WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug (Free Instructions) - Removal Guide
WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug Removal Guide
What is WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug?
WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug – a browser hijacker which modifies the search provider, new tab, and browser's main page
WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug - a browser-hijacking app which modifies browsers' settings and changes the default search engine.
WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug is considered as a PUP which infiltrates users' machines using a stealth technique called bundling. Web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Google Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Safari can be affected by this browser-hijacking[1] app. Once installed, the dubious program changes various settings of browsers. The default search engine, new tab URL, and homepage turn to hxxp://websearch.com/default.aspx. Users are forced to search via the new engine every time they enter a search request.
Name | WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug |
---|---|
Family | WebSearch |
Type | Browser hijacker/PUP |
Danger level | Low. Only browsers are hijacked |
Affects browsers such as | Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Edge, etc. |
Distributes by | Software bundling |
Delete it | Get rid of the infection easily by installing FortectIntego. |
For some people, this app might seem useful as it provides access to popular sites. However, do not get tricked. Such a program is beneficial only for its developers, but not the end user. WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug authors seek to gain money by displaying sponsored content to users, although this activity damages their web browsing experience. In most cases, they use a pay-per-click scheme, which makes eve accidental clicks profitable.
This potentially unwanted program is also capable of gathering various non-personal details. That kind of information is usually related to users' browsing activity:
- Websites visited;
- Links clicked;
- Search queries;
- Bookmarks;
- IP;
- Etc.
In rare cases, the browser-hijacking app might even collect some personal information for the monetary benefit[2]. So, if you ever encounter such PUP, better perform the WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug removal as fast as possible in order to avoid further damaging consequences. The process will only take up to a couple of minutes if you opt for the automatic elimination option.
Nevertheless, WebSearch Toolbar hijack might produce numerous ads. Even the search results are affected, and sponsored links populate the browser. Additionally, browser hijackers employ layer ads that conceal the content of the original website, diminishing web surfing experience even further.
Because of a large number of ads generated, the system might struggle to cope and slow down significantly. What is more, the internet speed could be affected as well.
To avoid overfilling ads, remove WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug virus from your computer and browser. We advise using FortectIntego or any other similar cleaning tool.
WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug is a PUP which has a purpose to gain income for the owners. Keep your browser safe from hijacks
If you are wondering, how to stay away from potentially unwanted programs, carefully read the following paragraphs. The general rule is being cautious when browsing the internet and installing applications. Sneaky programs might be waiting for you in places you do not expect them.
Browser-hijacking apps often come bundled with other software. According to tech researchers[3], they are bundled together with shareware and freeware. Free software developers and PUP authors both benefit from this technique, as it allows to monetize on the app, as well as increase its popularity.
To avoid the questionable software bundling technique, you need to be attentive while installing software. First of all, make sure you never rush and click the “Next” button several times without looking. When prompted, always click on Custom/Advanced mode instead of Recommended one. This will allow you to get rid of all optional installs, such as add-ons, toolbars, browser extensions, media players, PDF converters, system optimization tools and other useless programs.
We also advise you avoid third-party websites when it comes to the software download. Questionable websites can store dangerous malware and can hide under legitimate names. Thus, only pick legitimate sources.
Delete WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug from your browser
To remove WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug virus form browsers manually, you need to eliminate all PUP-added toolbars, browser extensions, questionable apps, and plug-ins. You can see the guide of this method below this article.
Another way to perform the WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug removal is by downloading and installing an anti-malware tool. Such programs are considered as reliable help and strongly recommended by experts as they can help you deal with various cyber threats by giving guidance during the process. It will take only a few minutes to get rid of the browser hijacker infection from your computer.
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.
Getting rid of WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
To remove the WebSearch hijack from your Windows OS, follow these steps:
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
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 on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- 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.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
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.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
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.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Reset Mozilla Firefox the following way::
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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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 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.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- 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 WebSearch Toolbar.emailplug 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
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
- ^ Jon Watson. Browser hijacking: What is it and how do you prevent and remove it. Comparitech. All about your computer's safety.
- ^ Gabriel Wood. Malicious Extensions Can Hijack Your Internet Browser. Next Advisor. Researches.
- ^ Virusi. Professional virus removal help.