Super-Media.xyz browser hijacker (fake) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge

What is Super-Media.xyz browser hijacker?

Super-Media.xyz can look legitimate and useful when promotional ads push the application as improving the search experiences

The search queries get redirected through the suspicious site when a PUP is controlling the machine

Super-Media.xyz browser hijacker is considered an unwanted and possibly malicious program for a reason. The main reason why this is the intruder – redirects and issues created on the web browser when the app is used. This domain appears added as the default search engine, homepage, new tab because the hijacker changes these settings to control all search attempts and inject pop-ups, banners, hyperlinks to the search results list whenever you use the computer. You cannot control where the search redirects you and what additional content appears once those pop-ups or banners get clicked on.

You can, however, be responsible for the initial PUP infection because this false search engine appears on the machine when the freeware installation happens without proper caution. In most cases, PUPs^[1] are pre-bundled with other software, browser-based programs, and tools. It means that when the user downloads any freeware from a not-so-reliable source like torrent sites or free download platforms, the bundle is fully installed on the machine, including the intruder and other useless pieces. This is also the reason why the PUP appears so out of nowhere on the screen.

Without these redirects and injections of commercial content, Super-Media.xyz browser hijacker can affect the general performance and control many more functions. However, despite all the claims and promises, the application is not useful or helpful. These unwanted activities should encourage you to delete the intruder sooner than later.

The browser hijacker can affect various browsers that people use. Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are the most popular. Hence the mere commonly affected. However, this intruder can alter settings on different web browsing tools found on the machine. It alters settings to make sure that users get exposed to the wanted material and creates views, click on sponsored content.

These redirects, when using the Super-Media.xyz search engine, can reroute your search attempts to Google, Yahoo, Bing, or any completely random page. Search engines resemble various common sites and utilize techniques demonstrating results precisely. However, links and ads keep the regular content from loading properly. You should also keep in mind the reported issue of PUPs – data tracking that is the primary problem researchers^[3] warn about.

This is the fake search engine that gives no positives from injecting search results with ads

Browser redirect – one of many PUPs

A program like this is causing frustration when all you see are commercial redirects. However, since this is a potentially unwanted program, there are more symptoms when the intrusive Super-Media.xyz is actively running on the system. You should be concerned if you notice:

• speed issues;
• redirects to shady pages;
• intrusive ads, banners, links not originating from the site and appearing on the screen out of nowhere;
• search queries redirected through this Super-Media.xyz engine;
• additional tools or browser-based apps installed;
• crashes of the general system.

Since the worst issues reside in the browser, you might think that this is where the PUP resides. However, you should run SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes and remove the program from the machine. Then it is advised to manually change preferences back to default since automatic AV tools do not fix those symptoms.

Reset the homepage:

1. Go to Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
3. Choose Options.
4. Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open Mozilla Firefox.

Change your homepage if it was altered on Explorer:

1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
2. Select Internet Options.
3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
4. Click Apply and then select OK.

Change your homepage on Chrome:

1. Click the menu and choose Settings.
2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Ways to keep your device free of unwanted programs

Browser hijackers, adware-type programs, and malicious programs can cause those redirects and commercial content delivery. Super-Media.xyz is the site showing those allegedly improved search results that are not considered useful or improving the performance of the PC in any way.

Unfortunately, these programs are intrusive and causing more issues than you can think of. Over time a program like this can affect files in system folders, directories like registry, startup files, other data. These changes ensure persistence and can make the process launched with every startup.

Super-Media.xyz browser hijacker ends up launched on the machine when the PUP lands on the system during the insecure installation of freeware or a different program. This is the process fully controlled by the user because the person behind the screen is choosing the source of the program and options for the installation.

For the proper Advanced or Custom installation, you can avoid any drop of the unwanted or malicious piece. This way you reveal the complete list of added programs and can eliminate any suspicious additions, so the only app you install is the one you wanted. Choosing recommended options and Quick install automatically allows all the intruders, including Super-Media.xyz, to get installed. You cannot quickly found the PUP on the machine after this.

Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:

1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
3. From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.

If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:

1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

In addition to these issues during the installation processes, you should also consider the source of the program and sites you download anything from. That is crucial because Super-Media.xyz can be distributed alongside other pieces that are more malicious. It happens when torrent sites, pirating platforms, and similar pages get used as the source for freeware.

If you wish to avoid these infections and keep the machine virus-free, you should rely on the official sources and proper application distribution sites. This is the better option because reading the EULA, Terms Of Use and learning about the services can help avoid PUP infections.

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.