How to remove Zodiac Search browser hijacker and the redirects it generates
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Zodiac Search?
While investigating questionable websites, our researchers discovered a deceptive page endorsing an installer containing the Zodiac Search browser extension. It is promoted as a tool for easy access to horoscopes.
Our analysis of Zodiac Search revealed that it is a browser hijacker. This extension alters browser settings in order to cause redirects to the search.zodiac-search.com fake search engine.
Zodiac Search browser hijacker overview
Browser-hijacking software reassigns browsers' default search engines, homepages, and new browser tab/window URLs to the addresses of promoted sites.
In the case of Zodiac Search, these settings are changed to search.zodiac-search.com. Hence, with this extension installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and Web searches performed via the URL bar – result in redirects to the search.zodiac-search.com website.
Fake search engines are rarely capable of generating search results, so they redirect to genuine Internet search sites. Search.zodiac-search.com led to the Bing search engine (bing.com) at the time of research. It is pertinent to mention that this website could lead elsewhere since factors like user geolocation may impact redirects.
In many cases, browser hijackers employ persistence-ensuring techniques, such as denying access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes – to complicate their removal and prevent users from recovering their browsers.
What is more, Zodiac Search likely has data-tracking abilities. Target information may include: browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like Zodiac Search on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Zodiac Search |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Detection Names (installer) | Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Hulk.Gen.9), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win64/Packed.VMProtect.J ), Fortinet (Riskware/Application), Rising (Malware.SwollenFile!1.DDB4 (CLASSIC)), ZoneAlarm by Check Point (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Agent.gen), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Browser Extension(s) | Zodiac Search |
| Supposed Functionality | Easy access to horoscopes |
| Promoted URL | search.zodiac-search.com |
| Detection Names (search.zodiac-search.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (search.zodiac-search.com) | 172.67.141.134 |
| 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 analyzed countless browser hijackers; Weather Search, Whatodo, AI Image of the Day, Purrfect Tab – are merely some examples.
Browser-hijacking software appears legitimate and innocuous. It also offers a wide variety of useful and advantageous features, which are usually nonoperational. Keep in mind that just because a piece of software works as advertised, that does not mean that it is necessarily legitimate and safe.
How did Zodiac Search install on my computer?
Zodiac Search has an "official" promotional webpage, and we discovered a deceptive site endorsing and installation setup containing this browser extension. Most users access such pages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
The bundling marketing technique – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate browser-hijacking software.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, browser-hijacking software is spread by intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Zodiac Search, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Permissions asked by Zodiac Search browser hijacker:
Zodiac Search browser hijacker's "official" promotional website:
Deceptive website promoting Zodiac Search browser hijacker:
Appearance of search.zodiac-search.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 Zodiac Search?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Zodiac Search browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove search.zodiac-search.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove search.zodiac-search.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Zodiac Search 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.
Zodiac Search browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Zodiac Search 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 "Zodiac Search" 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 "Zodiac Search", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.zodiac-search.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.zodiac-search.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.zodiac-search.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 "Zodiac Search", 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 "Zodiac Search", remove hxxp://search.zodiac-search.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.zodiac-search.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.zodiac-search.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 search.zodiac-search.com website?
Redirects to websites like search.zodiac-search.com are caused because cyber criminals (i.e., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines) generate revenue through them.
Is visiting search.zodiac-search.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Sites like search.zodiac-search.com are known to gather (and sell) visitor data.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
The most commonly used proliferation methods include: deceptive promotional webpages, bundled installation setups, freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive adverts.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Zodiac Search browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all the browser-hijacking applications present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective, particularly when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system. In these instances, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. Furthermore, browser-hijacking software might be capable of denying access to removal-related settings and/or undoing user-made changes. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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