Removal instructions for the SurfGuru browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is SurfGuru?
Our research team discovered the SurfGuru browser extension while investigating untrustworthy websites. This piece of software is presented as a quick access tool to surfing-related news, advice, products, and other content. However, our analysis of SurfGuru allowed us to determine that it is a browser hijacker. This extension changes browser settings to promote (via redirects) the privatesearchqry.com fake search engine.
SurfGuru browser hijacker overview
Once installed onto our testing machine, SurfGuru modified browser settings by assigning privatesearchqry.com as the default search engine, homepage, and new browser tab/window URL. After these changes, Web searches performed via the URL bar and new browser tabs/windows opened – resulted in redirects to the privatesearchqry.com website.
Illegitimate search engines rarely have the ability to generate search results, so they redirect to genuine Internet search sites. In the case of privatesearchqry.com, it landed on Bing (bing.com). Note that this website might lead elsewhere since factors like user geolocation can impact redirects.
It is pertinent to mention that browser-hijacking software tends to use persistence-ensuring techniques, and SurfGuru is not an exception.
Furthermore, this rogue browser extension likely spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted data can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, IP addresses, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can be monetized through sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of browser-hijacking software like SurfGuru on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | SurfGuru |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | SurfGuru |
| Supposed Functionality | Easy access to surfing-related content. |
| Promoted URL | privatesearchqry.com |
| Detection Names (privatesearchqry.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (privatesearchqry.com) | 216.239.32.21 |
| 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). |
| 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
Tropical Horizons Wallpapers, Homerun Extension, Oceans - New Tab, and eBook Search are just some examples of browser hijackers that we have investigated recently.
Browser-hijacking software usually appears legitimate and offers handy functionalities. In most cases, the promised features are merely bait to trick users into downloading/installing this software. Keep in mind that even if a browser extension or application operates as advertised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SurfGuru install on my computer?
We obtained SurfGuru from its "official" promotional webpage. In addition to such sites, browser hijackers are commonly pushed via online scams. Users typically access such pages through redirects caused by spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
Browser-hijacking software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and being inattentive with installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts are used to distribute browser hijackers as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We strongly recommend researching software before downloading/installing or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, and so on.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SurfGuru, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Permissions asked by SurfGuru browser hijacker:
Website promoting SurfGuru browser hijacker:
Appearance of privatesearchqry.com redirecting to the Bing 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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By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is SurfGuru?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove SurfGuru browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove privatesearchqry.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove privatesearchqry.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
SurfGuru 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, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
SurfGuru 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 "SurfGuru" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "SurfGuru", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.privatesearchqry.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 "privatesearchqry.com", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the privatesearchqry.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 extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "SurfGuru", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "SurfGuru", remove hxxp://privatesearchqry.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 "Accept the Risk and Continue".
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 privatesearchqry.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 privatesearchqry.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.
Post a comment:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit privatesearchqry.com website?
Redirects to websites like privatesearchqry.com are caused because cyber criminals (e.g., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines, etc.) generate revenue through them.
Is visiting privatesearchqry.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Websites like privatesearchqry.com typically gather (and sell) visitor data.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are primarily distributed via bundled installers, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, spam browser notifications, and intrusive ads.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove SurfGuru browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected browser-hijacking applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal, especially when multiple browser hijackers are present. In these instances, after one is removed – the others might reinstall it. What is more, removal-related settings may be inaccessible with browser-hijacking software installed. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
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