Removal instructions for the SEEKSE browser hijacker

What kind of software is SEEKSE?

While analyzing a rogue installation setup, our researchers discovered the SEEKSE browser hijacker. This extension makes chances to browser settings in order to promote (through redirects) the findflarex.com fake search engine.

SEEKSE browser hijacker overview

Browser hijackers typically assign the addresses of endorsed sites (e.g., findflarex.com) as browsers' default search engines, homepages, and new tab/window URLs.

Hence, when a new browser tab/window is opened or a search query is entered into the URL bar – it results in redirects to the newly assigned webpage. In the case of SEEKSE, users are forced to visit findflarex.com.

It is noteworthy that browser-hijacking software often ensures persistence by preventing access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes. SEEKSE uses the "Managed by your organization" Google Chrome feature to this end.

Most fake search engines cannot generate search results and lead users to legitimate Internet search websites (e.g., Bing, Yahoo, Google, etc.). During our analysis, findflarex.com redirected to boyu.com.tr – a different fraudulent search engine.

Boyu.com.tr is a rare exception to the rule, as it can produce search results, but they are inaccurate and may include sponsored, untrustworthy, deceptive, and potentially malicious content. Keep in mind that findflarex.com could land elsewhere, as factors like user geolocation might influence redirects.

It is pertinent to mention that browser hijackers usually have data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to SEEKSE. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, software like SEEKSE may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	SEEKSE
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Detection Names (installer)	Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Generic.36506039), GData (Trojan.Generic.36506039), MAX (Malware (ai Score=86)), Microsoft (BrowserModifier:Win32/Shafmia), Rising (Trojan.Shafmia!8.1776F (CLOUD)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Browser Extension(s)	SEEKSE
Promoted URL	findflarex.com
Detection Names (findflarex.com)	Bfore.Ai PreCrime (Suspicious), Gridinsoft (Spam), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (findflarex.com)	104.21.35.227
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. ▼ 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.

Browser hijacker examples

ISEEK, SEARCHBOX, Searchisty, ONFIND, FIIND, and SeekFast are merely some examples of browser hijackers that endorse the findflarex.com webpage. Software within this classification usually appears legitimate and innocuous.

Users may be enticed into downloading/installing browser hijackers by promises of various "handy" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Note that even if a browser extension or an application operates exactly as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did SEEKSE install on my computer?

Browser hijackers can have "official" promotional pages, and they are endorsed on scam websites. Most visitors to the webpages access them via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware.

Additionally, some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations. These ads are also used to proliferate browser-hijacking software.

"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute browser hijackers as well.

The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

We strongly advise researching software prior to downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SEEKSE, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Appearance of findflarex.com redirecting to the boyu.com.tr fake search engine (GIF):

Permissions asked by SEEKSE browser hijacker:

SEEKSE browser extension's details:

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 SEEKSE?
• STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove SEEKSE 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.

SEEKSE 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.

SEEKSE browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove SEEKSE 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 "SEEKSE" 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 "SEEKSE", 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 seekse 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 "SEEKSE", 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 "SEEKSE", 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 seekse 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 seekse 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 findflarex.com website?

Cyber criminals (e.g., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers, etc.) generate revenue via redirects to sites like findflarex.com, boyu.com.tr, and countless others.

Is visiting findflarex.com a threat to my privacy?

To a certain extent, yes. Websites classed as fake search engines (e.g., findflarex.com, boyu.com.tr, etc.) typically collect and sell information about their visitors.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser-hijacking software is predominantly distributed via bundled installers, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, intrusive ads, and spam browser notifications.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove SEEKSE browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected browser-hijacking apps. Remember that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective, particularly when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system. In these cases, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. What is more, removal-related settings might be inaccessible with this software present. Therefore, browser hijackers must be eliminated thoroughly and all at once.

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