How to remove Findmovie browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Findmovie?
We have tested the Findmovie browser extension and learned that it is a browser hijacker designed to promote a fake search engine. Findmovie modifies the settings of a web browser to hijack it. Also, this app may be capable of collecting information about users. Therefore, it is advisable not to add Findmovie to browsers.
Findmovie browser hijacker overview
Upon adding, Findmovie designates search.findmovie.online as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. The app forces users to visit search.findmovie.online when they open their browser. After entering a search query, search.findmovie.online redirects users to bing.com, search.yahoo.com, and possibly other search engines.
Search.findmovie.online is a fake search engine because it does not generate results. Instead, it provides results from legitimate search engines like Bing and Yahoo. Neither fake search engines nor browser hijackers promoting them can be trusted. Typically, they collect various data.
Browser hijackers and fake search engines can collect a variety of information, including browsing history, search queries, personal details, geolocation data, IP addresses, system information, cookies, session data, and ad interaction. This information is often used for targeted advertising, marketing, or more malicious activities.
Another issue with fake search engines is that they can provide misleading or fabricated search results. Some fake search engines employ malicious redirects, sending users to potentially harmful websites. This poses risks of malware infection or phishing attacks. Thus, trusting fake search engines can compromise overall online security.
Name | Findmovie |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Browser Extension(s) | Findmovie |
Supposed Functionality | Improved browsing experience |
Promoted URL | search.findmovie.online |
Detection Names (search.findmovie.online) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address (search.findmovie.online) | 172.67.220.143 |
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), fake Flash Player installers. |
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. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Findmovie raises concerns as a problematic application due to its actions of designating search.findmovie.online as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. Users should exercise caution, be aware of potential privacy implications, and consider alternative, reputable search engines to ensure a secure and reliable online experience.
More examples of browser-hijacking apps are MyWorldClock, Thai Wallpaper, and EveryWhereClock.
How did Findmovie install on my computer?
Users can fall victim to browser hijacking through deceptive software installations, often bundled with seemingly harmless applications or browser extensions. Visiting compromised websites is also a common avenue for browser hijacking. Additionally, malvertising, which involves malicious advertisements redirecting users to harmful sites, poses a significant risk.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
To avoid browser hijackers, users should exercise caution when downloading and installing software, especially from unverified sources. It is advisable to check installers for additional apps and change the provided settings (e.g., "Custom" or "Advanced") to deselect unwanted apps.
Also, be mindful of browser extensions and only install those from reputable sources. Regularly update browsers and use security software to detect and prevent potential threats. Practice safe browsing habits, refrain from clicking on suspicious links or pop-ups, and avoid allowing shady sites to send notifications. If your computer is already infected with Findmovie, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Search.findmovie.online redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by Findmovie browser hijacker:
Shady website promoting Findmovie browser hijacker:
Another website promoting Findmovie app:
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 Findmovie?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Findmovie application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Findmovie browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove search.findmovie.online homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove search.findmovie.online redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Findmovie 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 (which cause browser redirects to the search.findmovie.online website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Findmovie 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 "Findmovie" 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 "Findmovie", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.findmovie.online) 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.findmovie.online", 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.findmovie.online 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 "Findmovie", 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 "Findmovie", remove hxxp://search.findmovie.online 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.findmovie.online 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.findmovie.online 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 search.findmovie.online 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 visit search.findmovie.online website?
The purpose of forcing users to visit the search.findmovie.online website may include promoting the site, generating traffic for specific content, or potentially engaging in malicious activities such as data collection or browser manipulation.
Is visiting search.findmovie.online a threat to my privacy?
Visiting search.findmovie.online may pose a potential threat to your privacy. Fake search engines and websites could potentially collect and track your online activities, search queries, and other sensitive information.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers can infiltrate computers through methods like software bundling, phishing campaigns, compromised websites, malicious ads (malvertising), etc.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Findmovie browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner will conduct a thorough scan of your computer and remove any existing browser-hijacking applications. It is important to note that manual removal may not be effective when multiple browser hijackers coexist and reinstall each other. In these cases, it becomes essential to remove all of them simultaneously.
▼ Show Discussion