ByYsearcher.com is a type of browser hijacker that changes the settings of your Google Chrome browser without your permission. It changes your default search engine, homepage, and new tab page and redirects them to ysearcher.com. It monitors users’ browsing habits and displays potentially unwanted ads. If you are facing this problem in the Chrome browser, this article will tell you in detail how to obliterate it.
How does Ysearcher.com browser hijacker work?
Ysearcher.com installs as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). It usually comes bundled with free software downloads and changes Chrome browser settings without your permission. Then:
Your search engine changes to Ysearcher.com.
You are redirected to Ysearcher.com when opening every new tab or browser.
It tracks browsing data such as your search activities, pages visited, and ads clicked.
Displays potentially harmful or deceptive ads.
Security Concerns About Ysearcher.com
Ysearcher.com may not act like a virus, but it can pose a threat to your privacy and system security:
Data Privacy Violation: It may send information such as your browsing history, IP address, and search queries to third parties.
Unwanted Redirects: It may redirect you to untrusted websites that may be related to phishing or malware.
Browser Performance Degradation: It may cause the browser to slow down and increase the chances of crashes.
How to Remove Ysearcher.com from Chrome Browser
To remove Ysearcher.com, you need to clean up the Chrome browser as well as the system level. Follow the steps below:
1. Check and remove browser extensions
Chrome > three dots > More Tools > Extensions
Now check all the extensions there, and remove those that look unknown or suspicious.
2. Reset Chrome settings
1. Open Chrome and go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and click on Advanced.
3. Click on “Restore settings to their original defaults”.
4. Confirm by clicking on Reset settings.
3. Remove unwanted programs from Windows
Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
Now, check for any unknown or recently installed suspicious software there and click on Uninstall.
4. Stop suspicious processes in Task Manager
1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. In the Processes tab, look for any processes with suspicious names (e.g.: ysearcher.exe).
3. Select it and click End Task.
5. Check for autostart apps
Go to Task Manager > Startup tab and disable suspicious apps.
6. Check the Hosts file
1. In Run, type `notepad C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts`.
2. If there are any suspicious IPs or lines related to Ysearcher, remove them.
7. Check the Properties of the Chrome shortcut
1. Right-click the Chrome icon and select Properties.
2. If there is something like `ysearcher.com` in the “Target” field, remove it and leave only `”C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe”`.
8. Run an anti-malware scan
A good anti-malware tool is a must to get rid of problems like ysearcher.com:
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
HitmanPro
AdwCleaner
Install one of these tools and run a full system scan.
9. Check DNS settings
1. Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings
2. Right Click on your network connection > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
3. Check the DNS Address. If there is an unknown DNS server (such as 85.255.112.\*\*), replace it with Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4).
Tips to prevent problems like Ysearcher.com in the future
Always download software from the official website.
Choose the “Custom/Advanced” option during installation so that you can identify bundled software.
Keep a good antivirus/anti-malware program installed.
Review browser extensions and shortcuts regularly.
Conclusion
Ysearcher.com is a serious browser hijacker that can affect your online privacy and system performance. But it can be completely removed by following the steps above. Timely action not only increases your safety but also prevents such problems in the future.
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Here are the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to Ysearcher.com:
What is Ysearcher.com?
Ysearcher.com is a browser hijacker website that changes Google Chrome’s settings without your knowledge and redirects you to unwanted pages when you browse the Internet.
Is Ysearcher.com a virus?
No, Ysearcher.com is not a traditional virus, but it is a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), which can pose a threat to your privacy.
How did Ysearcher.com get into my browser?
It usually comes bundled with free software or while downloading something from a third-party website. It may get installed automatically if you select “Quick Install” during installation.
Does Ysearcher.com pose a threat to my data?
Yes, it can track your browsing habits, search history, clicked links, etc., which may put your privacy at risk.
How can I remove Ysearcher.com manually?
You can reset Chrome’s settings, remove unwanted extensions and programs, check the target line of shortcuts, and run a scan with an anti-malware tool.
Is any software required to remove Ysearcher.com?
Yes, we recommend that you use an anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes, AdwCleaner, or HitmanPro to completely remove it from your system.
Will resetting Chrome remove Ysearcher.com?
This is an important step, but it alone is not enough. You also need to check for unwanted programs and settings at the system level.
How to avoid problems like Ysearcher.com in the future?
Always download software from trusted sources.
Choose the “Advanced” option during installation.
Regularly review browser extensions and system programs.
Keep a good antivirus installed.
