quick,” you are more likely not to notice which optional apps are recommended for you (this is a very well-known trick used by software distributors).
Eliminate the hijacker
It is not aggressive as typical browser hijackers. On the other hand, if you get redirected here once in a while, you might want to remove Search60.com and its associated files. You can do so with the assistance of a malware elimination tool, although you should not forget to bring it to the latest version before performing a full system scan.
Alternatively, you can delete the hijacker scripts manually as well. In that case, follow below manual removal instructions below. You should not only look at the installed programs list but also check your web browsers carefully. Note that the search engine may appear not only in English but in Russian[3] or Spanish sites.
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 Search60.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 Search60.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
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ What is HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS)?. HashedoutbytheSSLStore. IT News and commentary.
- ^ Catalin Cimpanu. Three WordPress Plugin Zero-Days Exploited in the Wild. BleepingComputer. News, reviews, and tech support.
- ^ Eliminate computer threats. Bedynet. Security news in Russian.