MyPrivateSearch browser hijacker removal instructions

MyPrivateSearch – What is it?

“MyPrivateSearch” search hijacker is a potentially unwanted application (PUA)¹, that is spread as a plugin for your internet browser. It is typically advertised as an add-on for Chrome or Firefox, that assists to search some special information, as an example, about sporting activity events, make your browser a lot more secure, enable downloading of any kind of web video, et cetera.

However, the “MyPrivateSearch” plugin is fairly ineffective since all such functions are already embedded to your web browser and/or system. Such marketing mottos are targeted at low-skilled computer users, such as pensioners or schoolchildren. However in some cases even professional users are getting caught on such a lure. In specific cases, this hijacker is spread along with free software.

MyPrivateSearch Search Hijacker

How harmful is MyPrivateSearch hijacker?

Besides its uselessness, MyPrivateSearch hijacker is likewise considerably hazardous for web browser utilization. It alters your search engine to its particular – Myprivatesearch.com, and additionally modifies your background, putting its watermark on your wallpaper (or, in some cases, altering it to default with the specified symbol).

Aside from viewable adjustments done by MyPrivateSearch hijacker, you can observe that a number of your search inquiries are redirecting to the dubious sites, full of links and promotions – so-called doorway sites. Such sites can contain web links for malware downloads. The chance of redirecting boosts if you try to open Google search page by force.

But all these actions are far more irritating than really damaging. The major risk, primarily for people who have a lot of secret information in their browsers, is installed in information gathering functions. Cookie files, chats, often-visited sites, as well as other activities are simply collected by MyPrivateSearch hijacker.

How to remove MyPrivateSearch search hijacker?

• Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
• Open GridinSoft Anti-Malware and perform a “Standard scan“.
• “Move to quarantine” all items.
• Open “Tools” tab – Press “Reset Browser Settings“.
• Select proper browser and options – Click “Reset”.
• Restart your computer.

Browser hijackers are typically rather simple to deal with. For the most part, they have a separate app that can be located in the list of installed software. As a result of the particular distribution manner of MyPrivateSearch hijacker, it can be simply tracked and deleted manually. However, if you got MyPrivateSearch in the bundle with a free applications, your personal computer may be contaminated with much more dangerous malware – trojans, spyware or even ransomware. That’s why I’d advise you use anti-malware tools to deal with the MyPrivateSearch PUA and all various other malware.

You can use Microsoft Defender² – it is capable of detecting and eliminating various malware, including named hijacker. Nevertheless, significant malware, that might exist on your computer in the mentioned case, can disable the Windows antivirus tool by editing the Group Policies. To stay clear of such situations, it is better to make use of GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

To detect and eliminate all malicious programs on your computer with GridinSoft Anti-Malware, it’s better to utilize Standard or Full scan. Quick Scan is not able to find all the malicious apps, because it scans only the most popular registry entries and directories.

You can spectate the detected malicious programs sorted by their possible harm during the scan process. But to choose any actions against malicious apps, you need to wait until the scan is finished, or to stop the scan.

To choose the action for each detected malicious or unwanted program, click the arrow in front of the name of the detected malicious app. By default, all malware will be moved to quarantine.

Reset browser settings to original ones

To revert your browser settings, you are required to use the Reset Browser Settings option. This action cannot be intercepted by any malicious program, hence, you will surely see the result. This option can be located in the Tools tab.

After pressing the Reset Browser Settings button, the menu will be displayed, where you can choose, which settings will be reverted to the original.

Deleteing MyPrivateSearch hijacker manually

Besides using anti-malware software for browser restoration, you may choose the “Reset browser settings” function, which is usually embedded in all popular browsers.

1. Open “Settings and more” tab in upper right corner, then find here “Settings” button. In the appeared menu, choose “Reset settings” option :
2. After picking the Reset Settings option, you will see the following menu, stating about the settings which will be reverted to original :

1. Open Menu tab (three strips in upper right corner) and click the “Help” button. In the appeared menu choose “troubleshooting information” :
2. In the next screen, find the “Refresh Firefox” option :

After choosing this option, you will see the next message :

1. Open Settings tab, find the “Advanced” button. In the extended tab choose the “Reset and clean up” button :
2. In the appeared list, click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” :
3. Finally, you will see the window, where you can see all the settings which will be reset to default :
   

1. Open Settings menu by pressing the gear icon in the toolbar (left side of the browser window), then click “Advanced” option, and choose “Browser” button in the drop-down list. Scroll down, to the bottom of the settings menu. Find there “Restore settings to their original defaults” option :
2. After clicking the “Restore settings…” button, you will see the window, where all settings, which will be reset, are shown :

As an afterword, I want to say that time plays against you and your PC. The activity of browser hijacker must be stopped as soon as possible, because of the possibility of other malware injection. This malware can be downloaded autonomously, or offered for you to download in one of the windows with advertisements, which are shown to you by the hijacker. You need to act as fast as you can.

References

1. More information about PUAs
2. Detailed review of Microsoft Defender