Mysearch virus is a notorious browser hijacker that has been infecting users’ browsers for several years
Mysearch is a potentially unwanted program and a browser hijacker[1] developed and published by APN, LLC back in 2014, although the threat is still prevalent today. Although it is introduced as a powerful search engine enhanced by Google, it can hardly be compared with this famous search provider.
First of all, the main aim of Mysearch virus is to redirect its visitors to its partners’ websites and generate pay-per-click revenue[2] via a hijacked homepage, which is usually set to www.my-search.com. Because of that, most of the hijacker’s search results are sponsored and filled with links to third-party sites.
My Search virus can compromise any web browser that is installed on the system, including Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or others. Thus, if you found this page set as your homepage, it is time to take action to protect your online safety. PUP can run in the background freely until you fully terminate the intruder yourself.
| Name | Mysearch |
|---|---|
| Classification | Browser hijacker, PUP |
| Versions | www-mysearch.com, MySearch Search, My-search virus, Search.mysearch.com, hp.mysearch.com |
| Symptoms | Start page, search engine, and new tab URL changed without permission, numerous pop-up ads displayed, continuous redirects to unknown websites are initiated |
| Distribution | Software bundling, rogue updates |
| Danger level | Low. Does not harm the system directly. However, can expose users to potentially dangerous websites |
| Elimination | Use security software or check manual removal guide below |
| Recovery | To make sure all the malicious components are eliminated and your machine is running as intended, download and run a scan with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego |
The Mysearch virus is not the most dangerous threat circulating on the Internet. However, despite it being positioned among low-danger level cyber infections, do not underestimate its capabilities. Most commonly, the website pops up on the users’ browsers unexpectedly thus hijacking the start page, search provider, and new tab URL without permission.
Upon successful set up of Mysearch.com or https://www.my-search.com/?aid=5156&zoneid=89123013 domain, you may notice web browser’s slowdowns, freezes, and similar troublesome signs.
One of the main factors, why we recommend people to remove MySearch virus from Chrome and other web browsers without delay, is a risk of being redirected to dangerous websites, including but not limited to:
- Phishing websites;
- Fake online surveys;[3]
- Tech-Support-scam;
- Gambling or gaming sites;
- Websites filled with pornographic content;
- Rogue software download websites, etc.
Mysearch displays not so genuine search results and can lead to malware-laden sites if the user is not careful enough
Mysearch displays not so genuine search results and can lead to malware-laden sites if the user is not careful enough
Nevertheless, the ability to redirect web browsers to irrelevant URLs is not the only trait that this virus exhibits. Virusi.hr[4] researchers claim that this dubious search engine may also track your browsing on the Internet and collect not only Search Data but also some pieces of personally identifiable information[5] (email address, PC’s location or even your name). Although My search virus authors declare that the collected data is not shared with third-parties, you can never be sure about that.
Shady mysearch-app.xyz application distribution
There are many sites related to My Search Search virus and techniques used on those domains vary from simple commercial content redirects to promotional content that pushes tools and browser-based extensions, tools, apps, search engines like Mysearch-app.xyz. This is the redirect site and one of many domains related to PUP developers and commercial content creators.
The site can actor more like a hijacker like My Search Search tab and program is, but the main propose of these sites still remains redirecting and pay-per-click revenue generation. It affects the browser, manipulates settings, preferences, changes the homepage, and default search engine.
All the alterations are needed for traffic control, so you cannot reach wanted material online and experience all the pop-ups, redirects, banners with unwanted material. Therefore, we would strongly recommend you to download a reputable security tool and run a full system scan to remove Mysearch Search virus completely. Because tools like this can locate various PUP traces for you.
The particular Mysearch-app.xyz site triggers the installation of My search application that is primarily a Google Chrome browser extension. However, this is the site that gets often blocked due to disturbing, possibly malicious activity. There is no need to add many browsing tools on the machine or web browsers because additional material interferes with the performance and speed of the PC. Clean your browsers from any suspicious add-ons.
Questionable privacy protection
Although it’s not possible to control all the websites that reach netizens via search engines, reputable sites like Google or Bing do their best to protect visitors from irrelevant or intrusive content. However, we cannot grant the same as My search malware. As pointed out in its Terms:
A central part of the Site Services includes links to other World Wide Web (“Web“) sites or resources. Because APN has no control over such sites and resources, you acknowledge and agree that APN is not responsible for the availability of such external sites or resources, and does not endorse and is not responsible or liable for any content, advertising, products, or other materials on or available from such sites or resources.
By such claims, the developers of Mysearch rejects all responsibility for the content that its affiliates may try to promote, be it intrusive or dangerous. Therefore, keep in mind that you’re using this search domain at your own risk and there will be no one to be blamed if it initiates redirects to phishing sites and tricks you into downloading malicious programs.
The last thing to mention, Mysearch Android version has also been spotted on the wild lately. Some people reported that they’d been redirected to mysearch.com via hxxp://m.web-search.click when visiting random websites on Chrome. Android users should also perform Mysearch removal by scanning the system with Reimage Mobile.
