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SearchLock (spam) - updated Jul 2021

by Linas Kiguolis - -   Also known as Search Lock | Type: Browser hijacker

SearchLock Removal Guide

What is SearchLock?

SearchLock is the questionable search engine that can install browser-based applications

Searchlock imageYou can get infected with it when you download free software without monitoring its installation

SearchLock is a dubious application that pretends to be protecting users' privacy while browsing the internet. It promises improved search results, an adult filter, and no personal data tracking. This browser extension was created by BeeStripe LLC, and the latest version 1.0.4 can be downloaded on the official Google web store. Firefox extension is also available and its version is 1.1.1.1. Nevertheless, despite having a feel of legitimacy, security experts consider this plug-in to be a browser hijacker[1] as it changes the startup page and default search engine and then redirects all searches to hxxps://results.searchlock.com/search.

SUMMARY
Name SearchLock
Type Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
Developer BeeStripe LLC
Symptoms Altered search engine and search results; intrusive ads and sponsored links, etc.
Main dangers Exposure to questionable sites that can lead to malware infections
Distribution Software bundling, official web store
Elimination You can uninstall this app manually by following our instructions below. Also, you can use security software like anti-malware tools to eliminate all unwanted applications quickly
Repair

After being added to Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox web browsers, this anonymous search engine can also track its users' activity on the Internet and fill its search results with the sponsored ones. The entire truth related to Search Lock.com can be easily revealed by reading users' reviews,[2] so make sure you read them before downloading this add-on.

No matter that there are thousands of people who have already tried this tool on their web browsers, we believe that almost all of them have already performed SearchLock removal on their computers.

SearchLock virus

Characteristics of Search Lock

In reality, this program is an ad-supported application[3] that receives income from redirecting you to its affiliate websites. Therefore, every time you use this supposedly safe search engine you see modified search results featuring links to sponsored websites.

The threat lies in the fact that there is no way of knowing whether you will be redirected to a safe or bogus website that might lead to virus infection or install another potentially unwanted program [4] on your machine. However, there is another aspect to know about this application besides SearchLock redirect activity.

What we are referring to is its feature of installing cookies on your browser and tracking your browsing-related information. Beware that you might be sharing information about your most visited websites, search terms, computer's location, IP address, and similar data with third-party entities.

What is more, Searchlock.com virus might operate like most other similar applications that modify your browser in a way that prevents you from switching back to your old browser. Therefore, there is one thing you can do with this application – remove the intruder once and for all, and enjoy safe and unbiased browsing on your computer.

You should remove this application with some reliable anti-spyware utility like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes to achieve the best results and complete the removal of this program.

SearchLock 3 – the latest version of the suspicious app

Searchlock 3 is the latest version of the virus which redirects its victims to Results.searchlock3.com, Searchlock3.com, and similar websites having a tendency to promote potentially malicious websites. Typically, this PUP spreads via free programs, such as audio editors, download managers, and media players.

However, the security experts have warned users about its distribution thru the Skype network and fake Java or Flash Player updates. To prevent it, you need to be careful with every installation you perform on your computer. Make sure you choose “Custom” installation mode instead of “Recommended” and also check “Terms of Use” to know what you are dealing with.

As you can see, Searchlock 3 bears a similar URL address as its previous version. Also, it spreads with the help of similar techniques, so you need to stay vigilant to avoid it.

Searchlock elimination processThe redirect virus has been actively spreading on the Internet for almost two years.

PUPs rely on software bundling

The questionable app distribution is very predictable because it spreads just like hundreds of other browser hijackers – in a bundle with other applications. Usually, it involves legitimate or at least desirable free applications which can be filled with additional supplements that can be avoided only if you monitor the whole installation process.

Therefore, if you reboot your system after installing something new and you notice some changes on your browser, it means that you failed to check what components does the program contains. To prevent these add-ons, extensions, and similar components, you should not skip the Privacy Policy, End User's License Agreement, and similar information. Additionally, the best way to prevent the installation of third-party applications is to opt for either Advanced or Custom installation options and deselect everything that you might find suspicious or redundant.

To help you avoid a hijacked browser, we should also add that this PUP has been using the Skype network to infiltrate target computer systems.[5] If you happen to receive a link from your friend and it seems suspicious to you, you should ignore it.

Don't click Baidu and similar links before asking your Skype contacts whether they did send you these links or not. Usually, that's how viruses spread around. Finally, be careful with fake ads appearing on your screen while browsing the Internet. We highly recommend ignoring popups telling you that you need to update your Flash Player and similar programs. Make sure you visit official websites to download updates that you need.

SearchLock browser hijacker

SearchLock elimination instructions

This is a potentially unwanted program that should be avoided. You can get infected with it after downloading a free application that was involved in its distribution. Fortunately, the removal is not a big deal and you can get rid of it by performing several steps on your computer.

According to 2spyware experts, you should opt for an automatic removal procedure since this hijacker can spread around in one pack with various components. To remove Search Lock with each of its files, BHOs, and similar counterparts, you should install one of the programs that are provided below.

However, if you think that you are experienced enough to get rid of this PUP manually, use the detailed guide below. Please be very careful while following the steps provided below this article and fix each of the web browsers that are installed on your computer.

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.

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Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
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Malwarebytes
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Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.
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Getting rid of SearchLock. Follow these steps

Uninstall from Windows

  1. Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs). Click 'Start -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features' (if you are 'Windows XP' user, click on 'Add/Remove Programs').
  2. If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program. If you are 'Windows 10 / Windows 8' user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once 'Quick Access Menu' shows up, select 'Control Panel' and 'Uninstall a Program'.
  3. Uninstall SearchLock and related programs
    Here, look for SearchLock or any other recently installed suspicious programs.
  4. Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes. Right click on each of suspicious entries and select 'Uninstall'

Delete from macOS

  1. If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications. Cick 'Go' and select 'Applications'
  2. Wait until you see Applications folder and look for SearchLock or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash. Click on every malicious entry and select 'Move to Trash'

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove. Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. 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. Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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. Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove. Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now. Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history. Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove. Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data…
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear. Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information. Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox. Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove. Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data. Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings. Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

  1. Remove dangerous extensions
    Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences. Click on 'Safari' and select 'Preferences'
  2. Here, select Extensions and look for SearchLock or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them. Go to 'Extensions' and uninstall malicious add-ons
  3. Reset Safari
    Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari.... Click on 'Safari' and select 'Reset Safari...'
  4. Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete SearchLock removal process. Select all options and click on 'Reset' button

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 SearchLock 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

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important – recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

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References
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