How to remove the Kinsearch browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Kinsearch?
Kinsearch is a rogue browser extension that modifies browser settings and generates redirects to the findflarex.com fake search engine. This behavior classifies Kinsearch as a browser hijacker. It is noteworthy that software within this classification is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually collects sensitive user data.
Kinsearch browser hijacker overview
Browser hijackers alter browser settings, such as their default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window. Kinsearch operates in this manner as well. Hence, with this extension installed: users are forced to visit findflarex.com when they open a new browser tab/window or enter a search query into the URL bar.
Fake search engines usually cannot provide search results and redirect to genuine Internet search sites. However, findflarex.com redirects to boyu.com.tr – a likewise illegitimate search engine.
Unlike most, boyu.com.tr can generate search results, but they are inaccurate and may include sponsored, unreliable, deceptive, and potentially malicious content. It is noteworthy that findflarex.com might lead elsewhere, as redirects may be influenced by factors like user geolocation.
Additionally, browser-hijacking software commonly relies on persistence-ensuring mechanisms. This is also true of Kinsearch; it uses the "Managed by your organization" Google Chrome feature for this purpose.
What is more, browser hijackers usually have data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to Kinsearch. Commonly targeted information includes: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, software like Kinsearch may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Kinsearch |
| 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) | Kinsearch |
| 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 investigated countless browser hijackers; JDISearch, SEEKSE, SURFSEE, ISEEK, and Searchisty are just a few examples of ones promoting the findflarex.com fake search engine.
Software within this category typically appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a wide variety of useful and advantageous features. Usually, these functionalities are utterly nonoperational since their sole purpose is to serve as bait.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did Kinsearch install on my computer?
Browser hijackers can have "official" promotional webpages, and they are endorsed on scam sites (that use scare tactics or other social engineering techniques).
Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware.
Browser-hijacking software can also be bundled with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from suspicious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Browser hijackers are proliferated by intrusive adverts as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to carry out sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
It is important to always research software before downloading/purchasing. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Kinsearch, 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 Kinsearch browser hijacker:
Kinsearch 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 Kinsearch?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Kinsearch 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.
Kinsearch 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.
Kinsearch browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Kinsearch 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 "Kinsearch" 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 "Kinsearch", 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 kinsearch 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 "Kinsearch", 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 "Kinsearch", 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 kinsearch 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 kinsearch 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?
The motivation behind developing software that causes rogue redirects is profit. In other words, the developers/publishers generate revenue through redirects to websites like findflarex.com, boyu.com.tr, etc.
Is visiting findflarex.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Sites classed as fake search engines (e.g., findflarex.com, boyu.com.tr, etc.) typically collect information about their visitors. This data may then be sold to third-parties.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Common distribution methods include: bundled installation setups, freeware and free file-hosting websites, online scams, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive adverts.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Kinsearch browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and remove installed browser-hijacking applications. Remember that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal, especially when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system. In these instances, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. What is more, removal-related settings might be inaccessible with this software present. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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