How to get rid of the FindClix browser hijacker

What kind of extension is FindClix?

Our examination of the FindClix browser extension has shown that it functions as a browser hijacker. Once added, FindClix changes the settings of a web browser to promote findflarex.com. Also, FindClix may track online activities. Therefore, users should avoid adding extensions like FindClix to browsers to prevent associated risks.

FindClix browser hijacker overview

We have found that FindClix makes findflarex.com as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. It means that opening a hijacked browser (or a new tab) and entering search queries through it results in visiting findflarex.com. Our inspection of findflarex.com revealed that it is a fake search engine.

Upon entering a search query, findflarex.com does not provide results. Instead, it redirects to boyu.com.tr, a dubious search engine. The search results provided by boyu.com.tr may include misleading links and ads. Thus, clicking them can lead users to potentially malicious web pages.

Results from boyu.com.tr may take users to phishing pages, sites hosting technical support scams, dubious (or even malicious) apps, fake giveaways, lotteries, investment offers, and other dubious sites. Thus, it is strongly recommended to avoid using shady search engines, especially when associated with browser hijackers.

It is important to note that FindClix is a browser hijacker that enables the "Managed by your organization" feature. This feature, usually intended for centralized management by organizations, can be exploited by hijackers to impose restrictions on users, such as blocking access to specific websites, altering browser settings, or controlling extensions.

Moreover, hijackers may abuse this feature to gather sensitive information and display intrusive advertisements. Therefore, users should remove apps like FindClix from hijacked browsers as soon as possible.

Threat Summary:

Name	FindClix
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s)	FindClix, WonderFind, ONFIND, and possibly other extensions
Supposed Functionality	This app is supposed to improve the browsing experience
Promoted URL	findflarex.com
Detection Names (findflarex.com)	N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (findflarex.com)	172.67.180.87
Detection Names (Installer)	Microsoft (Program:Win32/Wacapew.C!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
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. ▼ 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

To sum up, browser hijackers are dubious extensions or applications that alter a web browser's settings without user permission. Typically, their goal is to force users to visit untrustworthy websites. These extensions can disrupt the user's browsing experience and pose risks to online privacy and security.

Consequently, users should promptly remove them from affected browsers and avoid from adding them in the future. Additional examples of apps that operate as browser hijackers are Search-Quickly, WonderFind, and Chuck Norris Tab.

How did FindClix install on my computer?

One of the most popular ways to trick users into installing/adding browser hijackers is to include them in freeware installers (or bundle them with shady apps). Users may unknowingly agree to add/install browser hijackers during the installation of these programs. Typically, potentially unwanted offers are hidden in "Advanced", "Custom", or similar installation options.

Also, browser hijackers can be obtained via misleading ads and pop-ups, fake software updates, third-party app stores, deceptive web pages, notifications from untrustworthy sites, and similar channels. Overall, users are often lured into adding/installing such apps or extensions.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

Stick to official websites and app stores when seeking to download apps and check their reviews before installing. When installing programs, decline any unwanted offers (if included) presented during the process by adjusting the provided settings. Exercise caution when encountering ads and buttons on suspicious websites.

Keep your operating system and software up to date, install reputable antivirus or anti-malware software, and perform regular scans to detect and remove unwanted applications. If your computer is already infected with FindClix, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Findflarex.com redirects to boyu.com.tr (GIF):

Permissions asked by FindClix browser hijacker:

Website promoting FindClix 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:
▼ 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 FindClix?
• STEP 1. Uninstall FindClix application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove FindClix browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove findflarex.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove findflarex.com redirect from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

FindClix 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 findflarex.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

FindClix browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove FindClix 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 "FindClix" 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 "FindClix", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.findflarex.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 "findflarex.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 findflarex.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 "FindClix", 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 "FindClix", remove hxxp://findflarex.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 findflarex.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 findflarex.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 visit findflarex.com website?

The creators of the fake search engine aim to boost traffic by compelling users to visit it. This increased traffic can result in higher revenue through various monetization techniques.

Is visiting findflarex.com a threat to my privacy?

It is common for fake search engines to be capable of harvesting user data, monitoring online behavior, and possibly delivering harmful content or advertisements. Therefore, interacting with or visiting such platforms poses a risk to one's privacy.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Usually, these extensions sneak into browsers through bundled software, applications downloaded from peer-to-peer networks, unofficial websites, third-party app stores, notifications from unreliable websites, deceptive advertisements, and other channels of this kind.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove FindClix browser hijacker?

Combo Cleaner will perform a system scan and remove browser hijackers and other undesirable applications. Manual removal may not be completely effective, especially when dealing with multiple browser hijackers. In such instances, users must eliminate all of them simultaneously.

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