How to remove UltraSearch browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of extension is UltraSearch?
We have tested the UltraSearch extension and discovered that its purpose is to promote a fake search engine through browser hijacking. This extension achieves it by modifying the settings of a web browser. Users should avoid adding extensions like UltraSearch to browsers and eliminate them if already present.
UltraSearch browser hijacker overview
Upon being added, UltraSearch changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. It sets them to findflarex.com, which is a fake search engine designed to redirect users to boyu.com.tr. The latter is also an unreliable search engine. Thus, using a browser hijacked by UltraSearch can expose users to various risks.
Results shown by boyu.com.tr might include links to phishing websites, sites hosting technical support scams, bogus giveaways, lotteries, surveys, pages designed to trick users into downloading harmful apps, etc. Thus, users may be tricked into revealing sensitive information, paying for fake or unnecessary services or products, or taking other actions.
In addition to promoting findflarex.com, UltraSearch enables the "Managed by your organization" feature in Chrome browsers. Typically, this feature is utilized by companies, organizations, or other entities to implement specific policies. However, since UltraSearch is an unreliable extension, it can exploit that feature for harmful intents.
For example, UltraSearch may be used to add, remove, or disable other extensions, restrict access to websites, gather sensitive information, and more. As a result, users may face significant privacy and security risks from UltraSearch. It is highly advisable to refrain from adding this extension and to remove it if it has already been added.
It is worth noting that removing browser hijackers manually can be difficult. It may be required to utilize specialized tools for their removal.
Name | UltraSearch |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Browser Extension(s) | UltraSearch |
Supposed Functionality | This app is supposed to provide better search results |
Detection Names (Installer) | Google (Detected), Ikarus (PUA.MSIL.Chromex), Rising (Adware.Agent!1.1034C (CLASSIC)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
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), 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 extensions that can redirect users to shady sites and collect personal information. It is advisable to use reliable security tools, avoid suspicious downloads, and regularly review browser extensions. By taking these precautions, users can avoid privacy issues and maintain control over their browsers.
More examples of browser hijackers are ProSearch, SmartSearch, and MaxSearch.
How did UltraSearch install on my computer?
A large portion of browser hijackers are distributed via free or dubious software installers. Users may inadvertently add these hijackers by not modifying the provided settings (e.g., "Advanced" or "Custom") that mention unwanted offers during installations. Moreover, users may end up having their browsers hijacked via deceptive ads and pop-ups.
Additionally, browser hijackers can be acquired from questionable websites and unofficial app stores. They may also be downloaded from unreliable sources such as peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, free file hosting sites, third-party downloaders, etc.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Always download extensions, applications, or software from official websites or stores. When installing, carefully check installers and deselect unwanted apps using the provided options/settings. Avoid clicking suspicious links, pop-ups, or advertisements. Additionally, ensure that all programs and your operating system are kept up to date.
It is also important to perform regular computer scans with trustworthy antivirus software. If your computer is already infected with UltraSearch, 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 UltraSearch browser hijacker:
Deceptive website promoting an installer designed to inject UltraSearch 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 UltraSearch?
- STEP 1. Uninstall UltraSearch application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove UltraSearch 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.
UltraSearch 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.
UltraSearch browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove UltraSearch 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 "UltraSearch" 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 "UltraSearch", 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 ultrasearch 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 "UltraSearch", 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 "UltraSearch", 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 ultrasearch 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 ultrasearch 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 increase traffic to the site. The higher number of visitors potentially allows the creators of findflarex.com to earn more revenue.
Is visiting findflarex.com a threat to my privacy?
Yes, visiting findflarex.com can pose a threat to your privacy, as the site may collect various information without your consent. Additionally, it redirects to a suspicious search engine (boyu.com.tr).
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are often distributed through free or unreliable software installers, where users may inadvertently add them by skipping the provided steps. They can also be introduced via deceptive ads and pop-ups and obtained from questionable websites, unofficial app stores, and unreliable sources like peer-to-peer networks and third-party downloaders.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove UltraSearch browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove browser-hijacking applications/extensions. Manual removal may not be effective if multiple hijackers are present. In these cases, they may have to be removed simultaneously using specialized tools.
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