What is TheConverterSearch?How TheConverterSearch operatesThreat SummaryHow did I get it on my computer?How to avoid installing unwanted software?How to remove TheConverterSearch
In this guide, we will explain how this browser hijacker works and how can you remove it easily.
How TheConverterSearch operates
TheConverterSearch works just as other types of browser hijackers. The main goal of this software is to take your default web browser, whether it is Mozilla, Chrome, Edge etc. and make certain changes to it. The adjustments usually affect your homepage address, default search engine and new tab URLs, typically swapping default setting with those promoting their fake search engine – theconvertersearch.com. For example, everyday usage of your default browser becomes practically unbearable, since every new tab and every search initiates the same fraudulent engine. In other words, every time user tries to search something on the internet, the browser redirects to the same counterfeit address. Typically, this software is unable to provide any search results, so they redirect to legitimate search engines, in this case, Yahoo (search.yahoo.com). As a result, this hijacker might be identified as Yahoo redirect virus. Moreover, this hijacker is designed to block the access to browser settings to prevent user from removing it. Therefore, the only way to restore default settings and enjoy hijacker-free internet surfing experience, is to terminate it completely from your system – altering browser settings just will not do the trick. As previously mentioned, TheConverterSearch possesses data collecting capabilities, such as saving user’s browsing habits (URLs, IP addresses, search history etc.) and other sensitive information like location, which in most cases, is personally identifiable. Apart from the obvious violation of user’s right to surf the internet unimpeded (which might be irritating as it is), this is a serious threat to your personal information, since it is shared with various advertisement networks to make profit.
Threat Summary
How did I get it on my computer?
Usually, these types of PUAs have official websites, they might be advertised in pop-ups, emails or elsewhere. The ads promise beneficial features which are included in the software, but it is an extremely rare case for them to work. In fact, this applies next to all PUAs, since keeping the promise of those features and assuring user’s security is not a priority for TheConverterSearch developers. The main thing they try to achieve is your personal information which is later converted to profit. PUAs also spread through so called ‘software bundling’. In essence, it is a type of advertising practice when unwanted software is attached to a program which is downloaded by an ordinary user. For example, TheConverterSearch might be connected alongside a free media player, game, or video editing software. Those users, who tend to skip through installation process suffer the most – one missed checkbox and it might ruin their internet surfing experience. Intrusive ads also spread PUAs – when clicked on, they might install software and make changes on your computer.
How to avoid installing unwanted software?
Generally, our specialists recommend researching any software before downloading or installing it. You need to make sure that a site is recognized as safe and verified. Unofficial hosting sites, peer to peer file sharing networks and other third-party downloads are generally categorized as unsafe and potentially harmful to your computer. When installing software, it is crucial to read terms and attentively follow every step of the installation. Use the “Custom/Advanced” feature to look for any unwanted features or software and pay close attention. Intrusive ads, for example, might seem harmless at first sight, but often they redirect to various untrustworthy sites which might jeopardize your device’s safety. Whenever you click on an intrusive ad or download software from a questionable source, you should pay attention to your PC’s behavior and use anti-malware software to run thorough scan as soon as possible. PUAs such as TheConverterSearch might be a real headache, and the longer you wait, the more harm will be done to your privacy.
How to remove TheConverterSearch
If your computer is infected, it is critical that you start taking steps to terminate unwanted software from your computer immediately to prevent further damage. To do that, our specialists recommend using trustworthy anti-malware program which would be capable of successfully completing this kind of task. Of course, there are a lot of different choices, but we highly recommend using RESTORO, since it will make the process of removing spyware shorter and simpler. Follow the steps given below to remove TheConverterSearch from your computer. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here. To remove the unwanted program from your computer, use these instructions below to uninstall associated programs or apps from your Windows or Mac computer. Then scroll down for instructions how to clean each affected web browser individually.
Remove TheConverterSearch browser hijacker from Windows
Windows 10/8.1/8 users Click on the Windows logo to open Windows menu. In search, type control panel and select the matching result. Then go to Programs and Features. Windows 7 users First, open Windows menu by clicking on the icon in the lower left corner of the screen. Then go to Control Panel and find section called Programs. Click on the Uninstall a program option under it. Windows XP users In Windows XP, click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs. Uninstall unwanted programs Once in Programs and Features, look through the list of installed programs. You can click on Installed on tab to sort the programs by their installation date. Right-click on suspicious programs you can’t remember installing and choose Uninstall. Follow instructions provided by the Uninstall Wizard, click Next and finally Finish to uninstall the unwanted program from your PC.
Remove TheConverterSearch browser hijacker from Google Chrome Remove suspicious Chrome extensions Change Start Page settings Change default search settings Remove push notifications from Chrome If you want to get rid of the annoying ads and so-called push-notifications viruses, you must identify their components and clean your browser. You can easily remove ads from Chrome by following these steps: Reset Google Chrome browser
Remove TheConverterSearch browser hijacker from Mozilla Firefox Remove unwanted add-ons from Firefox Change Firefox Homepage Alter preferences in Firefox Remove annoying push notifications from Firefox Suspicious sites that ask to enable push notifications gain access to Mozilla’s settings and can deliver intrusive advertisements when browsing the Internet. Therefore, you should remove access to your browser by following these simple steps: Reset Mozilla Firefox
Remove TheConverterSearch browser hijacker from Microsoft Edge Remove suspicious extensions: Change MS Edge Start Page and default search engine: Turn off push notifications in Edge If you keep receiving pop-up ads or other promotional content while browsing on Microsoft Edge, your browser might be corrupted by a potentially unwanted program (PUP). You have to clean it — follow these easy instructions: Clear browsing data
Remove TheConverterSearch browser hijacker from Safari Uninstall suspicious Safari extensions Change Safari Homepage and default search engine Remove push notifications on Safari Some suspicious websites can try to corrupt your Safari by asking to enable push notifications. If you have accidentally agreed, your browser will be flooded with various intrusive advertisements and pop-ups. You can get rid of them by following this quick guide: Reset Safari
Remove TheConverterSearch browser hijacker from Internet Explorer TIP: If you are still using IE, we strongly advise using Microsoft Edge or a different browser because Microsoft is no longer providing technical or security support for IE browser. Remove suspicious extensions from IE Change default search provider and remove suspicious ones Change IE Home Page Block pop-up notifications on Internet Explorer Suspicious websites can gain access to your Internet Explorer browser through push notifications. If you enable them even by accident, you will start receiving numerous annoying ads and other advertising content while browsing. The easiest way to remove push-notification viruses is by performing the following steps: Reset Internet Explorer
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