How To Remove Flash-Search Hijacker

To remove Flash-Search, users can go to their browser’s settings and uninstall the extension from the list of installed extensions. They can also use a reputable anti-malware program to scan and remove any related files or programs that may have been installed without their knowledge.

Proper Guide To Uninstall Hijacking Program

Our team has conducted a thorough investigation into the Flash-Search browser extension and found that it functions as a browser hijacker. The primary objective of this extension is to promote a fake search engine, flash-search.xyz, by altering the browser settings of its users. As a result, the user’s browser will be manipulated to redirect search queries to the fake search engine, leading to potentially harmful websites or advertisements.

It is important to note that browser hijackers like Flash-Search, Clipbox Tab, etc. are often distributed through deceptive means, such as bundling with other software or through malicious websites. Therefore, it is recommended that users regularly review their browser extensions and avoid installing unfamiliar ones to prevent falling victim to such hijackers.

Threat Summary

Name: Flash-Search

Class: Browser Hijacker, Redirect Virus

Features: Alters default browser’s settings, redirects users to unknown sites, and invasive annoying ads

Danger level: Medium

Symptoms: Changes in default browser’s settings, intrusive ads stream, page-reroutes, etc.

Distribution: Bundled freeware, infected sites

Flash-Search: Depth Analysis

The Flash-Search browser extension alters a user’s browser settings to redirect them to flash-search.Flash-Search, which is a fake search engine displaying Bing search results. Furthermore, this fraudulent search tool can redirect users to other unknown addresses like nearbyme.io. However, fake search engines are untrustworthy and potentially harmful, as they can display malicious or fraudulent content while gathering users’ search queries and personal data. This data can be misused in several ways, putting users’ privacy and security at hazard.

Therefore, it is essential to use reputable and reliable search engines instead of fake ones. It’s important to be aware that browser hijackers such as Flash-Search can make it difficult for users to change their default homepage or search engine settings. This can lead to users being forced to use a fake search engine, which can be harmful. As a result, it’s recommended that users frequently examine their browser extensions and remove Flash-Search or any that appear suspicious or unfamiliar. By doing so, they can avoid becoming victims of browser hijackers and protect themselves from potentially harmful search engines.

How Does The Hijacker Intrude Systems?

After conducting an investigation, we found that Flash-Search operates as a browser hijacker and users may unintentionally download and add it to their browser by visiting untrusted websites that suggest a free extension. In addition to visiting untrusted websites, users may also inadvertently install hijackers by clicking on suspicious ads or links that execute specific scripts. They may also accept additional offers during software installation without paying close attention to the provided settings.

It is crucial to remain vigilant while browsing the internet and avoid downloading software or extensions from untrustworthy sources. It is also important to review and verify the settings during software installation to prevent browser hijackers from being installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Flash-Search?

Flash-Search is a browser hijacker designed to promote a fake search engine, flash-search.Flash-Search. Its purpose is to redirect users to this search engine and potentially other addresses while collecting user data and displaying malicious or fraudulent content, and generating pay-per-click and pay-per-view income for the developers.

Is Flash-Search a threat to my privacy?

Yes, this unwanted software piece is a threat to your privacy as it is a browser hijacker that can collect your search queries and personal information. It can also redirect you to fake or malicious websites that can deceive you into sharing your private data, which can be then used for malicious purpose.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows Click Here For Mac

Important Note: This malware asks you to enable the web browser notifications. So, before you go the manual removal process, execute these steps.

Google Chrome (PC)

• Go to right upper corner of the screen and click on three dots to open the Menu button
• Select “Settings”. Scroll the mouse downward to choose “Advanced” option
• Go to “Privacy and Security” section by scrolling downward and then select “Content settings” and then “Notification” option
• Find each suspicious URLs and click on three dots on the right side and choose “Block” or “Remove” option

Google Chrome (Android)

• Go to right upper corner of the screen and click on three dots to open the menu button and then click on “Settings”
• Scroll down further to click on “site settings” and then press on “notifications” option
• In the newly opened window, choose each suspicious URLs one by one
• In the permission section, select “notification” and “Off” the toggle button

Mozilla Firefox

• On the right corner of the screen, you will notice three dots which is the “Menu” button
• Select “Options” and choose “Privacy and Security” in the toolbar present in the left side of the screen
• Slowly scroll down and go to “Permission” section then choose “Settings” option next to “Notifications”
• In the newly opened window, select all the suspicious URLs. Click on the drop-down menu and select “Block”

Internet Explorer

• In the Internet Explorer window, select the Gear button present on the right corner
• Choose “Internet Options”
• Select “Privacy” tab and then “Settings” under the “Pop-up Blocker” section
• Select all the suspicious URLs one by one and click on the “Remove” option

