VideoSearchNet is a browser-hijacking application that redirects searches to a different provider
VideoSearchNet is a potentially unwanted application that allegedly provides access to videos online. In most cases, however, users do not install it intentionally, as it mostly spreads via software bundle packages, misleading ads, or other deceptive methods. Once installed on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or MS Edge, the app sets the homepage and new tab URL to portal.videosearchnet.com or feed.videosearchnet.com and appends a customized search engine to it.
This way, each time users want to browse the web, they are forced to receive search results via search.yahoo.com. Additionally, the so-called VideoSearchNet virus also injects the results with sponsored links and ads at the top, making users more likely to click on them. In the background, the browser extension also collects a variety of information about users' web browsing activities and shares it with third-parties for profit.
| Name | VideoSearchNet |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
| IP address | 104.18.45.150 |
| Distribution | Software bundle packages, deceptive ads, fake updates |
| Symptoms |
|
| Risks | While the security risk due to a browser hijacker is relatively low, it should not be discarded. In the worst case scenario, it could lead to the installation of other PUPs/malware, personal data disclosure to unknown parties/cybercriminals, and monetary losses |
| Removal | You can uninstall potentially unwanted programs by following the manual guide below or by scanning the computer with robust anti-malware |
| Optional steps | Computer infections can cause significant damage to system files or disrupt normal settings. To revert these changes and remediate the operating system, we recommend using FortectIntego repair software |
VideoSearchNet hijacker mostly spreads an extension, meaning that it attaches itself to the browser rather than the operating system itself. Nevertheless, it does not mean that it can not make changes elsewhere (although it is highly unlikely). Besides, in some cases, the videosearchnet.com presence on your browser's homepage might also mean that the culprit is not an extension but a completely different program installed on your Windows or Mac device.
VideoSearchNet is just one of the dozens of browser hijackers provided by the same developer. HDMusicStreamSearch, TopSportsSearch, and IStreamingSearch are just one of the few applications that operate in an identical manner, use similar names, and provide the same functions. All of these apps change the homepage to their own one and offer various perks when installed: calculator, currency converter, PDF converter, etc.
Despite these implementations, it is important to realize that they bring almost nothing to the table, as Google can provide all of these functions via the search. In the meantime, due to VideoSearchNet hijack, users would be unable to use their default provider, as all the results would be delivered to Yahoo, and ads inserted at the top.
While ads and redirects might be a rather frustrating experience, it is also important to note that the VideoSearchNet extension gathers various information about its users. Here's what the site's privacy policy says:[1]
The Non-Personal Information which is being collected may include technical information automatically transmitted by the user's device (for example, type of browser, the type of the user's device and technical information pertaining to the user's device, language preferences, time stamps, clicks and visited pages, search logs, the operating system, utilized internet service provider and other similar information.
The details are tracked thanks to special technologies, such as cookies or web beacons. While most of the gathered data is anonymous (the IP address is widely considered a part of a PII), you should remove VideoSearchNet if you value your privacy. All you have to do is find the browser extension via the settings and uninstall it.
It is important to check your system for additional PUPs or malware after VideoSearchNet removal. You could scan the machine with SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, antimalware, or check the list of the installed applications manually – we provide detailed instructions below. You will also find how to delete unwanted extensions and to reset your browsers if required. After that, experts[2] also recommend using FortectIntego if malicious programs managed to damage your settings or other parts of the system.
It is not difficult to avoid browser hijackers and other PUPs
As previously mentioned, a browser hijacker is likely to arrive on a system without obtaining direct permission from users. Due to this, many believe that the app shows up on the system seemingly out of nowhere, similarly to how trojans, ransomware, or other malware does. However, potentially unwanted programs are mainly spread via software bundle packages downloaded from third-party websites, and users install them themselves (unintentionally).
There are very simple security steps that you should take in order to prevent the installation of potentially unwanted or malicious software. For that, you need to pay close attention to the installation process of new programs and never rush through steps. Here are a few tips that could help you in the future:
- Never download anything from websites that claim your computer is infected with viruses, or that Flash Player (or another software) is outdated or missing;
- If possible download programs from official sources only;
- When dealing with third-party websites, keep in mind that most of them bundle apps;[3]
- Be wary of fake download buttons;
- Never download anything from sites that offer pirated apps or software cracks;
- During the installation process, always pick Advanced/Custom settings and remove all the ticks from the checkboxes;
- Employ powerful security software that could warn you about intrusions.
VideoSearchNet hijack removal
Sudden changes to the web browser settings should never be ignored. Browser-hijacking apps change your search provider, insert ads into your searches, and track your online activities, sharing the information with unknown parties for profits. Thus, if you noticed that your homepage is set to portal.videosearchnet.com or feed.videosearchnet.com, it is time to remove VideoSearchNet extension immediately.
In most cases, you should not have any difficulties when trying to perform VideoSearchNet removal – just access the settings of your web browser and find the app there. If you are unfamiliar with this process, you can find a detailed guide below. Once complete, do not forget to clean your browser to eliminate tracking cookies and other leftovers. It is also wise to perform a full computer scan with a security program and repair the system if required. Note: you can also look for PUPs manually; we explain how below as well.
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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