Searchvaults is a fake search engine which might lead you to shady websites
Searchvaults is another browser hijacker[1] that might take over Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Mozilla web browsers. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) spreads bundled with free programs and can enter the system unnoticed. Soon after infiltration, the default homepage, new tab URL, and search engine are set to hxxp://searchvaults.com without asking user's permission.
Some victims might not find Searchvaults harmful or might even consider it useful. It has multiple perks, including a possibility of changing the background to numerous different pictures. It also provides quick access buttons to most popular websites on the internet – Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Netflix, Twitch, etc.
However, you should not be tricked by its functionality. The purpose of the Searchvaults virus is to generate advertising-based revenue. In order to achieve this goal, the hijacker is designed to:
control user's browsing sessions by replacing built-in search engine;
redirect users to third-party websites;
display aggressive ads.
However, Searchvaults.com virus can display content that is dangerous and might harm the computer or compromise user's privacy. It is even clearly disclosed in developers’ terms of use:
This Web site may contain links to other Web sites which are independent of this Web site. <…> Furthermore, these links may lead to sites or links that contain offensive and objectionable content or which may contain dangerous computer viruses. You assume, and we hereby disclaim, all responsibility for any of the content on these sites or for any damage sustained by users of these sites.
Thus, Searchvaults redirect issues are not only annoying but might be also lead to various cyber threats, such as spyware or ransomware[2] attack. As you can see, the browser hijacker is not dangerous itself, but it might increase your chances to catch a dangerous computer virus.
As soon as you see unknown browser startup page, you should employ powerful security software like RestoroIntego and proceed with Searchvaults removal. Once the system scan is over, you will need to reset the affected web browser to delete cookies or other tracking technologies that may have been installed by the hijacker.
However, if you want to remove Searchvaults.com manually, you should check our prepared guide at the end of the article. Keep in mind that you need to be attentive and get rid of all hijacker-related entries. If you miss something, your browser will be hijacked after computer reboot.
Searchvaults.com might try to trick users with its "useful" functions like quick access buttons or beautiful backgrounds Bundling helps to spread unwanted applications
When installing freeware or shareware, you might be offered to install additional components or replace your current search provider with Searchvaults.com or other unknown domain. However, security experts from Zondervirus[3] warn that many users give permission to install third-party apps without knowing it because they are not aware of proper software installation practices.
To avoid surprises and installation of annoying applications, follow these security tips:
Check your installation source. Always pick legitimate websites for your software and its updates;
When installing an unknown program, make sure you avoid Recommended/Quick settings at all costs. Instead, select Advanced mode where you can untick any pre-checked tick marks and refrain from undesired apps (such as toolbars, optimization tools, add-ons, search engines, etc.);
Read the EULA/Privacy policy carefully before installation as this information might be extremely valuable.
Delete Searchvaults.com from browser's homepage
There are two Searchvaults.com removal methods: manual and automatic. We prepared illustrated manual removal guide at the end of the article. However, if you are not skilled computer users, you should choose it. You might leave hijacker-related components. Therefore, the reinfection of the virus is guaranteed.
To remove Searchvaults automatically, you should pick one of the below-mentioned security programs. Install it, update it and perform a full system scan. This way, every component of an unwanted program will be eliminated in just a few minutes.
You may remove virus damage with a help of RestoroIntego. 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.
Compatible with Microsoft Windows
Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Restoro Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Restoro Intego has a free limited scanner. Restoro Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Uninstall suspicious extensions and reset the browser to get rid of Searchvaults search engine.
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.
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 Searchvaults.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: RestoroIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting stealing programs
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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