The hidden threats of the Seekdns.com search engine
Seekdns.com virus (also known as SeekDNS Desktop Search) is a suspicious search engine that might appear on the browser out of nowhere. Actually, it comes silently in the software bundles and surprises inattentive computer users. On the affected computer, this browser hijacker attacks web browsers and alters their settings. It might set Seekdns.com as a default homepage, search engine, and new tab address. What is more, it starts immediately collecting information about the users.[1] The program’s Privacy Policy reveals that IP address, technical information about the browser and operating system, browsing-related information, and other non-personally identifiable[2] information might be collected and in same cases shared with business partners. Indeed, this application is audacious: not only it infiltrates the system secretly but also spies on the users. However, it’s only two reasons why you should remove Seekdns.com ASAP. Let us tell you few more negative aspects of this search tool.

The purpose of the search engines is to provide accurate and relevant search results. Sadly, this tool might not perform this function properly. The Seekdns.com hijacker is suspected to modify search results and include sponsored links in the search results. Often various website owners look for ways to increase traffic to their sites or boost sales. Though, hidden advertisements in the suspicious search engines might seem like an excellent option. Thus, while users browse through questionable websites looking for the necessary information; developers of this engine generate revenue.[3] Though, it’s not the biggest problem. Seekdns.com redirect issues are the primary concern. Some of the links placed on the results page might lead to the high-risk websites. Thus, you might end up on tech support scam, phishing[4] or infected site. As a result, you might lose your files, money and private details. Hence, we recommend scanning the computer with FortectIntego and perform automatic Seekdns.com removal. Then, you will be able to surf the web normally again.
Why did this search engine have appeared on my browser?
The explanation why Seekdns.com hijack has occurred is simple – you have agreed to install it. Indeed, it might be unexpected and disappointing news. However, browser hijackers are common cyber infections. Thus, many computer users make the same mistake and let these annoying infections to get inside the system. Potentially unwanted programs mostly spread in software bundles as additional downloads. When you choose Quick, Basic or Recommended settings for new program’s installation, you give indirect permission to install all extra apps that might be attached to the primary program. However, if you install new software under Custom or Advanced settings, you have a chance to protect your PC from Seekdns.com virus and other PUPs. This installation wizard reveals the list of optional applications. Thus, if you do not rush and follow each step attentively, you will have a chance to deselect all pre-selected entries. Therefore, if the appearance of this shady search tool has already surprised you, you should think about recently installed programs. One of them brought the hijacker. Hopefully, you will learn from this situation and won’t repeat the same mistake again.
The step-by-step guide for Seekdns.com removal
We have already revealed all possible threats that might be triggered by the Seekdns.com browser hijacker. Thus, if you do not want to be tricked into clicking on a malicious link,[5] browse through insecure websites, accidentally click on a malware-laden ad, or share your browsing-related information with unknown third parties, you must clean the computer. Bear in mind that this PUP might have installed others questionable add-ons, extensions or applications. Thus, you need to be attentive during Seekdns.com removal. Our prepared guidelines will help you to deal with this parasite. If you find these instructions complicated, or you do not want to spend entire evening investigating computer’s system, we have another suggestion for you. Install anti-malware program and let it remove Seekdns.com virus for you. What is more, your preferred software will protect your machine from similar pests in the future.
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.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.

Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.

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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