SoSearcher browser hijacker (Free Instructions)

What is SoSearcher browser hijacker?

SoSearcher is a browser hijacker that targets Hebrew-speaking users

SoSearcher is a potentially unwanted application that changes browser settings to show ads

If you have been wondering why your web browser is redirecting you to sosearcher.com, it is because Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or another web browser has been hijacked. To be more precise, the changes to your homepage, new tab, and the search engine are induced by a potentially unwanted browser extension known as SoSearcher.

While some users could have installed the app intentionally seeing its advertisement or simply browsing application distribution websites, many users find browser hijackers on their systems unexpectedly and claim to not remember installing them. This is not surprising, as software bundles commonly used to distribute PUPs often make users miss optional components within the installer.

As soon as the extension is installed, it would initiate immediate changes to the browser and some other components, the homepage and new tab URL changes being among them. When using the search box of the hijacker, users would no longer be redirected to Google but rather to search.yahoo.com (or another provider), which would not only provide alternative results but would also insert ads and promotional links at the top of the web browser.

While SoSearcher is installed on the browser, it would also perform certain data tracking activities that would later help it with targeted advertising, increasing profits for developers. This information might be later shared with service providers, affiliates, and other third parties, hence privacy concerns are legitimate.

The application is mainly aimed at Hebrew-speaking users due to the default language it uses. Nonetheless, those from other countries might also install the app accidentally.

Browser hijackers: are they dangerous?

One could not say that browser hijackers such as SoSearcher are dangerous – they can't be compared to the likes of Trojans or ransomware. They are still minor computer infections that should not be ignored, especially if not installed purposely. The first inconvenience is that they change the way users access the internet and use their search feature, as the promoted results and links are not all organic.

At the top of the results, the inserted links are usually marked as “ads” or the equivalent. Some people might not notice these markers and click the very top results shown to them. In some cases, these links might be misleading or inaccurate.

Browser hijackers and similar potentially unwanted programs^[1] are commonly presented as some type of useful tool that can guarantee “faster,” “enhanced” or “safer” searches. These are misleading words used by PUP authors in order to spark interest but what it often means is that the search provider and search results are altered so that more ads could be inserted there, resulting in bigger pay-per-click revenue.

To conclude, browser hijackers are not dangerous in most cases but their impact on web browsing activities can be immense, especially if the attentiveness of users is lacking. Besides, not many people like to deal with an increased number of ads or be tracked by yet another third party.

Get rid of the extension

The first task when trying to get rid of a browser hijacker is to conclude where it is installed. For example, an application installed on the system might cause all installed browsers to show the same hijacking symptoms. This is rather rare, as most PUPs are nowadays spread as extensions, as they are easy and cheap to make.

SoSearcher is not an exception, as it comes to Google Chrome and other compatible browsers as such. Its removal is usually not complicated – there is an “Extension” button close to the URL bar which can be used to quickly eliminate it. If you struggle with this or have never uninstalled an extension before, follow these steps:

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.

Mozilla Firefox

• 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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.

MS Edge

• Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
• Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.

MS Edge (legacy)

• 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 on Uninstall at the bottom.

Safari

• Click Safari > Preferences…
• In the new window, pick Extensions.
• Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.

Scan your system for malware

If you have found a potentially unwanted application installed on your browser seemingly out of nowhere, you should be aware that there could be additional unwanted or malicious apps on your device or the browser. Freeware^[2] from third parties comes in a bundle that would include several apps.

Also, if you frequently visit pirated program distribution, illegal video streaming, and similar high-risk websites and don't have a robust anti-malware installed, the risk of having much more dangerous programs in your system increases. Thus, do not delay and perform a full system scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or another powerful anti-malware software to ensure the security of your device.

Clean your browsers for better privacy

Cookies, web beacons,^[3] and other technologies are used in order to track users' data, which might in some cases be shared, sold, or even stolen. Due to sharing practices, one can never be sure that that information would not get into the hands of crooks.

The easiest way to get rid of all the clutter, caches, and other web data is by using FortectIntego PC repair and maintenance utility. Alternatively, you can do it yourself as explained below:

Google 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.

Mozilla Firefox

• Click Menu and pick Options.
• Go to Privacy & Security section.
• Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
• Click on Clear Data…
• Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content, and press Clear.

MS Edge (Chromium)

• Click on Menu and go to Settings.
• Select Privacy and services.
• Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
• Under Time range, pick All time.
• Select Clear now.

MS Edge (legacy)

• Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
• Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
• Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.

Safari

• Click Safari > Clear History…
• From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
• Confirm with Clear History.