How to remove the JDISearch browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is JDISearch?
JDISearch is a rogue browser extension. It modifies browsers to endorse (via redirects) the findflarex.com fake search engine. Due to this behavior, JDISearch is classed as a browser hijacker.
JDISearch browser hijacker overview
Typically, browser-hijacking software operates by reassigning browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of promoted websites. Due to these modifications, users experience rogue redirects.
With JDISearch installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and Web searches performed via the URL bar – result in redirects to the findflarex.com page.
Fraudulent search engines usually cannot produce search results, so they redirect to legitimate Internet search sites. At the time of research, findflarex.com led users to the boyu.com.tr fake search engine.
Boyu.com.tr can generate search results, although they are inaccurate and may include sponsored, unreliable, deceptive, and possibly malicious content. It is noteworthy that findflarex.com might land elsewhere, as factors like user geolocation may impact redirects.
Furthermore, browser hijackers commonly use persistence-ensuring techniques. JDISearch is no exception; it utilizes the "Managed by your organization" Google Chrome feature.
What is more, software within this classification usually collects sensitive user information, and JDISearch might also possess such data-tracking functionalities. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. This vulnerable data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of browser-hijacking software like JDISearch on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | JDISearch |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Detection Names (installer) | Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Generic.36506039), Emsisoft (Trojan.Generic.36506039 (B)), GData (Trojan.Generic.36506039), Microsoft (BrowserModifier:Win32/Shafmia), Rising (Trojan.Shafmia!8.1776F (CLOUD)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Browser Extension(s) | JDISearch |
| 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. |
Browser hijacker examples
We have written about thousands of browser hijackers; SURFSEE, ISEEK, and SEARCHBOX are merely a couple examples of extensions endorsing findflarex.com.
Browser-hijacking software appears legitimate, and it can offer useful features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. Remember that functional features alone do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did JDISearch install on my computer?
Browser hijackers can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, browser-hijacking software is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Visitors to these pages typically access them via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate this software. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading/purchasing. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend studying terms and options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).
We also advise vigilance while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with JDISearch, 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 JDISearch browser hijacker:
JDISearch browser extension's detailed information:
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 JDISearch?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove JDISearch 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.
JDISearch 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.
JDISearch browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove JDISearch 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 "JDISearch" 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 "JDISearch", 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 jdisearch 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 "JDISearch", 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 "JDISearch", 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 jdisearch 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 jdisearch 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?
Redirects to sites like findflarex.com are generated because cyber criminals (i.e., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines) profit through them.
Is visiting findflarex.com a threat to my privacy?
Fake search engines (e.g., findflarex.com, boyu.com.tr, etc.) typically gather and sell visitor data. Hence, visiting such webpages is considered a privacy threat.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are primarily spread via bundled installation setups, deceptive promotional webpages, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove JDISearch browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all browser-hijacking applications that are present. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal. In cases where multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. What is more, removal-related settings might be unmodifiable with browser-hijacking software installed. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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