Removing the "FTDSEARCH.com Search for Chrome" browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is "FTDSEARCH.com Search for Chrome"?
"FTDSEARCH.com Search for Chrome" is the name of a rogue browser extension. After examining this piece of software, we learned that it makes changes to browser settings in order to endorse (via redirects) the ftdsearch.com fake search engine. This operation classifies the Ftdsearch.com extension as a browser hijacker.
Ftdsearch.com browser hijacker overview
On our test machine, the Ftdsearch.com extension reassigned the browser's homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URL to its namesake website. Therefore, whenever we performed a Web search via the URL bar or opened a new browser tab/window – it resulted in redirects to the ftdsearch.com site.
Additionally, this extension used persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from recovering their browsers, which is common for hijacker software.
Fake search engines are rarely capable of providing search results, so they redirect to legitimate Internet search websites. This is also true of ftdsearch.com; at the time of research, it led to the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, this site might lead elsewhere since factors such as user geolocation may impact redirects.
Browser hijackers usually have data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of the Ftdsearch.com extension. Information of interest can include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of browser-hijacking software like Ftdsearch.com can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ftdsearch.com |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | FTDSEARCH.com Search for Chrome, Ftdsearch.com |
| Promoted URL | ftdsearch.com |
| Detection Names (ftdsearch.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (ftdsearch.com) | 172.67.202.51 |
| 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
Drop Tab, Mysearch.world, and Daily Inspiration for Photographers are just a couple examples of browser hijackers that we have investigated recently.
Browser-hijacking software usually appears legitimate and offers various useful functionalities. These functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. Keep in mind that even if a browser extension or an application works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Ftdsearch.com install on my computer?
Browser hijackers can have "official" promotional webpages, and they are commonly endorsed on scam sites. Most users enter such pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
The bundling marketing method – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate browser hijackers as well. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive adverts also spread browser-hijacking software. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
It is crucial to research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. We recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, and so forth.
We advise being cautious while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Ftdsearch.com, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Permissions asked by Ftdsearch.com browser hijacker:
Appearance of ftdsearch.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 Ftdsearch.com?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Ftdsearch.com browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove ftdsearch.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove ftdsearch.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Ftdsearch.com 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.
Ftdsearch.com 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "FTDSEARCH.com Search for Chrome" 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 "FTDSEARCH.com Search for Chrome" (or simply "Ftdsearch.com"), look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.ftdsearch.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 "ftdsearch.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 ftdsearch.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 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 the suspicious extension, remove hxxp://ftdsearch.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 ftdsearch.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 ftdsearch.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 ftdsearch.com website?
Cyber criminals (e.g., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers, etc.) generate revenue through redirects to websites like ftdsearch.com.
Is visiting ftdsearch.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Websites like ftdsearch.com usually gather visitor data with the goal of selling it to third-parties.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are primarily spread through bundled installers, online scams, deceptive promotional pages, freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive ads.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Ftdsearch.com browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all the browser-hijacking apps installed. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective, particularly when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the device. In these cases, after one is removed – the other may reinstall it. Additionally, removal-related settings might be inaccessible due to browser-hijacking software's persistence-ensuring techniques. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
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