Microsoft Edge

• Open the Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots on the right corner of the screen to open the menu
• Scroll down and select “Settings”
• Scroll down further to choose “view advanced settings”
• In the “Website Permission” option, click on “Manage” option
• Click on switch under every suspicious URL

Safari (Mac):

• On the upper right side corner, click on “Safari” and then select “Preferences”
• Go to “website” tab and then choose “Notification” section on the left pane
• Search for the suspicious URLs and choose “Deny” option for each one of them

Manual Steps to Remove Flash-Search:

Remove the related items of Flash-Search using Control-Panel

Windows 7 Users

Click “Start” (the windows logo at the bottom left corner of the desktop screen), select “Control Panel”. Locate the “Programs” and then followed by clicking on “Uninstall Program”

Windows XP Users

Click “Start” and then choose “Settings” and then click “Control Panel”. Search and click on “Add or Remove Program’ option

Windows 10 and 8 Users:

Go to the lower left corner of the screen and right-click. In the “Quick Access” menu, choose “Control Panel”. In the newly opened window, choose “Program and Features”

Mac OSX Users

Click on “Finder” option. Choose “Application” in the newly opened screen. In the “Application” folder, drag the app to “Trash”. Right click on the Trash icon and then click on “Empty Trash”.

In the uninstall programs window, search for the PUAs. Choose all the unwanted and suspicious entries and click on “Uninstall” or “Remove”.

After you uninstall all the potentially unwanted program causing Flash-Search issues, scan your computer with an anti-malware tool for any remaining PUPs and PUAs or possible malware infection. To scan the PC, use the recommended the anti-malware tool.

How to Remove Adware (Flash-Search) from Internet Browsers

Delete malicious add-ons and extensions from IE

Click on the gear icon at the top right corner of Internet Explorer. Select “Manage Add-ons”. Search for any recently installed plug-ins or add-ons and click on “Remove”.

Additional Option

If you still face issues related to Flash-Search removal, you can reset the Internet Explorer to its default setting.

Windows XP users: Press on “Start” and click “Run”. In the newly opened window, type “inetcpl.cpl” and click on the “Advanced” tab and then press on “Reset”.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 Users: Press the Windows logo, type inetcpl.cpl in the start search box and press enter.  In the newly opened window, click on the “Advanced Tab” followed by “Reset” button.

For Windows 8 Users: Open IE and click on the “gear” icon. Choose “Internet Options”

Select the “Advanced” tab in the newly opened window

Press on “Reset” option

You have to press on the “Reset” button again to confirm that you really want to reset the IE

Remove Doubtful and Harmful Extension from Google Chrome

Go to menu of Google Chrome by pressing on three vertical dots and select on “More tools” and then “Extensions”. You can search for all the recently installed add-ons and remove all of them.

Optional Method

If the problems related to Flash-Search still persists or you face any issue in removing, then it is advised that your reset the Google Chrome browse settings. Go to three dotted points at the top right corner and choose “Settings”. Scroll down bottom and click on “Advanced”.

At the bottom, notice the “Reset” option and click on it.

In the next opened window, confirm that you want to reset the Google Chrome settings by click on the “Reset” button.

Remove Flash-Search plugins (including all other doubtful plug-ins) from Firefox Mozilla

Open the Firefox menu and select “Add-ons”. Click “Extensions”.  Select all the recently installed browser plug-ins.

Optional Method

If you face problems in Flash-Search removal then you have the option to rese the settings of Mozilla Firefox.

Open the browser (Mozilla Firefox) and click on the “menu” and then click on “Help”.

Choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the newly opened pop-up window, click “Refresh Firefox” button

The next step is to confirm that really want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to its default by clicking on “Refresh Firefox” button.

Remove Malicious Extension from Safari

Open the Safari and go to its “Menu” and select “Preferences”.

Click on the “Extension” and select all the recently installed “Extensions” and then click on “Uninstall”.

Optional Method

Open the “Safari” and go menu. In the drop-down menu, choose “Clear History and Website Data”.

In the newly opened window, select “All History” and then press on “Clear History” option.

Delete Flash-Search (malicious add-ons) from Microsoft Edge

Open Microsoft Edge and go to three horizontal dot icons at the top right corner of the browser. Select all the recently installed extensions and right click on the mouse to “uninstall”

Optional Method

Open the browser (Microsoft Edge) and select “Settings”

Next steps is to click on “Choose what to clear” button

Click on “show more” and then select everything and then press on “Clear” button.

Conclusion

In most cases, the PUPs and adware gets inside the marked PC through unsafe freeware downloads. It is advised that you should only choose developers website only while downloading any kind of free applications.  Choose custom or advanced installation process so that you can trace the additional PUPs listed for installation along with the main program.