SearchConverterInc – a browser hijacker that displays ads as search recommendations
SearchConverterInc is categorized as a browser hijacker due to it making changes to different browser settings, such as the new tab, homepage preferences, and the default search engine preferences. In addition to that, it shows various advertisements camouflaged as search recommendations. If users press the Allow button when asked to enable notifications, whole browser windows might be covered in ads, and sometimes some pop-ups might even appear when the browser is closed.
If you experience any of these symptoms, that means that you installed a shady browser extension on your Google Chrome browser. You might have been redirected from a deceiving ad to Google Web Store, where this potentially unwanted program was offered. Now the said store removed it, but some people are still using this potentially unwanted program[1] (PUP). You can also allow the freeware installation processes to end up in PUP infiltration unknowingly.
People whose homepage and other settings are still redirecting them to portal.searchconverterinc.com, and keep seeing ads on their search results, shouldn't panic. This PUP is quire easily removable, but they shouldn't wait long to do it. People who don't have time for articles can scroll down to the bottom of this one, where our free removal guide is revealed. Although if you want to find out more about this browser hijacker and PUPs – keep on reading.
| name | SearchConverterInc browser hijacker |
|---|---|
| type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
| Distribution | Google Chrome Web Store, freeware bundles, deceptive ads, other similar intruders |
| Symptoms | Unwanted extension installed on Chrome browser. Altered browser settings: default search engine, homepage, and new tab preferences. Ads are shown as search recommendations |
| Risks | Installation of other PUPs through deceptive ads. Browsing-related data collection might lead to privacy, financial and identity issues |
| Removal | Manual removal is possible, and we explain how to do that at the bottom of this article. Anti-malware software should be used to make sure no suspicious files were downloaded without your knowledge |
| System Fix | PUP altered system settings can impede normal system performance. Run diagnostics with the FortectIntego app and automatically fix all issues |
If you have browser hijacker installed on your device, it doesn't matter if Google, Yahoo, or Bing, was your default search engine. All search inquires go through searchconverterinc.com, a fake search engine, as it doesn't generate any search results. It redirects people, depending on their geolocation, to legitimate engines.
Usually, browser hijackers are advertised as tools that will increase your online security, privacy, and so on. But in reality, when malware changes all aforementioned settings, it is able to perform these actions:
- Collect browsing data,[2] including geolocations, IP addresses, search inquiries, visited pages, browser, and computer info. This data can be shared with or sold to advertisers and other interested parties
- Show ads as promotions of various commercial websites.
The ads may redirect users to deceptive websites, where additional PUP might get installed. So if you're tired of constantly being redirected to shady sites and want to see normal search results without any ads, it's time to get rid of the unwelcome guest.
We strive to help our readers by any means we can. This time we display free step-by-step instructions on how to remove from Mac and Windows devices. You can find them at the bottom of the article, and make sure to execute them correctly.
Please don't forget to scan your device with a dependable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, when you're finished with manual malware removal. A trustworthy anti-malware tool is a must these days because cyber threats are lurking everywhere.
Once you've removed the browser intruder and scanned for any suspicious files, you should take care of the system files and folders by running a system repair. Experts[3] recommend entrusting this task to the powerful FortectIntego system tune-up tool.
Stealthy and deceptive PUP distribution techniques and how to avoid them
The so-called crapware is on the rise, and it's waiting for inattentive users to install it. There are different ways it can get on a computer. For instance, when visiting shady sites, a pop-up ad might come up telling the user that he/she must update the Adobe Flash player, which will lead to PUP installation.
Our research shows that another popular distribution technique is software bundling. Many online vendors offer to download some software in a pack. If a user is inattentive and chooses Express, Quick, or Recommended installation, all applications within the pack will be installed.
This happens because boxes agreeing to install all software within the bundle are preselected. If you want to evade PUPs, first of all, you've got to stop believing pop-up ads that tell that something is wrong with your device or its software. And when installing apps from bundles, don't forget to choose the Advanced/Custom installation mode. This way, you'll be able to deselect the pre-ticked boxes from apps you didn't intend to install, don't want, don't trust.
Instructions on how to remove browser hijacker from Mac and Windows devices
Potentially unwanted programs, hijackers, adware, are a threat not only to computer users – cell phone users can get their devices infected too. Refrain from using high-risk sites, shady websites, and believe when an ad tells you that's something is wrong with your device.
SearchConverterInc removal process is relatively easy. You don't have to have extensive knowledge to eliminate this browser hijacker. Scroll down, and you'll see our detailed step-by-step instructions for every device. Follow the steps, and you'll uninstall the PUP within minutes.
When you remove malware, run a full system scan with a reliable anti-malware tool to make sure no additional PUPs or malware is hidden somewhere. Afterward, we highly recommend using system repair tools to fix any Registry or any other issues with system-related files and settings.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
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 Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- 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.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
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.
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.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
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 the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
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 and Temporary cached files and pages, then click 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 suspicious extensions 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 dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
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