How to remove BestMapSearch browser hijacker and the redirects it causes
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is BestMapSearch?
BestMapSearch is a piece of software classified as a browser hijacker. We determined this by analyzing the browser extension's behavior following installation onto our test machine. BestMapSearch modifies browser settings in order to promote the bestmapsearch.com fake search engine.
BestMapSearch browser hijacker overview
BestMapSearch reassigns browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs to the bestmapsearch.com website. Therefore, every time new browser tabs/windows are opened or web searches are performed through the URL bar - it results in a redirect to bestmapsearch.com.
Illegitimate search engines are rarely capable of providing search results, so they redirect to genuine ones. We observed bestmapsearch.com redirecting to Yahoo (search.yahoo.com) and the nearbyme.io fake search engine. However, while nearbyme.io can generate search results - they are inaccurate and may promote unreliable/malicious content.
Furthermore, browser hijackers typically use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent browser recovery.
What is more, BestMapSearch likely has data tracking functionalities - as they are typical for browser-hijacking software. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data is then monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like BestMapSearch on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | BestMapSearch |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Detection Names | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Browser Extension(s) | BestMapSearch |
| Promoted URL | bestmapsearch.com |
| Serving IP Address (bestmapsearch.com) | 104.21.17.135 |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Browser hijacker examples
We have analyzed thousands of browser hijackers; BestSportSearch, DigitalConverterz, PerfectConverters, and Like Dark are merely some examples of our newest finds. This software typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these features rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did BestMapSearch install on my computer?
Bundling - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions - is commonly used to proliferate browser hijackers. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements spread browser-hijacking software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Browser hijackers are also endorsed via questionable download webpages and scam sites. Most users enter such pages through redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be approached with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements appear legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BestMapSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of bestmapsearch.com redirecting to the nearbyme.io fake search engine (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is BestMapSearch?
- STEP 1. Uninstall BestMapSearch application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove BestMapSearch browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove bestmapsearch.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove bestmapsearch.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
BestMapSearch browser hijacker removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications (for example, "BestMapSearch"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the bestmapsearch.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
BestMapSearch browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "BestMapSearch" and other recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "BestMapSearch", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.bestmapsearch.com) below the “Open a specific or set of pages” option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select “Remove”.
Change your default search engine:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for "bestmapsearch.com", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Remove from list".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the bestmapsearch.com redirect, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions" and remove "BestMapSearch", as well as all other recently installed browser plug-ins.
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Options", in the opened window disable "BestMapSearch", remove hxxp://bestmapsearch.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type about:config and press Enter.
Click "I'll be careful, I promise!".
In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled"
Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with bestmapsearch.com redirect removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.
In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage and new tab settings:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".
Change your default Internet search engine:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon 
near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the bestmapsearch.com redirect, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit bestmapsearch.com website?
These redirects are caused because through them - cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) generate revenue.
Is visiting bestmapsearch.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Websites like bestmapsearch.com usually collect information about their visitors.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are primarily distributed via software bundling, misleading promotional webpages, unofficial and freeware download websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, online scams, fake updates, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove BestMapSearch browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed browser-hijacking applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal in cases when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system. In some instances, when one browser hijacker is removed - the others simply re-install it. Additionally, removal-related settings might be inaccessible with this software installed. Therefore, browser hijackers must be eliminated thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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