How to remove software causing redirects to cf-isrc.com

What kind of website is cf-isrc.com?

Cf-isrc.com is the address of a fake search engine. Websites within this classification cannot provide search results and redirect to legitimate Internet search engines.

Sites of this kind are commonly promoted by browser hijackers. Our research team discovered cf-isrc.com while investigating the Telix Search browser hijacker.

How do browser hijackers promote cf-isrc.com?

Illegitimate search engines are assigned as browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tab/window URLs by browser-hijacking software. Hence, users are forced to visit the reassigned page whenever they search the Web via the URL bar or open a new browser tab/window. It is noteworthy that browser hijackers might leave browser settings unmodified when promoting fake search engines.

In most cases, the webpages endorsed by browser-hijacking software cannot provide search results, so they redirect to legitimate search engines. This is also the case with cf-isrc.com; we observed it redirecting to the Bing search engine (bing.com).

We have also noted this website featuring in redirection chains. For example, Telix Search produced a chain beginning with telixsearch.com, going through cf-isrc.com, and landing on Bing (bing.com). Keep in mind that cf-isrc.com could land elsewhere or be part of other chains, as redirects might be influenced by factors like user geolocation.

Furthermore, fraudulent search engines typically gather (and sell) information about their visitors. What is more, browser hijackers usually spy on users' browsing activity.

Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personal identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of browser-hijacking software on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	cf-isrc.com browser hijacker
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s)	Telix Search
Affected Browser Settings	Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine
Detection Names (cf-isrc.com)	N/A (VirusTotal)
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.

Fake search engine examples

S1search.co, universalwebsearch.com, favoritesearches.com, and rewindsearch.com are just a few of our newest articles on fake search engines. They usually appear legitimate and innocuous; the same is true of browser hijackers.

"Useful" functionalities can be used as lures – however, they rarely work as advertised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. It must be mentioned that even if a website or software works as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.

How did cf-isrc.com promoting software install on my computer?

Browser hijackers can have "official" promotional webpages, and they are pushed through scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware.

Browser-hijacking software can also be bundled with regular programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Additionally, browser hijackers are provided by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

We recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to study terms and options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).

We also advise vigilance while browsing, as fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Cf-isrc.com featuring in a redirect starting with telixsearch.com and landing on the Bing search engine (GIF):

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 cf-isrc.com?
• STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove cf-isrc.com browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove cf-isrc.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove cf-isrc.com redirect from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Cf-isrc.com redirect 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.

Cf-isrc.com redirect removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove browser redirects:

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 all 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 the malicious extension (if present), look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.cf-isrc.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 "cf-isrc.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 cf-isrc.com browser hijacker, 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 plugins 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 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 malicious extension (if present), remove hxxp://cf-isrc.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 cf-isrc.com browser hijacker 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 cf-isrc.com browser hijacker, 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 cf-isrc.com website?

Redirects to websites like cf-isrc.com are generated because cyber criminals (e.g., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines, etc.) profit through them.

Is visiting cf-isrc.com a threat to my privacy?

Fake search engines (e.g., cf-isrc.com, etc.) typically collect and sell data. Therefore, visiting such webpages is considered a minor privacy threat.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser-hijacking software is predominantly distributed via bundled installation setups, promotional webpages, freeware and free file-hosting websites, online scams, P2P sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove browser hijackers?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and remove detected browser-hijacking applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal, especially when multiple browser hijackers are present. In these cases, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be inaccessible when browser-hijacking software is installed. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.

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