Quick Search Tool – a browser hijacker that seeks to profit from intrusive advertisements
Quick Search Tool is a browser hijacker that delivers sponsored ads and links in the search results
Quick Search Tool is a browser hijacker that delivers sponsored ads and links in the search results
Quick Search Tool is a browser extension that users might download from Google Web store or other reputable sources, although it is most commonly installed along other software downloaded from third-party websites. Since the app is distributed via software bundles (which usually results in unintentional installation), it is categorized as a potentially unwanted program.[1]
Quick Search Tool is also a browser hijacker, as it uses typical techniques to change Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, Safari, or another web browser settings:
Besides, the Quick Search Tool virus is also designed to track users’ web browsing activities in the background and use these details to deliver targeted advertisements, monetizing ad clicks, or software installs in the process.
| Name | Quick Search Tool |
| Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
| Distribution | Official sources such as Google Web Store, software bundle packages, deceptive advertisements, fake update prompts |
| Symptoms | Quick Search Tool browser extension installed on the web browser; homepage and the new tab URL is set to search.quicksearchtool.com; all searches are redirected to Yahoo; search results are littered with sponsored links and other advertisements |
| Dangers | Other potentially unwanted app installation, personal information disclosure to unknown parties, financial losses |
| Removal | You can uninstall most of the potentially unwanted applications with the help of powerful anti-malware software or by following our elimination guide below |
| System fix | In case an anti-malware scan found viruses on your machine, your machine might no longer operate as it did previously. Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego can detect corrupted or deleted system files and restore them for the best computer performance after a malware infection |
This browser hijacker might be often referred to as the Quick Search Tool virus due to its deceptive infiltration techniques. As noted, PUPs often use software bundles for distribution purposes – these often result in an unintentional installation by the user. As a result, users simply find the add-on or a program installed on their machine, even though they believe that they never gave permission for the software to be installed in the first place.
However, it is not entirely true, as browser hijackers such as Quick Search Tool are installed by users themselves, regardless if it was done without asking them for direct permission. Thus, authors of such apps can point at Terms and Conditions that were accepted during the installation procedure.
Once inside a computer, Quick Search Tool browser hijacker quickly changes the settings of the browser it was installed on. Therefore, one of the first symptoms of infections is the homepage and the new tab URL changes that are usually spotted by users. Nonetheless, we noticed that the app tries to imitate Google’s search engine but removes the search bar, making users search the web via the Quick Search Tool.
The next change that users might notice is that the search results are redirected to Yahoo – a legitimate IT company that has been around for years. At the top of the results, several sponsored links, marked as ads, are located, although they are presented in a manner that would make users believe that they are genuine.
Quick Search Tool redirect is the feature that shows users these sponsored links and ads, as Yahoo itself has nothing to do with these. Then again, if the search engine of this reputable company is used, then why not avoid advertisements, as well as potentially dangerous sites and remove Quick Search Tool altogether?
Quick Search Tool is a potentially unwanted application that changes homepage and new tab address to search.quicksearchtool.com
Quick Search Tool is a potentially unwanted application that changes homepage and new tab address to search.quicksearchtool.com
Another reason for Quick Search Tool removal is its data gathering and sharing practices. All the users who have this browser extension installed on their systems are being tracked – this information (IP address, device information, browser settings, language preferences, system activity, installed extensions, etc.)[2] is even provided once the app is inserted into the browser:
Add “Quick Search Tool”?
It canL
Read and change your data on all quicksearchtool.com sites
Read your browsing history
Change search settings to: search.quicksearchtool.com
Thus, we recommend you uninstall Quick Search Tool immediately, as it does not provide any value, but rather tracks you in order to deliver ads during your web browsing sessions. You can eliminate the extension by accessing your web browser settings.
If the Quick Search Tool elimination process is not successful or ads and other suspicious activity does not stop, we suggest you scan your machine with anti-malware software, reset the web browser as explained below, and then attempt to repair your system with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego if such need arises.
Stay away from potentially unwanted programs
Potentially unwanted programs such as browser hijackers are not considered to be major security threats as ransomware, Trojans, or other malicious programs are. However, security researchers[3] always advise keeping the machine clutter-free, as PUPs can serve as one of the reasons why malware gains access to the computer in the first place. Redirects, deceptive ads, and online scam sites can be encountered at any time, and less experienced users might be tricked into installing malware on their systems.
Besides, browser hijackers are also often used as major information-gathering tools – this data is later shared with affiliates and other parties for marketing purposes. The main goal of PUPs is to deliver minimal functionality for maximum user exposure to advertisements.
To avoid potentially unwanted applications, you should first ensure that you proceed with freeware installations carefully, as software bundling is often used. Thus, never rush the installation process, watch out for pre-ticked boxes, decline all the offers, and always choose Advanced settings instead of the Recommended ones when prompted.
Finally, a comprehensive security program can also warn you about the incoming threats, as long as it includes a PUP detection feature.
Quick Search Tool tracks users’ data and shares it with affiliates and other parties
Quick Search Tool tracks users’ data and shares it with affiliates and other parties
Eliminate Quick Search Tool hijack from your browser immediately
There are several reasons why you should remove Quick Search Tool, although the main concern should be security and privacy. It is not uncommon for browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted programs to travel together, so there is a possibility that other PUPs or malware are present on your machine.
Thus, you should first eliminate the hijacker that you know is attached to your web browser. In most cases, all the installed extensions should be visible right away, although some apps might deliberately hide their presence. In such a case, accessing the “Extensions” section of your web browser should suffice to perform a full Quick Search Tool removal.
If the browser changes remain, you should reset Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another web browser the extension is attached to. If that does not help and you still see ads and redirects, you should perform a full system scan with anti-malware software.
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.