Removal instructions for the EasySearch browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is EasySearch?
While inspecting a Torrenting website that uses rogue advertising networks, our researchers discovered a deceptive page endorsing a rogue installer. The setup contained the EasySearch browser extension. Upon analysis, we learned that it is a browser hijacker. EasySearch modifies browser settings to promote fake search engines.
EasySearch browser hijacker overview
In most cases, browser hijackers assign endorsed webpages as browsers' default search engines, homepages, and new tab/window URLs. Therefore, whenever a user opens a new browser tab/window or enters a search query into the URL bar – results in redirects to the newly assigned page.
When we analyzed EasySearch, it redirected to the findflarex.com fake search engine, before landing on another illegitimate one – doktox.com.
Unlikely most sites of this kind, doktox.com can provide search results. However, they are inaccurate and may include sponsored, unreliable, and possibly malicious content. Note that EasySearch and findflarex.com could redirect elsewhere – other fake or legitimate search engines.
Browser-hijacking software commonly relies on persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from recovering their browsers. EasySearch is no exception – it uses the "Managed by your organization" Google Chrome feature for this purpose.
Browser hijackers typically possess data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of EasySearch. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered data can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like EasySearch on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | EasySearch |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Detection Names (installer) | ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.DRBPJEQ), Fortinet (Riskware/Application), Ikarus (PUA.MSIL.Chromex), Rising (Adware.Agent!1.1034C (CLASSIC)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Browser Extension(s) | EasySearch |
| Promoted URL | findflarex.com |
| Detection Names (findflarex.com) | Bfore.Ai PreCrime (Suspicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (findflarex.com) | 172.67.180.87 |
| 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
UltraSearch, ProSearch, SmartSearch, and QuickSearch are just some examples of browser hijackers. Usually, software within this classification appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at al.
Remember that even if an application or a browser extension operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did EasySearch install on my computer?
Several deceptive webpages promoting EasySearch have been discovered. These pages use lures centered on pornographic content and illegal film downloading. However, this extension could be endorsed on other sites or using different methods.
Pages of this kind are primarily accessed via redirects generated by sites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware.
"Bundling" – the marketing technique that involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate browser hijackers.
These pre-packed setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other suspicious channels. The risk is further compounded by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Browser-hijacking software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing. We recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise vigilance when browsing since the Internet is rife with well-disguised fraudulent and malicious online content. For example, while intrusive ads may appear innocuous – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EasySearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of findflarex.com redirecting to the doktox.com fake search engine (GIF):
Permissions asked by EasySearch browser hijacker:
Deceptive websites promoting EasySearch 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 EasySearch?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove EasySearch 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.
EasySearch 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.
EasySearch browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove EasySearch 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 "EasySearch" 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 "EasySearch", 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 easysearch 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 "EasySearch", 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 "EasySearch", 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 easysearch 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 easysearch 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?
Cyber criminals (e.g., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers, etc.) generate revenue through redirects to websites like findflarex.com.
Is visiting findflarex.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Sites like findflarex.com usually collect and sell information about their visitors.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser-hijacking software is primarily distributed via bundled installers, deceptive promotional webpages, freeware and free file-hosting websites, online scams, P2P sharing networks, intrusive adverts, and spam browser notifications.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove EasySearch browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed browser-hijacking apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In cases where multiple browser hijackers are present, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. Furthermore, browser-hijacking software may render removal-related settings inaccessible. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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