Wajm.icu is a browser hijacker that seeks to gain monetary benefit by exposing users to sponsored sites
Wajm.icu is a fake search engine and a potentially unwanted program developed by QxSearch. The unwanted application usually gets installed together with shareware of freeware obtained from third-party websites. Once installed, the threat proceeds with changing the settings of Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Opera, etc., and changes the homepage and search engine to hxxps://wajm.icu. For that reason, users are forced to view third-party content in search results, sponsored ads, redirects, and similar. Unfortunately, users affected by this PUP will not be able to reverse the browser modifications until Wajm.icu hijacker is removed from the system.
| Name | Wajm.icu |
| Type | Browser hijacker/PUP |
| Developer | QxSearch |
| Infiltration | Software bundling, third-party websites |
| Symptoms | Changed web browser settings, sponsored links in search results, redirects to questionable sites, pop-up ads on the visited sites, etc. |
| Risk factors | Money loss, installation of other bogus software, sensitive information leak, malware infections |
| Removal | Perform a scan with security software or use our instruction below for manual termination |
| Optimization | To restore and refresh your system after Wajm.icu browser infection, scan your device with FortectIntego |
The browser hijacker, which might be referred to as Wajm.icu virus by some users, is not the only QxSearch creation. Tyd1.xyz, Bvts.xyz and Q1wws.icu are just one of the few sites dedicated to the same purpose – revenue generation for the developers. Unfortunately, these tools provide nothing for end users. In fact, their browsers would be much safer after Wajm.icu removal.
Redirects and other commercial content can clutter the browser and prevent users from finding relative information. Ads are something that most users despise and would not like to view continually, on every website they visit. Unfortunately, that is precisely what they get as soon as they install Wajm.icu.
Some of the activity the Wajm.icu browser hijacker performs might be straight out dangerous, however. The problem with PUPs is that, while they do not directly compromise the host system, they might expose users to such online threats as tech support scams,[1] unsafe download sites, scam shops, etc. Thus, Wajm.icu activities might result in money loss, malware infections, or even identity fraud.
However, redirects to third-party sites, fake search results and pop-up ads is not the only way Wajm.icu increases profit for the developers. Similarly to other potentially unwanted programs, it collects a variety of information about its users. This is done to understand users' needs better and serve ads according to their interests. Tracking technologies, such as beacons, cookies, and others, help developers to collect this data and compile it into Aggregate Information.
While this is standard practice that is used by many sites, be aware that you are exposing your online habits to unknown parties even more than you normally would. The digital sphere is now filled with data tracking, and there is no need to expose yourself for no reason at all. Thus, if you want to keep your browsing habits private, better user search engines that protect your online privacy.
After you remove Wajm.icu, we suggest you scan your computer for other traces of malware, modified registries,[2] and other unwanted changes, using repair software FortectIntego. Once complete, you should also refresh each of the installed browsers – we explain how to do that below.
If you are downloading bundled software, make sure to terminate unwanted apps before finishing the installation process
Sites like Softonic, File Hippo, Download.com, and many others, while considered being popular, use software bundling as the primary monetization method. Therefore, expect most programs that you download from there to include extra components upon installation. In fact, even reputable applications and companies bundle programs – it is a common practice by now. So much so, that even reputable computer hardware manufacturer like Lenovo got punished for pre-installing adware on users' computers.[3]
Therefore, it is up to you to stop the nasty from entering your computer, even if you download software from allegedly reputable sites. Without a doubt, you should not put yourself under more danger and download apps from dodgy websites (especially those that host cracks and pirated software).
To make sure you avoid unwanted programs, you need to pay extra attention to the installation procedure of the applications you download from the internet. Do not rush the process, read through the installation instructions carefully and make sure you opt for Advanced/Custom settings and avoid Recommended/Quick ones like a plague so you can prevent pre-selected boxes.
Remove Wajm.icu from your device by using one of the two removal methods
There are two ways to remove Wajm.icu hijack from your device: you can either find the unwanted entry in your installed program list yourself or make use of automatic solutions. Both of the methods can be as equally effective, so choose the one that suits you the most.
If you want a quick and problem-free Wajm.icu removal, you should download and install a security application that specializes in PUPs. In this case, a security app will take care of everything automatically, and all you have to do is press the scan button. Alternatively, terminating Wajm.icu manually can be achieved by following the step-by-step guide below.
Once you uninstall the unwanted software, you are highly advised to reset the installed browsers, as the PUP might have left the changed settings, which would result in the repeated unwanted activity like redirects, ads, and bogus search results.
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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