How to remove FastFind browser hijacker and the redirects it causes
Written by Karolis Liucveikis on (updated)
What kind of software is FastFind?
Our research team discovered the FastFind browser extension while investigating a rogue installer. This software modifies browser settings and produces redirects. Due to this behavior, FastFind is classed as a browser hijacker.
FastFind browser hijacker overview
FastFind assigns the webpage it promotes as the browser's default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URL. Therefore, whenever a user enters a search query into the URL bar or opens a new browser tab/window – they are redirected to the newly assigned page.
At the time of research, FastFind endorsed the findflarex.com fake search engine. Websites of this kind usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to genuine search engines (e.g., Yahoo, Bing, Google, etc.). However, findflarex.com leads users to boyu.com.tr – another 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. Remember that FastFind could produce different redirects, and findflarex.com might land elsewhere.
Browser hijackers often utilize persistence-ensuring mechanisms to prevent users from restoring their browsers. FastFind uses the "Managed by your organization" Google Chrome feature for this purpose.
Additionally, software within this classification tends to have data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to FastFind. Browser hijackers can collect visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. This vulnerable data can then be shared with or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of browser-hijacking software like FastFind on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | FastFind |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Detection Names (installer) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Browser Extension(s) | FastFind |
| Promoted URL | findflarex.com |
| Detection Names (findflarex.com) | alphaMountain.ai (Suspicious), Bfore.Ai PreCrime (Suspicious), 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; MaxSearch, KittCat, HyperSearch, Top Two, and Cool Tab Pro are but a few examples.
Browser-hijacking software appears ordinary and harmless. It can also offer a wide variety of useful functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that operational features alone do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did FastFind install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute browser hijackers.
The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, browser hijackers can have "official" promotional webpages, and they are endorsed on scam sites. They are most commonly accessed via redirects generated by intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, and installed adware.
Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations. These ads are used to proliferate browser-hijacking software as well.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We strongly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to study terms and options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, tools, extensions, etc.
We also advise vigilance when browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. For example, intrusive advertisements may appear innocuous – yet redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FastFind, 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 FastFind browser hijacker:
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:
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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 FastFind?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove FastFind 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.
FastFind 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.
FastFind browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove FastFind 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 "FastFind" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
If the extension is locked (you see the "Your browser is managed by your organization" feature enabled) read this article for detailed removal instructions.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "FastFind", 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 fastfind 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 "FastFind", 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 "FastFind", 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 fastfind 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 fastfind 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?
Software that produces rogue redirects is developed for profit. In other words, the developers generate revenue through redirects to webpages like findflarex.com.
Is visiting findflarex.com a threat to my privacy?
Fake search engines (e.g., findflarex.com, boyu.com.tr, etc.) usually gather and sell information about their visitors. Hence, visiting such sites is considered a minor privacy threat.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser-hijacking software is primarily distributed via bundled installers, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, intrusive advertisements, and spam browser notifications.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove FastFind browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove detected browser-hijacking apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In cases when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. Browser-hijacking software may be capable of blocking access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
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