Searchaize is a free tool that is internationally classified as a browser hijacker due to potentially dangerous browser-based activities
Searchaize is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that belongs to the group of browser hijackers. The classification has been reasoned out by cybersecurity experts on several grounds, i.e. this questionable search site is actively promoted via free software as an extension for Google, Mozilla Firefox, Edge, etc. Its distribution is stealthy – it spreads disguised under Express installation as a pre-default component and, once installed, portal.searchaize.com page is set as a default start page. Besides, while sponsored Yahoo search replaces the default engine and provides itself permission to display push notifications[1] and other sponsored content.
Searchaize browser hijacker looks like a regular search provider similar to Sealoid, and SearchYA, with several quick access links (inbuilt PDF converter[2], currency converter, crypto converter, and calculator). However, experts from novirus.uk do not recommend people using it for web searchers due to sponsored content that it generates and tracking cookies that may leak personally non-identifiable information about people’s browsing habits continuously.
| Name | Searchaize |
| Type of malware | Browser hijacker / Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
| Danger | Low. It does not affect the system or security directly, though it may display potentially dangerous third-party content and record personally non-identifiable information |
| Symptoms | -Altered start page -Changed search engine and new tab window -Sponsored content among search results -Loads of ads and popups on random websites -Sluggish browser’s performance |
| Related | The hijacker sets portal.searchaize.com or feed.searchize.com as a start page and new tab window. Search.yahoo.com appears as a default search engine instead of a default search |
| Removal possibilities | Browser hijackers, in general, can be eliminated manually. For that, you can follow the step-by-step tutorial provided below. Nevertheless, malware should better be removed automatically using professional security software due to multiplicity of unwanted programs possibly hiding in the system |
| Malware damage fix | Malware does not affect the system directly. Though it may compromise registries and some system files. Thus, system repair with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or similar tool is recommended |
Searchaize virus – that’s a term used to describe this search engine. Nevertheless, it does not exhibit the typical traits of a virus. i.e. it does not infiltrate PCs via exploits, vulnerabilities, or spam. It does not hide in the system’s background and does not initiate malicious activities.
Nevertheless, having a browser hijacker like Searchaize on the machine poses a risk of getting infected with malware or a dangerous virus. One may ask how if this search is non-dangerous. The answer is simple – this domain is affiliated with third-parties and no one really knows what content they intend to promote.
In other words, while web browsing via Searchaize hijacker, people may be presented with sponsored content. Usually, this content is presented as pop-ups, banners, hyperlinks, or new tab pages. Unfortunately, these pages may disguise infected software updates, promote malware, use software tools for spying on people, and so on. The developers of the search are quick to get rid of any responsibility for exposing people to dangerous content. As stated in the Terms[3] page:
Any use by you of Third Party Content is subject to the terms and conditions of the Service Provider or the applicable third party. You acknowledge that we have no control over and assume no responsibility for Third Party Content. You assume all responsibility and risk in connection with your use of Third Party Content and we hereby disclaim any and all liability to you or any third party in connection thereto. We have no obligation to examine, review or monitor Third Party Content and are not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, appropriateness or legality of Third Party Content.
Searchaize redirects can also trick people into visiting rogue surveys or prize giveaways on pages like Wyciwyg, Kfx7-67, Liberar.permitir.site, and similar. In this case, it’s important to remain conscious and not fall for believing that you’ve become the lucky annual visitor that is on the verge of winning an iPhone or iPad.
The symptoms of the browser’s hijack are very straightforward, so there’s no doubt that you’ll be aware of when Searchaize removal is needed. Although the machine may be working properly, the browser exhibits usual behavior. As soon as you open Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another browser of your preference, you will immediately notice these changes:
- Browser’s start page is replaced by portal.searchaize.com or feed.searchaize.com
- The search engine is reset without your permission and generates sponsored Yahoo results
- New tab window displays unusual content of the affiliate parties
- Intrusive pop-ups emerge on ransom websites
- Regular push notification pop-ups boxes require for your permission to display content
- More and more ads based on your recent searches emerge on the screen, etc.
Searchaize is classified as browser hijacker on the bases that it alters web browser’s settings without permission and then displays sponsored content
Searchaize is classified as browser hijacker on the bases that it alters web browser’s settings without permission and then displays sponsored content
Keep in mind that browser hijackers like Searchaize virus seek to increase visitor’s rate to affiliate parties, as well as promote sponsored content (adware, rogue system tools, malware, etc.) as their developers gain commissions for that. Besides, they harvest browsing data with the help of browser-based cookies, which is subsequently transmitted to third parties for investigation and preparation of ads.
Therefore, if you found your browser hijacked right after installing freeware or clicking on online ads, we strongly recommend you to remove Searchaize for good. You can do that with a program like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner by running a full scan and then reset your web browser’s settings. Alternatively, manual removal is possible, though you should check the system carefully to get rid of all intrusive elements.
Last, but not least, take advantage of the Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego utility to reset your machine’s settings and performance. This utility is a powerful optimization tool that can recover Windows registries and other settings compromised by malware.
Shady third-party download websites promote freeware bundled with PUPs
In many cases, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) are promoted on official websites or legitimate sources like Chome Web Store or Google Play Store. However, direct downloads of unwanted programs are very rare. Usually, browser-based programs are distributed bundled with freeware.
When people discover a useful application to download for free, they tend to rush with the installation and opts for Express or Quick installation option. These installation options skip setup windows that inform about the optional pre-selected components (plug-ins, extensions, browsers, etc). Consequently, finishing the installation ends up with a browser’s hijack, intrusive advertising, or similar browsing issues.
Unfortunately, having security software installed is not a solution for preventing PUP infiltration. To protect your machine from unwanted installers, people have to be cautious when web browsing on third-party websites, avoid clicking on click-bait ads, or other content. However, according to losvirus.es[4] experts claim that they should follow secure freeware installation steps:
- Carefully select the source for freeware downloads;
- Make a research on the free program that you are about to install;
- If there’s no reference about the malware bundled with it, download the freeware and opt for Advanced installation;
- Read the terms and deselect pre-selected components (add-ons, plug-ins, toolbars. etc.)
In case you have accidentally installed a potentially unwanted program that is disrupting your web browsing activities, see the PUP removal guide provided below.
Searchaize redirect virus is being distributed bundled with freeware, which is why people install it accidentally
Searchaize redirect virus is being distributed bundled with freeware, which is why people install it accidentally
Searchaize removal options: manual and automatic
Searchaize virus belongs to the group of potentially unwanted programs, so its removal process is possible both manually and automatically. If your machine is running in a sluggish manner and the web browser goes wild in terms of advertising and promotion of sponsored links, do not wait until this hijacker exposes you to dangerous domains.
In case you prefer fixing your machine by yourself, remove Searchaize hijacker from the apps list in the first place. Note that it’s not very likely that it will be named this way. It’s more likely to be hidden under diverse names, so try to analyze the installed apps according to the date of the installation. If you see an unknown app installed on the same day when the browser has been hijacked, do not hesitate to eliminate each of them.
Alternatively, you can scan your machine with a professional anti-malware program. This way, you will save your time looking for malware entire and ensure a smooth elimination of each unwanted entry. Nevertheless, regardless of whether you remove Searchaize manually or automatically, you will have to reset the browser’s settings by yourself and fix malware damage with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego utility afterward. If you don’t know how to do that, refer to the guidance positioned 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.
