Removal instructions for the Smart Seeker browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Smart Seeker?
Smart Seeker is a rogue browser extension. It makes changes to browser settings in order to promote (through redirects) the smartseeker.info fake search engine. Due to this behavior, Smart Seeker is categorized as a browser hijacker.
Smart Seeker browser hijacker overview
On our test machine, Smart Seeker reassigned the browser's homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URL to the smartseeker.info webpage. Therefore, Web searches performed via the URL bar and new browser tabs/windows opened – result in redirects to smartseeker.info.
Illegitimate search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to genuine Internet search websites. At the time of research, smartseeker.info redirected to the Bing search engine (bing.com). Note that it could land elsewhere since redirects might be impacted by factors like user geolocation.
Furthermore, browser hijackers often use persistence-ensuring techniques to complicate their removal and prevent browser recovery.
What is more, Smart Seeker might have data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of browser-hijacking software like Smart Seeker on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Smart Seeker |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Smart Seeker |
| Promoted URL | smartseeker.info |
| Detection Names (smartseeker.info) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (smartseeker.info) | 95.110.205.91 |
| 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; YOUSearch, Search4word, FindFast Search, BestWallpaper NewTab, Scenic Tab – are merely some examples.
Browser-hijacking software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users can be enticed by it with offers of various "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these features 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 advertised – that does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.
How did Smart Seeker install on my computer?
Browser hijackers can be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware ad free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Browser-hijacking software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
Additionally, intrusive adverts spread browser hijackers as well. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources.
Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.
Fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – therefore, we strongly advise being vigilant when browsing. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Smart Seeker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of smartseeker.info redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):
Permissions asked by Smart Seeker 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 Smart Seeker?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Smart Seeker browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove smartseeker.info homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove smartseeker.info redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Smart Seeker 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.
Smart Seeker browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Smart Seeker 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 "Smart Seeker" 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 "Smart Seeker", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.smartseeker.info) 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 "smartseeker.info", 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 smartseeker.info 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 "Smart Seeker", 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 "Smart Seeker", remove hxxp://smartseeker.info 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 smartseeker.info 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 smartseeker.info 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 smartseeker.info website?
Cyber criminals (e.g., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines, etc.) generate revenue through redirects to sites like smartseeker.info.
Is visiting smartseeker.info a threat to my privacy?
To a certain extent, yes. Websites like smartseeker.info typically gather (and sell) visitor data.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are mainly spread via deceptive promotional pages, online scams, bundled installers, freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive ads.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Smart Seeker browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected browser-hijacking applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be ideal. In cases where multiple browser hijackers are present, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. What is more, browser-hijacking software may be capable of denying access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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