How to remove software that causes redirects to trustedsear.ch
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of website is trustedsear.ch?
Trustedsear.ch is the address of a fake search engine. Websites within this category cannot generate search results and redirect to genuine Internet search sites. They also tend to gather information about their visitors.
Typically, fake search engines are promoted by browser hijackers. We discovered trustedsear.ch while investigating the NewEngine browser hijacker.
How do browser hijackers promote trustedsear.ch?
Browser hijackers modify browser settings (e.g., default search engine, homepage, new tab/window, etc.) to promote websites. Due to these modifications, users can be forced to visit the newly assigned page whenever they open a new browser tab/window or enter a search query into the URL bar.
It is noteworthy that browser-hijacking software often uses persistence-ensuring mechanisms to complicate its removal and prevent users from recovering their browsers.
We found trustedsear.ch during our analysis of the NewEngine browser hijacker. This extension produced redirects beginning with search-secured.com, leading to trustedsear.ch, before landing on the Yahoo search engine (search.yahoo.com).
Keep in mind that trustedsear.ch could be promoted by other browser hijackers or feature in different redirection chains. Fake search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to legitimate Internet search sites (e.g., Yahoo, Google, Bing, etc.). Trustedsear.ch is not an exception, yet where it lands may differ, as redirects can be influenced by factors like user geolocation.
Additionally, illegitimate search engines typically collect visitor data. Browser-hijacking software is also known to spy on users' browsing activity.
Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. This sensitive data may be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, browser-hijacking software is associated with system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | trustedsear.ch browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | NewEngine |
| Detection Names (installer) | Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.73892223), DrWeb (Trojan.Siggen29.29299), Emsisoft (Trojan.GenericKD.73892223 (B)), Kaspersky (UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Detection Names (trustedsear.ch) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address | 15.197.148.33 |
| 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. |
Fake search engine examples
Search.mycooltab.com, adqor.io, searchresultsadblocker.com, and naturethemetab.com are merely some of our latest articles on fake search engines. These sites and the software endorsing them – usually appear legitimate and useful.
Users may be enticed by promises of handy features. However, they seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Remember that even if a webpage or an application/extension operates as detailed by its promotional material – that alone does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did trustedsear.ch promoting software install on my computer?
We found NewEngine (extension promoting trustedsear.ch) from the "official" promotional page of the NeverSleep unwanted application.
In addition to legitimate-looking download sites, browser hijackers are pushed via scam webpages. Most visitors enter these pages through redirects caused by intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, and installed adware.
Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked. These advertisements are used to proliferate browser-hijacking software as well.
Furthermore, browser hijackers can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. These pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspect sources.
The risk of bundled content infiltrating the system is furthered by inattentiveness when installing programs (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous – therefore, we advise vigilance when browsing. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., pornography, scam-promoting, gambling, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check 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.
NewEngine extension detailed information (browser hijacker promoting trustedsear.ch):
Website used to endorse NewEngine browser hijacker ("official" promotional page of NeverSleep PUA):
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 trustedsear.ch?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove trustedsear.ch browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove trustedsear.ch homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove trustedsear.ch redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Trustedsear.ch 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.
Trustedsear.ch 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.trustedsear.ch) 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 "trustedsear.ch", 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 trustedsear.ch 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://trustedsear.ch 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 trustedsear.ch 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 trustedsear.ch 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 trustedsear.ch website?
Cyber criminals (e.g., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers, etc.) generate revenue through websites like trustedsear.ch.
Is visiting trustedsear.ch a threat to my privacy?
Sites classed as fake search engines (e.g., trustedsear.ch, etc.) usually collect and sell information about their visitors. Hence, visiting such webpages is considered a minor privacy threat.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are predominantly proliferated 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 browser hijackers?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected browser-hijacking applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be ideal, especially when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system. In these cases, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be inaccessible when this software is present. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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