Mysearch is a PUP that sets Mysearch.com as search engine and seeks to take control over people’s web browsing activities
Mysearch is a PUP that sets Mysearch.com as search engine and seeks to take control over people’s web browsing activities
Mysearch virus variants
As we already mentioned above, My Search virus is referred to as a virus due to its persistence and the fact that is has been terrorizing users for years now. Various versions of the threat have been released into the wild. Please check out the descriptions below in order to check which variant is affecting your device.
www-mysearch.com
www-mysearch.com is a variant of Mysearch which tries to imitate Bing search engine – at least visually. It allows users to change backgrounds that look pleasant. All the search results are then redirected to Bing. However, Google is marking the original site as “Not secure”:
Your connection to this site is not secure
You should not enter any sensitive information on this site (for example, passwords or credit cards), because it could be stolen by attackers.
Additionally, just because the results are redirected to a reputable search engine provider, does not mean they are safe. Typically, developers of hijackers like www-mysearch.com add an additional layer of sponsored links at the top, prompting users to visit potentially unsafe websites. Thus, refrain from using this, by first-look, attractive PUP, as it might lead to virus infections or sensitive data leak. 
My search virus takes different forms and connects to different search engines. We recommend using legitimate engines like Google or Bing instead
My search virus takes different forms and connects to different search engines. We recommend using legitimate engines like Google or Bing instead
Search.mysearch.com
Search.mysearch.com is one of the virus variants that populates the typical browser-hijacking homepage. It pretends to be “Enhanced by Google,” although it is obvious that browser hijacker is merely using the industry giant’s name in order to make the PUP look more reliable and genuine.
However, once Search.mysearch.com unwanted app enters the machine without users noticing, it performs multiple changes to Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox or another browser and starts redirecting users to suspicious websites, display sponsored links, add bookmarks without authorization, or even install browser add-ons automatically.
Therefore, users are immediately advised to take action and take care of Search.mysearch.com virus removal with the help of security application or by following our guide below.
My-search virus
My-search virus is another browser hijacker that is usually bundled with freeware or shareware[6] and gets installed without users noticing. Once the unwanted program is established, victims’ homepage is immediately set to hxxps://www.my-search.com/?, although all search results are redirected to Alpha Shoppers.
The most dangerous part of this PUP is that it openly declares that the collected personal information can be used in multiple different ways:
Information collected through the Website may be transferred, used and stored in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions in which we, our users, or our agents for the Website are located now or at any time in the future. If you access the Website, you consent to the capture, storage, transfer, use and processing of your Personal Information (as defined below) in and between all of those jurisdictions.
Thus, users who value their privacy and do not want to disclose such data to unknown third-parties should immediately uninstall My-search virus from their computers.
Hp.mysearch.com
Hp.mysearch.com is a potentially unwanted program that modifies the settings of Google Chrome or another browser and sets the homepage and new tab address to hxxp://hp.mysearch.com. From that point of time users are forced to browse through a hijacked search engine.
Hp.mysearch.com also ensures that all the search results displayed are fake, i.e., the top results often lead to sponsored or even potentially dangerous websites. Nevertheless, such procedures ensure potentially unwanted program developers the revenue for each click made on such links.
Unfortunately, users might infect their machines with more PUPs, or even malware. Additionally, excessive information tracking and sharing might result in money loss or even identity fraud. Therefore, if you saw that your homepage or/and new tab URL suddenly changed, you should eliminate all potentially unwanted programs from your computer with the help of your removal instructions below. 
One of the most popular variants of the virus redirects users to Alpha Shoppers – another dubious PUP page
One of the most popular variants of the virus redirects users to Alpha Shoppers – another dubious PUP page
PUP distribution techniques
This program is usually spread around using a suspicious distribution method, which is known as “bundling.” This method has become very popular among developers of adware, browser hijackers, and similar potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
In most of the cases, the unwanted program is added to other free programs, such as download managers, PDF creators, video streaming software, etc. as optional downloads. However, there’s a catch. These attachments are installed by default if the PC’s user opts for Quick or Basic installation method.
To protect the system from PUP invasion, start checking what programs you download on your computer. Before downloading a new tool, read people’s reviews, End User’s License Agreement, and other details. If you detect nothing suspicious, select Custom or Advanced installation option and monitor the entire installation process carefully to sp;ont and unmark browser add-ons, toolbars, or other unwanted attachments.
The PUP displays a large amount of sponsored links, making finding relevant information difficult
The PUP displays a large amount of sponsored links, making finding relevant information difficult
Mysearch virus removal guide
Mysearch.com elimination is not a difficult process. The PUP itself can be uninstalled from the system just like any other application. However, it may have multiple supporting components, such as updater or helper objects.
To remove Mysearch virus along with all related components, you should use a professional security tool. Download it and run a scan or make sure to update the one that is currently running on your PC.
As soon as you initiate Mysearch removal, you should reset the settings of your web browser. We would highly recommend changing the settings of all browsers, not only the default one. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to eliminate browser hijacker and restore web browser’s settings down below.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users’ data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Computer users can suffer various losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Software issues created by malware or direct data loss due to encryption can lead to problems with your device or permanent damage. When you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work.
It is crucial to create updates to your backups after any changes on the device, so you can get back to the point you were working on when malware changes anything or issues with the device causes data or performance corruption. Rely on such behavior and make file backup your daily or weekly habit.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware occurs out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the system restoring purpose.