February 04, 2021
2066
0The Danger of the Secured Search Extension
The Secure Search extension is a dangerous virus that is installed on your computer alongside some other free software you installed. This method of getting onto your computer is known as “batch installation.” The free software offers to install additional modules (the Secure Search extension), and if you do not reject the offer, the installation will start automatically in the background.
Did you know that 2021 is the year of cybersecurity? Our team has done everything possible to prepare you for this year.
The Secure Search extension is dangerous because it copies its files to your computer. This is usually a randomly named EXE file. Sometimes a startup key is created with the name secure search extension and the value (random file).exe.
You can also find the threat in the list of processes named secure search extension or (random file).exe. A folder named secure search extension is also created in folders C:\Program Files\ or C:\ProgramData.
After installing the Secure Search extension, it starts showing banners and pop-up ads in browsers. We recommend you remove the Secured Search extension immediately.
How can you do this? We’ll tell you how to remove the Secured Search extension from your browser in this article.
Try to use VPNs to hide your real IP address on the network.
What is the Secured Search extension?
The Secured Search extension is a common adware virus that is not much different from a worm or a common virus that spreads on the internet. It has many names.
The most common is “Secure Search extension,” or maybe with an appended string after the domain name “Secure Search extension.” It changes your default search engine and redirects searches to a search results page, where it will serve you ads.
In addition, the virus creates schedules to run itself, to complicate the life of any internet user. As a result of its activity, you may well accidentally click on an unwanted link and download something more serious for yourself.
Therefore, this virus should be removed as quickly as possible. Below we will talk about a effective way to remove the Secure Search extension virus once and for all.
We’ve collected the most frequently spread malware on the internet. You can read the article and protect yourself from them.
How to remove Secured Search extension
There are two working ways to remove the virus from your computer. The first method is manual, and the second is automatic, using special programs to remove unwanted items from your computer.
Manual method
Step #1. Search for “Secure Search extension” in the list of installed programs and delete it.
Step #2. Open the “Task Manager” and close programs that have the words “secured search extension” in their description or name. Note from which folder this program is launched. Delete these folders.
Step #3. Disable harmful services using the services.msc console.
Step #4. Delete “Assigned Tasks” related to “secured search extension” using the taskschd.msc console.
Step #5. Using the “Registry Editor” regedit.exe search for keys with the name or containing the phrase “secured search extension” in the registry.
Step #6. Check the browser launch shortcuts for additional website addresses at the end of the search line.
Step #7. Check the plugins of all installed browsers Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc. It is better to remove all unknown or suspicious plugins, or perform a full reset of the browser settings.
Step #8. Check the settings of the browser home page. If necessary, reset the settings to the initial settings.
Step #9. Check your network’s DNS settings.
Step #10. Empty the recycle bin, temporary files, and cache of all browsers.
You can read more about DNS poisoning protection here.
Automatic method
Manual removal can cause problems with the removal of open files. Processes that are being closed can start again immediately, or they can do so after a reboot.
If the manual method is not for you, and you want an easier way, there are many specialized apps that will do all the work for you.
Step #1. Install UnHackMe. (1 minute)
Step #2. Run a malware search in UnHackMe. (1 minute)
Step #3. Remove malware. (3 minutes)
Simultaneously, UnHackMe finds other malicious programs, not just a redirect to the secured search extension.
UnHackMe will easily handle everything and do all the hard work during the reboot.
And that’s not all. Suppose after removing the redirect to secured search extension, some problems remain. In that case, UnHackMe has a manual mode in which you can independently identify malicious programs in the list of all programs.
Step #1. Install UnHackMe (1 minute).
- Downloaded software, preferably the latest version. Run the program installation.
- Accept the license agreement.
- Specify the folder to install it in. At this point, the installation process can be considered complete.
Step #2. Start the spyware and adware remover (1 minute).
- So, we run UnHackMe, and immediately start testing. You can use the online testing VirusTotal tool — this will increase the probability of detecting the Secure Search extension virus and the rest of the evil spirits.
You can read our virus and worm protection guide here.
Step #3. Remove malware (3 minutes).
- We discover something at the next stage. UnHackMe differs from some apps because it shows everything – very bad, suspicious, and even good. So, if we found a dangerous element, it will be highlighted in red. What do you think we’re going to do with those? That’s right – select them and click Remove Checked. In general, click the red button.
- After that, you may be prompted for confirmation. And an invitation to close all browsers. It is worth doing this – it will help.
- In case you need to delete a file or directory, it is probably better to use the delete option in safe mode. Yes, you will need a reboot, but it’s faster than starting all over again.
- In the end, you will see the results of the scan and treatment.
The Secured Search extension silently penetrates your computer and gets into the operating system without your permission. Typically, most viruses are already bundled with third-party software, which makes it easier to download and install the malware.
In addition, this virus is easily spread through phishing sites, unwanted clicks on suspicious links and ads and pop-ups, visiting questionable sites and porn sites, or opening spam emails and their attachments.
You can also infect your operating system when you share your files over an unsecured network. Therefore, it is best to use the decentralized Utopia P2P ecosystem that will ensure the confidentiality and privacy of all your activities within a free and encrypted space.
Read more about the decentralized network here.
