Finding Smartyfi.net set as the default homepage informs about hijacked web browser
Smartyfi.net is a questionable search engine that spreads bundled with freeware and shareware. Nevertheless, the main page looks credible and provides local weather forecast; the appearance of this tool might lead to computer-related and privacy-related issues.
This potentially unwanted application works as a browser hijacker. Thus, the main purpose of this search engine is not to allow searching the web conveniently, but generate advertising-based revenue for the developers.
The main problems caused by the Smartyfi.net virus are:
- sets its domain as default search engine and homepage;
- might alter search results;
- might deliver misleading ads;
- might redirect to promotional websites;
- might track information about users.[1]
When this PUP hijacks the browser, it makes modifications to the system and web browser. As a result, it becomes default homepage and search engine. The main page of the program provides an hourly and daily weather forecast. Weather alerts redirect to Weather Underground application. Thus, Smartyfi.net might hijack browser’s homepage after the installation of this app.
This weather application may not be the only product promoted by the browser hijacker. The program works as a marketing tool that generates pay-per-click revenue for the developers. Thus, when browsing the web, you might find this numerous ads, pop-ups, and banner trying to catch your attention.
What is more, sponsored content might be included into results page as well. Once you type necessary keywords and press enter, you are redirected to Yahoo search page. However, you should not trust everything you see there.
Browser hijackers are a sneaky cyber infection that is capable of altering search results. Instead of organic links, you might be offered to visit affiliates’ websites.
The main problem with commercial content is that ads and links might redirect to dangerous websites. Thus, in order to avoid cyber threats,[2] you should remove Smartyfi.net as soon as you notice it on your browser.
However, it’s not the only concerns related to the hijacker. Developers include neither Privacy Policy nor EULA. These documents describe important subjects, such as data tracking. The lack of these papers allows making assumptions that authors might be having an interest in collecting lots of information about users.
It goes without saying that Smartyfi.net removal can help to avoid privacy-related issues. Thus, you should not hesitate and scan the system with FortectIntego or another reputable anti-malware program.
Bundling helps the hijacker to get inside computer unnoticed
Developers of the potentially unwanted programs rely on bundling strategy. This software marketing method allows adding PUP as an optional component in freeware or shareware package, and spreading it worldwide, including such countries as Italy,[3] Indonesia or China.
Users who rely on Quick/Recommended installation settings are more likely to suffer from Smartyfi.net hijack. Keep in mind these settings usually hide numerous third-party apps and do not directly ask permission to install them.
In order to protect your computer from undesired applications, you have to opt for Advanced/Custom installation and carefully follow each of the steps. Once you encounter the list of “optional downloads,” you have to unmark all pre-selected entries.
Deletion of the Smartyfi.net virus
There are two Smartyfi.net removal options – manual and automatic. Manual elimination guidelines are presented below. Meanwhile, automatic removal is performed with anti-malware program.
If you decide to terminate the virus manually, you have to be attentive. Your task is to locate and delete all hijacker-related entries. The PUP may have arrived at the computer in the form of a program or browser extension. Thus, you have to look through the list of installed programs and extensions.
Once you remove smartyfi.net, you should also reset affected web browser. This step helps to terminate all tracking cookies and other “invisible” entries.
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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