How to eliminate SearchPlus browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of extension is SearchPlus?
While testing SearchPlus, we noticed that this extension has traits of a browser hijacker. Upon adding SearchPlus to a browser, the extension changes certain settings to promote a fake search engine. Users should avoid SearchPlus and similar extensions. If SearchPlus is already added, it should be removed.
SearchPlus browser hijacker overview
SearchPlus hijacks a web browser by replacing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab (their addresses) with findflarex.com. It is likely that SearchPlus prevents users from removing findflarex.com from hijacked browsers while the extension is added/present. Our examination of findflarex.com has shown that it is a fake search engine.
Upon entering a search query, findflarex.com redirects to boyu.com.tr instead of generating results. Boyu.com.tr is not a reliable search engine and can expose users to various scams and malware. Its results may include links to sites designed to extract money or personal information from individuals or trick them into downloading potentially harmful software.
It is important to mention that SearchPlus, once added, activates the "Managed by your organization" feature in Chrome browsers. In most cases, this feature is used by companies, organizations, or other entitites to set certain policies. However, when enabled by browser hijackers like SearchPlus, this feature can be misused for malicious purposes.
For instance, SearchPlus might be used to add, remove, or disable other extensions, block access to specified websites, collect data (including sensitive information), and more. Thus, SearchPlus might expose users to privacy and security risks. It is strongly recommended to avoid adding this extension and remove it if already added.
| Name | SearchPlus |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | SearchPlus |
| Supposed Functionality | Enhanced browsing experience |
| 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) | 172.67.180.87 |
| Detection Names (Installer) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| 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), fake Flash Player installers. |
| 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. |
Conclusion
Browser hijackers are unwanted programs that alter browser settings (often without user consent). They are often added to browsers unintentionally and can compromise the browsing experience. Users should be careful when downloading apps and extensions to avoid browser hijackers or other threats.
Some examples of other extensions that function as browser hijackers are MaxSearch, FastFind, and KittCat.
How did SearchPlus install on my computer?
Browser hijackers are commonly distributed through shady websites. They can also be found on unofficial app stores and downloaded via unreliable sources such as peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, free file hosting sites, and third-party download managers.
Browser hijackers can also be bundled with free or unreliable software. Users may unintentionally install/add these hijackers if they do not carefully review installation options (like "Advanced" and "Custom") and rush through the installation steps.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Download extensions, applications, or software from official websites or app stores. Always review installation options and use "Custom" or "Advanced" settings (if available) to deselect any additional offers that may be bundled with the desired programs. Regularly scan your computer with a trustworthy antivirus program.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links, pop-ups, or ads, and keep your operating system, security software, and other programs up to date. If your computer is already infected with SearchPlus, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Findflarex.com redirects to boyu.com.tr (GIF):
Permissions asked by SearchPlus 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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Quick menu:
- What is SearchPlus?
- STEP 1. Uninstall SearchPlus application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove SearchPlus 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.
SearchPlus 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 (which cause browser redirects to the findflarex.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
SearchPlus browser hijacker 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 "SearchPlus" 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 "SearchPlus", 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 searchplus 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 "SearchPlus", 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 "SearchPlus", 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 searchplus 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 searchplus 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 visit findflarex.com website?
The purpose of forcing users to visit findflarex.com is to generate revenue. If the website has a higher number of visitors, the creators can potentially earn more money.
Is visiting findflarex.com a threat to my privacy?
This fake search engine may harvest browsing-related and other data. Thus, visiting findflarex.com may cause privacy issues.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are often spread through shady websites, unofficial app stores, and unreliable sources like P2P networks and free file hosting sites. They can also be bundled with free or unreliable software and hijack browsers if users skip installation options.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove SearchPlus browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan and remove existing browser hijackers from your computer. Manual removal may not be effective if multiple hijackers are present, as they may reinstall each other. Combo Cleaner will remove all browser hijackers at once.
Outstanding!
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