Removing the Architecture Backgrounds browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is Architecture Backgrounds?
Architecture Backgrounds is an extension that promises to display browser wallpapers depicting architecture. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is a browser hijacker. Architecture Backgrounds modifies browser settings to promote (through redirects) the search.brandclick.com illegitimate search engine.
Architecture Backgrounds browser hijacker overview
Browser hijackers make modifications to browsers' default search engines, homepages, and new browser tabs/windows.
Architecture Backgrounds also makes these alterations. Therefore, with this extension installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries entered into the URL bar – result in redirects to the search.brandclick.com site.
It is noteworthy that some browser hijackers can deny access to removal-related settings and/or undo user-made changes – thus complicating their removal.
Fake search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to legitimate Internet search websites. This is also true of search.brandclick.com, and it led to the Bing search engine (bing.com) at the time of research. Keep in mind that search.brandclick.com could redirect elsewhere, as that may be impacted by factors like user geolocation.
Furthermore, Architecture Backgrounds might have data-tracking abilities, as they are common for browser-hijacking software. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, usernames/passwords, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like Architecture Backgrounds on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Architecture Backgrounds |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Architecture Backgrounds |
| Supposed Functionality | Browser wallpaper |
| Promoted URL | search.brandclick.com |
| Detection Names (search.brandclick.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (search.brandclick.com) | 216.239.34.21 |
| 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
We have examined countless browser hijackers; Tabtonews, Ftdsearch.com, Retro Search New Tab, and Drop Tab are merely a few examples.
Browser-hijacking software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users are tricked into downloading/installing this software through promises of various "handy" functionalities. However, these functions seldom operate as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did Architecture Backgrounds install on my computer?
Browser hijackers can be promoted on their "official" promotional pages and scam websites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate browser-hijacking software. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements spread browser hijackers as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study available options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless, yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts and/or 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 Architecture Backgrounds, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Permissions asked by Architecture Backgrounds browser hijacker:
Appearance of search.brandclick.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 Architecture Backgrounds?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Architecture Backgrounds browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove search.brandclick.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove search.brandclick.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Architecture Backgrounds 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.
Architecture Backgrounds 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 "Architecture Backgrounds" 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 "Architecture Backgrounds", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.brandclick.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 "search.brandclick.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 search.brandclick.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 "Architecture Backgrounds", 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 "Architecture Backgrounds", remove hxxp://search.brandclick.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 search.brandclick.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 search.brandclick.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 search.brandclick.com website?
Cyber criminals (e.g., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines, etc.) generate revenue through redirects to websites like search.brandclick.com.
Is visiting search.brandclick.com a threat to my privacy?
To a certain extent, yes. Websites like search.brandclick.com tend to gather information about their visitors with the intent of selling it to third-parties.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are primarily distributed via bundled installation setups, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive ads.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Architecture Backgrounds browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected browser-hijacking apps. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be a perfect solution, particularly when multiple browser hijackers are present. In these cases, after one is removed – the other may simply reinstall it. Furthermore, browser-hijacking software might render removal-related settings unmodifiable. Therefore, it is essential to remove browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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