Removing FindFast Search browser hijacker and the redirects it generates
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is FindFast Search?
While checking out deceptive sites, our researchers discovered the FindFast Search browser extension. It makes modifications to browser settings in order to promote (via redirects) the findfastsearch.com fake search engine. This extension also spies on users' browsing activity. Due to this behavior, FindFast Search is classed as a browser hijacker.
FindFast Search browser hijacker overview
Browser-hijacking software assigns the addresses of promoted websites as browsers' default search engines, homepages, and new tab/window URLs. Therefore, with FindFast Search installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries entered into the URL bar – would result in redirects to the findfastsearch.com page.
Illegitimate search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they lead to genuine Internet search websites. Findfastsearch.com is not an exception.
At the time of research, we observed this site creating a redirection chain that went through ext-tracker.com, startopxl.com, and landed on the Google search engine (google.com). Note that findfastsearch.com could generate a different chain or land elsewhere, as factors like user geolocation may impact redirects.
Like most software within this classification, FindFast Search utilizes persistence-ensuring mechanisms to prevent users from recovering their browsers.
What is more, this rogue browser extension has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of browser-hijacking software like FindFast Search on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | FindFast Search |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | FindFast Search |
| Promoted URL | findfastsearch.com |
| Detection Names (findfastsearch.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (findfastsearch.com) | 172.67.139.189 |
| 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 investigated numerous browser hijackers; I LOVE ME, Scenic Tab, Findmovie, MyWorldClock – are just some examples.
This software typically appears ordinary and harmless. Users are lured into downloading/installing it by promises of various "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did FindFast Search install on my computer?
We obtained FindFast Search from a deceptive webpage. In addition to various scam sites, browser hijackers are endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages. Most users access these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware.
Browser-hijacking software can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements spread browser hijackers as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.
Since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – we strongly advise being careful when browsing. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FindFast Search, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of findfastsearch.com redirecting (via ext-tracker.com and startopxl.com) to Google (GIF):
Screenshot of the permissions asked by FindFast Search browser hijacker:
Screenshots of the deceptive website promoting FindFast Search browser hijacker:
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 FindFast Search?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove FindFast Search browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove findfastsearch.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove findfastsearch.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
FindFast 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.
FindFast Search 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 "FindFast 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 "FindFast Search", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.findfastsearch.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 "findfastsearch.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 findfastsearch.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 "FindFast 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 "FindFast Search", remove hxxp://findfastsearch.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 findfastsearch.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 findfastsearch.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 findfastsearch.com website?
Redirects to sites like findfastsearch.com are generated because cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) profit through them.
Is visiting findfastsearch.com a threat to my privacy?
To a certain extent, yes. Fake search engines like findfastsearch.com usually gather (and sell) visitor data.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
The most widely used distribution methods include: deceptive promotional webpages, online scams, bundled installation setups, freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove FindFast Search browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate browser-hijacking apps installed. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. In cases where multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be inaccessible with browser-hijacking software present. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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