How to remove FIIND browser hijacker

What kind of extension is FIIND?

We have tested the FIIND browser extension and discovered that it changes the settings of a web browser to promote a fake search engine. Extensions of this type are known as browser hijackers. Users often get tricked into adding such apps to their browsers. Thus, FIIND and similar extensions should be avoided.

FIIND browser hijacker overview

FIIND hijacks a browser by setting findflarex.com as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. This extension forces users to visit findflarex.com when they enter search queries into the URL bar. Once a search query is entered, findflarex.com redirects users to boyu.com.tr, a questionable search engine.

Consequently, we classified findflarex.com as a fake search engine. It is important to note that findflarex.com leads to boyu.com.tr, which can generate untrustworthy results (promote dubious pages and present deceptive ads). Through boyu.com.tr, users may encounter various scams designed to steal money or personal information.

Also, clicking links provided by boyu.com.tr may lead users to websites hosting potentially malicious applications and other unreliable sites. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to remove FIIND and findflarex.com from hijacked browsers to avoid associated risks. Another reason to remove FIIND extension is that it can activate the "Managed by your organization" feature.

The "Managed by your organization" setting in the Chrome browser, originally intended for company-wide control, can be misused by browser hijackers like FIIND in various ways. For instance, FIIND might prevent users from removing the extension, accessing certain websites, or modifying other preferences.

Also, FIIND might exploit the "Managed by your organization" feature to steal various information, track online activities, and add other unwanted extensions or disable already added extensions/tools. Thus, it is important to remove this app from affected browsers immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	FIIND
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s)	FIIND
Supposed Functionality	Enhanced browsing experience
Promoted URL	findflarex.com
Detection Names (findflarex.com)	N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (findflarex.com)	104.21.35.227
Detection Names (Installer)	Microsoft (BrowserModifier:Win32/Shafmia), Rising (Trojan.Shafmia!8.1776F (CLOUD)), 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. The "Managed by your organization" feature is active.
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

Unwanted browser behavior, particularly unexpected redirects, can be frustrating and pose security risks. A common culprit behind these issues is browser hijacking extensions. Browser hijackers are unwanted extensions or applications that alter a web browser's settings without user consent. These programs primarily aim to redirect user traffic to predetermined websites, often for nefarious purposes.

Some examples of apps that function as browser hijackers are SeekFast, FindClix, and Search-Quickly.

How did FIIND install on my computer?

Unwary users can unknowingly add/install browser hijackers through bundled software. Free (and unreliable) programs can come packaged with additional software, including browser hijackers. Users might miss the option to decline these extras during the installation process, leading to the hijacker being added or installed alongside the desired program.

Fake download buttons or misleading pop-ups disguised as legitimate software updates can also trick users into clicking and unknowingly installing or adding a browser hijacker. Additionally, users may be lured into downloading browser hijackers via unofficial app stores, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, and similar channels.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

Only download browser extensions from trusted sources like the official Chrome Web Store or official websites. Pay close attention during the installation process of free software. Look for options to decline or deselect any extras before completing the installation. Do not click on download buttons, pop-up ads, and similar elements presented by shady sites.

Regularly update your browser, operating system, and security software. Consider using a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program that can scan for and remove potential threats. If your computer is already infected with FIIND, 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 FIIND browser hijacker:

Website promoting FIIND 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 FIIND?
• STEP 1. Uninstall FIIND application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove FIIND 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.

FIIND 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.

FIIND browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove FIIND 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 "FIIND" 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 "FIIND", 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 "FIIND", 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 "FIIND", 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?

Findflarex.com is a fake search engine that can be more profitable for its creators when the number of visitors is higher. Deceptive ads, user data sales, and redirects to risky sites are all potential ways they make money.

Is visiting findflarex.com a threat to my privacy?

Yes, visiting findflarex.com  could be a threat to your privacy. Fake search engines like findflarex.com often collect user data like search queries, browsing history, and IP addresses. Also, findflarex.com redirects users to a dubious search engine that may promote potentially malicious pages.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

In most cases, browser hijackers are added/installed via bundled software installations, deceptive online advertisements, unofficial app stores (or web pages), P2P networks, and similar avenues.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove FIIND browser hijacker?

Combo Cleaner effectively removes browser hijackers. Manual removal may be complex due to potential reinstallations and limited setting control. Thus, it is recommended to consider using Combo Cleaner for a comprehensive solution.

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