Serp App is a rogue extension that sets sponsored search site to generate advertising revenue
Serp App is a web browser’s extension for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Opera, and others. Its developers represent itself as a handy search tool for the customized search processes and the most accurate search results. However, it will hardly fulfill the promise since it’s a typical browser hijacker[1] in its nature.
In fact, the Serp App virus seeks to promote s3redirect.com search site, which is programmed to display links and ads managed by affiliate third-parties. This way, the developers of the extension and affiliated parties generate income, but the end-user gains no use at all. Therefore, if you have accidentally installed this extension, do not postpone its removal.
Although the extension itself is not dangerous, the Serp App redirects via s3redirect.com servers can automatically open suspicious or sometimes even dangerous websites filled with questionable downloads. Therefore, clicking on any online content while this extension is installed can end up with malware infiltration or other security-related issues.
| Name | Serp App |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Sub-category | Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
| Promoted website | s3redirect.com start page |
| Distribution | The extension used to be offered on Chrome Web Store (the page is not active anymore). Additionally, it is promoted via freeware packages as a pre-selected installer |
| Main dangers | The extension itself does not pose any harm. However, it’s content cannot be trusted. The tool is used to promote third parties, so you can never know what hides under those ads and links |
| Symptoms | Right after the installation, it sets s3redirect.com as a start page and S3 search site. Besides, people will find the Serp App extension installed by default. Search results contain sponsored links in priority, as well as ads on the right side of the window |
| Removal | Automatic and manual removal options available (the guides are given below) |
| A scan with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego tool helps to recover the machine’s performance after malware infiltration. Before running a scan, make sure that the system is malware-free | |
This web browsing tool has already been available online for quite a while. However, since the beginning of summer 2020, users started reporting the intrusive behavior of the extension, especially the method of infiltration. As people claim, it gets installed without permission and corrupts the web browser’s settings without authorization. Such behavior can be simply explained – the Serp App virus spreads bundled with freeware under Quick installation. Thus, on one hand, PUPs get installed due to the inattentiveness of the user.
Serp App virus usually infiltrates machines without being noticed via freeware packages
Serp App virus usually infiltrates machines without being noticed via freeware packages
Anyway, users report that this extension behaves in an unwanted way. For example, it alters the start page, search tool, and new tab URL window, and other settings on Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, and other browsers. Upon these changes, the browser becomes an advertising platform where every click redirects to sponsored sites that offer to purchase something, download something, or participate somewhere. We strongly recommend being careful with Serp App redirects because there’s a high risk of being exposed to suspicious or dangerous sites that may contain click-to-download ads or other misleading content.
To end browser-based activities that you do not with, take a look at the below given Serp App removal guidelines. Manual elimination of the browser hijacker is possible and can efficiently be initiated by eliminating all potentially unwanted programs.
However, experts from virusai.lt[2] recommend people to remove Serp App virus automatically using a professional anti-malware tool. That’s because this suspicious extension is typically bundled with other unwanted apps that may silently be running on the machine.
Even if the Serp App does not interfere with your browsing activities and you have been considering to keep it, you should eliminate it to protect your privacy. Suchlike third-party tools usually install tracking cookies to monitor users’ web browsing activities and provide them with personalized content. Unfortunately, but you can also be tricked into disclosing personal details, such as name, address, email address, or telephone number by being redirected to phishing sites.
Serp App is a third-party app that aims at generating advertising revenue
Serp App is a third-party app that aims at generating advertising revenue
Ways to prevent hijackers from installing onto the web browsers
Like most of the PUPs, this misleading extension is spreading in the software bundles as a pre-selected optional download. Therefore, if the user agrees to install freeware under Quick or Recommended settings, they give permission to install all optional downloads unintentionally.
Serp App extension used to be promoted on Chrome Web Store
Serp App extension used to be promoted on Chrome Web Store
To prevent such happening, you should always look for the Advanced or Custom installation setup option. However, even selecting this setup and continuously clicking the Next button is the same as selecting a Quick installation. After selecting the Advanced installation, carefully monitor every window, and deselect optional downloads.
Look for the setup windows that contain pre-selected checkboxes and statements saying that by clicking the Next button you agree with the installation of add-ons, toolbars, or other browser-based apps. After all, navigate to the Apps folder to double-check if malware[3] did not sneak inside the system.
Get rid of Serp App from Chrome browser
Serp App uninstall process should be initiated in phases. First of all, you should eliminate malware from your machine (look for it on Apps folder). After that, open the web browser and navigate to the Settings. Here you should find suspicious extensions that you are not familiar with. Disable the extension and reset start page, search engine, and other settings. The quickest way to do that is to reset the web browser’s settings.
Serp App injects an extension to trigger redirects to sponsored sites
Serp App injects an extension to trigger redirects to sponsored sites
However, sometimes Serp App removal may fail. That may be because the malware runs a bunch of browser object helpers and gets support from registry entries. In this case, the removal process should be performed with the help of a professional anti-virus program.
Last, but not least, experts highly recommend users to optimize the system after malware infiltration. Each unwanted application leaves its traces within the Registries. Our recommended program for fixing malware damage is Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego.
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.
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