FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to stop redirects to lookingup-lookup.com

Also Known As: lookingup-lookup.com browser hijacker
Damage level: Medium

What kind of page is lookingup-lookup.com?

Our examination shows that lookingup-lookup.com is a fake search engine promoted via rogue applications (including malicious browser extensions). The promotion of fake search engines usually includes browser hijacking. Users who encounter lookingup-lookup.com should remove it from the settings of a browser and eliminate any associated apps.

lookingup-lookup.com browser hijacker

More about lookingup-lookup.com and browser-hijacking apps

Usually, browser-hijacking extensions accomplish their goal by altering browser settings, such as the homepage, default search engine, and new tab page. This compels users to land on fake search engines or other suspicious addresses when they open a hijacked browser and perform search queries.

It is probable that lookingup-lookup.com is not just promoted via browser-hijacking extensions but also through applications that can be installed directly on the operating system. One such program known for promoting lookingup-lookup.com (causing redirects to the site) is Search Synergy 1.7.

During our investigation of lookingup-lookup.com, we observed that it redirects users to both bing.com and google.com. However, it is important to note that it may also redirect to other addresses. Currently, it appears that lookingup-lookup.com redirects users to legitimate search engines.

As it does not generate any search results of its own, it can be classified as a fake search engine. Users should avoid fake search engines because they often lead to unreliable or potentially harmful websites. Fake search engines may display manipulated search results, leading users to deceptive or malicious websites.

Additionally, they could track users' browsing habits and collect sensitive information without consent, posing a threat to privacy and security. By steering clear of fake search engines, users can lower the risk of falling victim to scams, malware, or other online threats.

Threat Summary:
Name lookingup-lookup.com browser hijacker
Threat Type Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s) Search Synergy 1.7 and possibly other apps (including browser extensions)
Supposed Functionality Improved browsing experience
Affected Browser Settings Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine
Detection Names CRDF (Malicious), Vipre (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
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), dubious websites, and similar channels.
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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lookingup-lookup.com presents a concerning case of a potentially deceptive website. While our examination revealed redirects to legitimate search engines, the absence of original search results and the possibility of redirection to other addresses raise red flags regarding its legitimacy.

Users should exercise caution when encountering such sites, as fake search engines may compromise privacy and security by leading to unreliable or malicious destinations. More examples of fake search engines are resultsearch.net, ysearcher.com, and bangsearch.pro.

How did lookingup-lookup.com promoting software install on my computer?

Users may inadvertently install or add browser-hijacking software while downloading and installing other, especially free, programs from unreliable sources. In these cases, browsers become hijacked upon finishing installations without deselecting browser hijackers (e.g., changing the provided settings or unticking checkboxes).

Examples of unreliable sources for downloading apps that may be bundled with browser hijackers (or be browser hijackers) are third-party app stores, P2P networks, and unofficial sites. Clicking on misleading links or deceptive pop-up advertisements can also lead to the installation of browser-hijacking apps.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

Only download software from reputable sources such as official websites or app stores. Regularly check your installed browser extensions and add-ons, and uninstall any that you do not need or seem suspicious. Exercise caution when opening links in emails, social media messages, or clicking pop-up ads. Avoid consenting to receive notifications from questionable websites.

Install reliable antivirus software and ensure it is regularly updated to detect and remove browser-hijacking programs. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

lookingup-lookup.com redirects to bing.com (GIF):

lookingup-lookup.com redirects to bing.com

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:

lookingup-lookup.com redirect removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

lookingup-lookup.com browser hijacker uninstall via Control Panel

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 lookingup-lookup.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

lookingup-lookup.com redirect removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove browser redirects:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing lookingup-lookup.com related Google Chrome extensions

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing lookingup-lookup.com from Google Chrome homepage

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable the malicious extension (if present), look for an unwanted URL (hxxp://www.lookingup-lookup.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:

Removing lookingup-lookup.com from Google Chrome default search engine

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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 "lookingup-lookup.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 lookingup-lookup.com browser hijacker, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing lookingup-lookup.com related Mozilla Firefox extensions

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing lookingup-lookup.com from Mozilla Firefox homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable malicious extension (if present), remove hxxp://lookingup-lookup.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Removing lookingup-lookup.com from Mozilla Firefox 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 Mozilla Firefox switch about:config entry button button.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with lookingup-lookup.com browser hijacker removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...

removing browser hijacker from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 3 - changing homepage

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.

removing browser hijackers from safari step 4 - changing the default Internet search engine

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 2

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 3

To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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 Microsoft Edge (Chromium) puzzle icon near it and select "Disable".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the lookingup-lookup.com browser hijacker, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of browser hijackers while downloading free software sampleA 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 lookingup-lookup.com browser hijacker 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 lookingup-lookup.com website?

The purpose of forcing users to visit lookingup-lookup.com is likely to drive traffic to the website. The creators of fake search engines aim to increase traffic for various reasons, such as generating ad revenue, promoting scams, or harvesting user data.

Is visiting lookingup-lookup.com a threat to my privacy?

Visiting lookingup-lookup.com may pose a threat to your privacy as the website could be designed to gather your personal information and monitor your online activities.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

A browser hijacker likely infiltrated your computer through free or unreliable software downloads, clicking on deceptive links or ads, or visiting compromised websites.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove a browser hijacker?

Combo Cleaner removes browser-hijacking applications from computers. It is worth noting that manual removal may not always be effective, especially if multiple browser hijackers are present. They may be designed to reinstall each other, requiring simultaneous removal.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
lookingup-lookup.com browser hijacker QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of lookingup-lookup.com browser hijacker on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.