What is FlashSearch browser plugin? — Fix Guide

FlashSearch – What is it?

“FlashSearch” search hijacker is a potentially unwanted application (PUA)¹, that is promoted as a plugin for your internet browser. It is typically promoted as an add-on for Chrome or Firefox, that aids to browse some certain information, as an example, about sport events, make your web browser a lot more secure, allow downloading of any type of video clip, and so on. Also, this app adds the “Managed by your organization” feature (on Chrome browsers).

However, the “FlashSearch” plugin is pretty pointless because all such functions are currently embedded to your web browser and/or Windows. Such marketing slogans are targeted at low-skilled computer users, for example, pensioners or schoolchildren. However often even qualified users are getting caught on such a lure. In particular cases, this hijacker is distributed together with free programs.

FlashSearch Hijacker

How harmful is FlashSearch hijacker?

Besides its uselessness, FlashSearch hijacker is also considerably unsafe for web browser use. It transforms your search engine to its particular – Flashsearch.club, and additionally changes your background, adding its watermark on your background image (or, occasionally, altering it to default with the mentioned symbol).

In addition to viewable adjustments done by FlashSearch hijacker, you might see that a number of your search inquiries are redirecting to the uncertain websites, filled with web links and ads – so-called doorway sites. Such sites can contain web links for malware downloads. The chance of redirecting rises if you attempt to start Google search page by force.

However all these actions are much more frustrating than really dangerous. The main danger, especially for individuals who have a lot of confidential information in their internet browsers, is embedded in information gathering functionalities. Cookie files, chats, often-visited web pages, and other activities are easily collected by FlashSearch hijacker.

How to remove FlashSearch 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 almost always very simple to deal with. Most of the time, they have a separate app that can be located in the list of installed apps. As a result of the certain distribution tactic of FlashSearch hijacker, it can be quickly tracked and erased manually. However, if you got FlashSearch in the bundle with a free applications, your computer can be infected with much more serious malware – trojans, spyware and even ransomware. That’s why I’d advise you to make use of anti-malware tools to remove the FlashSearch PUA and all various other malware.

You can utilize Microsoft Defender² – it is capable of finding and eliminating different malware, including named hijacker. But significant malware, that can be present on your PC in the specified instance, can disable the Windows antivirus tool by editing the Group Policies. To avoid such situations, it is far better to utilize GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

To detect and remove all unwanted programs on your PC with GridinSoft Anti-Malware, it’s better to use Standard or Full scan. Quick Scan is not able to find all the malicious programs, because it checks only the most popular registry entries and folders.

You can observe the detected malicious programs sorted by their possible harm during the scan process. But to perform any actions against malicious programs, you need to wait until the scan is over, 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.

Reverting browser settings to original ones

To reset your browser settings, you need to use the Reset Browser Settings option. This action is not able to be counteracted by any malware, hence, you will surely see the result. This option can be located in the Tools tab.

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

Deleteing FlashSearch 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