How to eliminate Brick PDF browser hijacker and the redirects it generates
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Brick PDF?
Our researchers discovered the Brick PDF browser extension during a routine investigation of dubious websites. This piece of software is promoted as a tool capable of merging PDF format files.
After inspecting this extension, we learned that it is a browser hijacker. Brick PDF makes changes to browser settings to endorse (through redirects) the find.gmysearchup.com fake search engine.
Brick PDF browser hijacker overview
Browser-hijacking software assigns the addresses of promoted websites as browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tab/window URLs. Therefore, when a new browser tab/window is opened or a Web search is performed via the URL bar – it results in redirects to the endorsed site. Brick PDF operates in this manner as well, and it generates redirects to the find.gmysearchup.com page.
Fake search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they lead to legitimate Internet search websites. Find.gmysearchup.com is not an exception; it redirects to the Bing search engine (bing.com). Note that this site could land elsewhere, as factors like user geolocation may impact redirects.
Browser hijackers often utilize persistence-ensuring techniques to complicate their removal and prevent users from recovering their browsers.
What is more, Brick PDF spies on users' browsing activity. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of browser-hijacking software on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Brick PDF |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Brick PDF |
| Supposed Functionality | PDF file merging tool |
| Promoted URL | find.gmysearchup.com |
| Detection Names (find.gmysearchup.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (find.gmysearchup.com) | 65.8.49.107 |
| 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 thousands of browser hijackers; Currency Conversion Extension, Dark Mode Ext, Lucky baro, and Bookmark are merely some examples. This software typically appears ordinary and harmless. However, its functionalities seldom work as promised, 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 either legitimacy or safety.
How did Brick PDF install on my computer?
We obtained Brick PDF from its "official" promotional webpage. Aside from such legitimate-looking pages, browser hijackers are pushed through scam websites.
Most visitors to these webpages access them via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
Browser-hijacking software can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, 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 only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Brick PDF, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Permissions asked by Brick PDF browser hijacker:
Website promoting Brick PDF browser hijacker:
Appearance of find.gmysearchup.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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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 Brick PDF?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Brick PDF browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove find.gmysearchup.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove find.gmysearchup.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Brick PDF 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.
Brick PDF browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Brick PDF browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:
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 "Brick PDF" 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 "Brick PDF", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.find.gmysearchup.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 "find.gmysearchup.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 find.gmysearchup.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 "Brick PDF", 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 "Brick PDF", remove hxxp://find.gmysearchup.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 find.gmysearchup.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 find.gmysearchup.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:
If you have additional information on find.gmysearchup.com redirect or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit find.gmysearchup.com website?
Redirects to sites like find.gmysearchup.com are generated because cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) profit through them.
Is visiting find.gmysearchup.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Websites like find.gmysearchup.com usually collect (and sell) information about their visitors.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are distributed mainly via deceptive promotional webpages, bundled installers, 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 Brick PDF browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed browser-hijacking applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective, especially when multiple browser hijackers are present. In some cases, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. What is more, removal-related settings might be unmodifiable with browser-hijacking software installed. Hence, it is essential to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion