How to remove guardflares.com from the settings of web browsers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is guardflares.com?
We have inspected guardflares.com and discovered that it is a fake search engine. We also found that guardflares.com is promoted through a variety of browser hijackers, such as SpeedyLook, SearchNinja, BlazeSearch and many other. Search engines promoted through such extensions should not be trusted. If guardflares.com and SpeedyLook (or any other questionable extensions) are present within a browser, they should be removed.
Guardflares.com overview
During our analysis, we found that guardflares.com does not provide search results. When used (a search query is entered), guardflares.com redirects users to potterfun.com, another dubious search engine. Results displayed by potterfun.com may include links to phishing sites, technical support scams, sites hosting potentially malicious apps, etc.
Therefore, it is highly advisable not to trust guardflares.com and potterfun.com. As we mentioned in the introduction, guardflares.com is promoted via a browser hijacker called SpeedyLook. This extension makes guardflares.com the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to force users to visit it.
Additionally, SpeedyLook can enable the “Managed by your organization” feature, a tool usually intended for companies to control browser settings on multiple devices. By using this feature, SpeedyLook may inject unwanted extensions, disable or remove user-added extensions, limit website access, and potentially make other changes without user consent.
As a result, having SpeedyLook in a browser can create privacy and security concerns. It is important to remove this extension from any affected browser. The same applies to guardflares.com. It is worth noting that some browser hijackers may be difficult to remove. In these cases, using tools like Combo Cleaner may be required.
| Name | SpeedyLook |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | SpeedyLook, SearchNinja, BlazeSearch |
| Supposed Functionality | Improved browsing experience |
| Promoted URL | guardflares.com |
| Detection Names (guardflares.com) | Bfore.Ai PreCrime (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (guardflares.com) | 104.21.67.221 |
| Detection Names (Installer) | ESET-NOD32 (Win32/GenCBL.FHV), Google (Detected), Ikarus (PUA.MSIL.Chromex), Rising (Adware.Agent!1.1034C (CLASSIC)), Full List Of Detections (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
In conclusion, most fake search engines are promoted through browser hijackers. They do not provide search results and can direct users to untrustworthy websites. Typically, users are tricked into adding browser hijackers to their browsers. To avoid it, users should be careful online and regularly check their browsers for unwanted extensions.
More examples of fake search engines are lotus-tab.com, travelbugtab.com, and goodtosearch.com.
How did SpeedyLook install on my computer?
Most users add browser hijackers during installations of free or unreliable programs. Their installers often have "Advanced", "Custom", or similar options or ticked checkboxes. Users agree to add or install browser hijackers if they leave those options unchanged or checkboxes ticked.
Also, browser hijackers can be downloaded from or through third-party app stores, notifications from unreliable websites, P2P networks, deceptive advertisements, third-party downloaders, and similar channels.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Only download apps from reputable sources like official websites or trusted app stores. When installing software, choose "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, which allow you to see and deselect any bundled apps. Avoid installing freeware, pirated software, or "cracks," as they often come bundled with unwanted programs.
Ignore suspicious ads, pop-ups, and notifications from untrusted websites, as they can trick you into installing/adding unwanted apps or extensions. Regularly update your system, apps, and security software to block potential threats. If your computer is already infected with SpeedyLook, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Guardflares.com redirects to potterfun.com (GIF):
Websites promoting SpeedyLook browser hijacker:
Update November 21, 2024 – new promotional method for guardflares.com has been discovered. Previously, this fake search engine was endorsed through extensions, but we have recently discovered an application – MYWeb Watch – that produces redirects to this page by detecting when the Web is searched. The developers of this browser-hijacking app will likely release more of these applications in the future.
Appearance of MyWeb Watch application:
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 guardflares.com?
- STEP 1. Uninstall SpeedyLook application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove SpeedyLook browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove guardflares.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove guardflares.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
SpeedyLook 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 guardflares.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
SpeedyLook browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove SpeedyLook 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 "SpeedyLook" 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 "SpeedyLook", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.guardflares.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 "guardflares.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 guardflares.com 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 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 "SpeedyLook", 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 "SpeedyLook", remove hxxp://guardflares.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 guardflares.com 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 guardflares.com 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.
Post a comment:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users visit guardflares.com website?
Forcing users to visit guardflares.com is intended to increase traffic, which can help the site operators make money. More visitors mean potential ad revenue or other financial gains for those running the site.
Is visiting guardflares.com a threat to my privacy?
Guardflares.com redirects users to a questionable search engine, which may lead to scams, malicious software, and other security risks. Visiting this site can compromise privacy and expose users to various online threats.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are commonly installed or added when users download free or unreliable software that comes with additional offers, which they might unknowingly accept if they do not change the installation settings. They can also be introduced through untrustworthy websites, third-party downloaders, unofficial app stores, misleading ads, or pop-ups.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove SpeedyLook browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan your computer and remove browser hijackers. If multiple hijackers are present and designed to reinstall each other, manual removal might not be effective. In such cases, it is necessary to remove them all at once.
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