Str-search.com – a fake search engine that might alter the browser's startup page and other preferences
This browser hijacker redirects all search inquiries and fills search results with ads
Str-search.com is a browser hijacker[1] which alters the homepage, new tab URL, the search engine of your Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another browser and sets it to str-search.com. It's considered a potentially unwanted program, or PUP for short, because typically, it infiltrates your machine unnoticed and continually displays unwanted content, redirects you to suspicious domains, and records a variety of non-personally identifiable information. We recommend removing it from your device to avoid data leakage, installation of other PUPs, and exposure to questionable sites.
Name
Str-search.com
Type
Browser Hijacker
Danger Level
Low. It cannot harm the system or corrupt files but alters the browser's settings.
Symptoms
Changes made to each of the browsers, altered search results, intrusive advertisements, etc.
Distribution Methods
Software bundling, fake Flash Player updates, deceptive ads
Elimination
If you've installed this threat and now would like to remove it, please refer to our guides at the bottom of the article
System health check
If your device exhibits strange behavior, scan it with the FortectIntego repair tool to fix any system irregularities
Str-search.com hijack might seem harmless initially (it is considered a low computer threat). However, you will notice various harmful effects of its usage very soon. It displays ads in search results and may redirect you to dubious websites as soon as it takes control over the targeted web browser.
Authors of the virus try to convince users that this search tool is useful. They promise enhanced functionality and improved search results. The “perks” also include quick action buttons created beneath the search bar supposedly for users’ convenience. The most popular social networks and retailers are included: Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and even Ali Express.
However, do not get tricked by such functionality. Besides, you can simply create your own bookmarks without much effort. The only goal of Str-search.com developers is to generate revenue by displaying ads or forcing you to visit affiliate websites.
The article's culprit also has the ability to collect non-personally identifiable information, including IP address, links clicked, login times, browser type, system information, and similar. This data is precious for any marketing research and creating targeted ads. Additionally, it might be shared with third parties.[2] However, it's not the only reason to remove Str-search.com from the system.
Furthermore, security experts from odstranitvirus.cz[3] warn that one of the most dangerous features is the redirect tendencies. It is precisely stated in the program's Privacy Policy that developers are not responsible for any hazardous content you might be exposed to while using the site:
<…>Nevertheless, you agree to use the Site at your sole risk and that str-search.com shall have no liability to you for content that may be found to be offensive, indecent, or objectionable. str-search.com shall have no liability or responsibility to you for any content or materials that may be available in connection with the Site that you might find objectionable.
Hence, you might end up on questionable sites, which may expose you to illicit content. Some of these websites might contain malicious JavaScript, which can install malware onto your PC. Therefore, do not risk your and computer safety and hurry up with Str-search.com removal.
You can use SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or any other security software for a quick PUP elimination. Keeping such anti-malware tools updated can prevent future perils alike. After the removal, we highly recommend using the FortectIntego PC repair tool to fix any system errors.
A fake search engine that causes multiple redirects and displays ads that promote sponsored content. Bundling is a primary distribution method for unwanted apps
Typically, users are unaware of the PUP distribution methods. Creators of such questionable programs are undoubtedly aware of that; hence, they use the bundling method to install unwanted content on victims’ PCs. It is a hugely successful marketing campaign used by freeware developers.
To avoid such useless programs, you should learn how to install free software correctly. Firstly, make sure you know enough about the app you are about to install – read through online reviews, the privacy policy, and EULA of the desired program.
Secondly, make sure to opt for Advanced/Custom installation mode and avoid Recommended/Quick settings entirely. The latter utterly fails to disclose all the additional components included together with legitimate software. Thus, un-click any tick-boxes by add-ons, search engines, optimization tools, and other useless software.
And, finally, never attempt downloading cracks or illegal programs – these might lead you to not only PUP but dangerous malware infections.
Eliminate Str-search.com to keep your browser and computer safe
You might think that merely uninstalling the browser hijacker will do the trick. However, these pesky intruders implement additional browser helper objects, which might be challenging to detect and delete. Thus, we suggest you download robust security software which can aid you with a smooth Str-search.com removal.
Do not forget to keep anti-virus up to date, and it will protect you from future infections. If you want to remove the virus without additional software – you can follow our guide below this post. However, this process takes time, and if you fail to execute the procedure correctly, the virus will come back immediately.
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.
Compatible with Microsoft Windows
Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect 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.
You should reset the Google Chrome browser before use:
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 Str-search.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: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting browser hijacker
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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