How to remove SearchNinja browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of extension is SearchNinja?
Our inspection of SearchNinja extension has shown that it is a browser hijacker created to promote a fake search engine by modifying the settings of a web browser. We also found that SearchNinja can activate the "Managed by your organization" feature. Users should avoid adding SearchNinja to their browsers.
SearchNinja browser hijacker overview
SearchNinja hijacks a web browser changing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab pahe to guardflares.com. When a search query is entered, SearchNinja directs users to guardflares.com, which then sends them to potterfun.com (a dubious search engine), making guardflares.com a fake search engine.
While SearchNinja is added to a web browser and forces users to visit the aforementioned addresses, users can be exposed to various scams (e.g., technical support scams, fraudulent giveaways, lotteries, surveys, phishing web pages, etc.). Users may also be tricked into visiting websites hosting malware and other malicious content.
In other words, the results provided by potterfun.com might include links to sites designed to steal money and personal information and distribute harmful software. Thus, users should avoid adding SearchNinja and visiting guardflares.com and potterfun.com. Another reason to avoid SearchNinja is that it can enable the "Managed by your organization" setting.
This setting is not malicious by itself. However, unreliable extensions can misuse it for malicious purposes. This feature in web browsers indicates that certain settings or configurations are being controlled remotely, typically by an administrator in a workplace or organization.
Unwanted extensions like SearchNinja can exploit this setting to block access to specified websites, harvest sensitive information (e.g., login credentials or credit card details), add, disable, and remove extensions, change themes, and more. These actions can expose users to privacy and security risks.
| Name | SearchNinja |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | SearchNinja |
| Supposed Functionality | Improved browsing experience |
| Promoted URL | guardflares.com, potterfun.com |
| Detection Names (guardflares.com) | Bfore.Ai PreCrime (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (guardflares.com) | 172.67.182.12 |
| Detection Names (potterfun.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (Installer) | ESET-NOD32 (Win32/GenCBL.FHV), Google (Detected), Ikarus (PUA.MSIL.Chromex), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Malgent!MTB), 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. |
Browser hijacker examples
In conclusion, SearchNinja is a harmful extension that hijacks a browser to promote guardflares.com, exposing users to scams, malware, and privacy risks. Additionally, it can misuse the "Managed by your organization" setting. Users should avoid adding SearchNinja and visiting its associated websites to protect their privacy and security.
More examples of browser hijackers are Fire Shield Secure Search, MYWeb Watch, and BlazeSearch.
How did SearchNinja install on my computer?
SearchNinja is promoted through web pages offering pirated movies, adult content, and similar content. Browsers can become hijacked after following the steps provided on those pages. Other channels commonly used to distribute browser hijackers are deceptive ads, third-party downloaders, shady app stores, P2P networks, and compromised websites.
Browser hijackers can also be distributed by bundling them with free or dubious programs. Users may unintentionally add or install them by finishing software installation without deselecting unwanted offers. In such cases, browser hijacking occurs when users do not change the provided settings (e.g., "Advanced" or "Custom") or untick checkboxes.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Always download software from trusted official websites and reputable app stores. Using unofficial sources like P2P networks, shady pages, third-party app stores, etc., can lead to browser hijacking and even more serious issues. Also, choose "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and deselect any extra, unwanted offers during installations.
Do not click ads or pop-ups encountered on questionable websites, and do not allow these sites to send notifications. Install trustworthy antivirus or anti-malware tools, and make sure to keep your operating system, browsers, and software up to date. If your computer is already infected with SearchNinja, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Guardflares.com redirects to potterfun.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by SearchNinja browser hijacker:
SearchNinja's description:
Websites promoting SearchNinja 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 SearchNinja?
- STEP 1. Uninstall SearchNinja application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove SearchNinja 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.
SearchNinja 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.
SearchNinja 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 "SearchNinja" 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 "SearchNinja", 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 searchninja 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 "SearchNinja", 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 "SearchNinja", 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 searchninja 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 searchninja 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 guardflares.com website?
The goal of redirecting users to guardflares.com is to generate revenue by increasing traffic to the site, as more visitors translate to higher potential earnings.
Is visiting guardflares.com a threat to my privacy?
Yes, visiting guardflares.com can pose a threat to your privacy. The site could expose you to scams, phishing attempts, or malicious content designed to steal sensitive data or install malware on your device.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are distributed through deceptive ads, third-party downloaders, shady app stores, P2P networks, and compromised sites. Also, they are often bundled with free or questionable programs, and users may unknowingly install/add them by not deselecting unwanted offers during installation.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove SearchNinja browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove any browser-hijacking applications. Manual removal may not be effective, as hijackers could be designed to reinstall one another if more than one of them is present, and some settings may remain locked. In such cases, it may be necessary to remove all hijackers at once using specialized tools like Combo Cleaner.
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