Sweetim.com is a domain related to a malicious extension that hijacks Google Chrome or another browser
Sweetim.com is a potentially unwanted program that usually arrives to your PC via freeware bundle installers
Sweetim.com is a potentially unwanted program that usually arrives to your PC via freeware bundle installers
Sweetim.com is a web address that users may see as soon as they install a SweetIM toolbar into their Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, Safari, or another browser. The toolbar can be downloaded from various third-party websites, although most users get infected with Sweetim.com virus when they install freeware apps (multiple programs are packaged into a single installer and optional components purposely hidden from the sight during the installation process).
After the infiltration, Sweetim.com or Search.sweetim.com is immediately applied as a startup page, as well as a new tab URL, accompanied by a customized search engine. Those who attempt to enter search terms will see that returned results are filled with sponsored links and various ads. Besides showing sponsored search results, Sweetim.com browser hijacker[1] may also record information about users’ web browsing sessions and expose them to scams, phishing, or even malware-laden sites.
| Name | Sweetim.com |
| Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
| Associated app | SweetIM toolbar compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and other web browsers |
| Developer | MacroGaming LTD, SweetIM Technologies |
| Symptoms |
|
| Distribution | Software bundles, third-party sites, deceptive ads, fake updates, etc. |
| Removal | You can get rid of potentially unwanted programs with the help anti-malware software or follow our manual guide below |
| Recovery | PUPs can sometimes negatively impact the operating system, which might start showing errors, crashing, lagging, etc. To fix virus damage, you can scan the computer with Reimage Reimage Cleaner |
Browser hijackers are generally not considered to be extremely dangerous, as they simply change web browser settings and show sponsored content on a regular basis. While some links might lead to such sites like scam, phishing,[2] push notification scam, and similar, getting infected with dangerous malware like ransomware[3] due to Sweetim.com hijack is highly unlikely.
However, SweetIM is a toolbar that runs its own process (SweetIM.exe) in the background, which implies that it embeds its files into the Windows system. Due to this, users may experience Sweetim.com removal issues, as well as a slowdown of the web browser operation. Besides, the application is also recognized by several anti-malware engines as follows:
- Adware.SweetIM.2
- Win32:Downloader-MOM
- BitCocktail
- TROJ_SPNR.16AM12
- Sweetim.4FB
- PUP.Optional.SweetPacks.A, etc.
As soon as Sweetim.com starts running on the system, users will see an alternative search engine that is marked as Not secure by Google Chrome or any other web browser. This means that the developers of the app did not bother to secure the site with HTTPS protocol, which prevents cyberattacks from external sources. As a result, all the information typed into the search or subsequent pages can be stolen by malicious parties.
Additionally, the homepage Sweetim.com or Search.sweetim.com is also filled with ads, and sometime these might be of dubious nature. For example, some embedded links might indicate that your security software is out of date, you got a message, or that your system might be at risk due to online threats – these are common social engineering tricks in order to make users click on potentially malicious links and make them download unwanted software, disclose personal information, or make them subscribe to useless services, losing money in the process.
Sweetim.com is a browser hijacker that might start disturbing your online sessions with intrusive or malicious ads
Sweetim.com is a browser hijacker that might start disturbing your online sessions with intrusive or malicious ads
Many users try to remove Sweetim.com virus manually via the Control Panel – just like any other regular application. However, the remnants of the hijacker remain on the system most of the time, and the unwanted advertisements, redirects, web browser changes, and other issues continue.
Of that is the case for you, we highly advise you first try getting rid of SweetIM as per instructions below, and then refresh all the installed browsers. If that does not work, you should try scanning your machine with reputable anti-malware software (make sure it is up-to-date). Note that, because Sweetim.com modifies Windows registry and performs other unwanted changes, you might experience stability or functionality issues, even after you get rid of the hijacker. If that is the case, use Reimage Reimage Cleaner to fix virus damage on your system.
Browser hacker infection routine
Browser hijackers like Delta-homes.com or Babylon Toolbar can infiltrate its target PC system unnoticed because it has been actively spread using software bundling. In fact, when this method is used, it tricks people into accepting the installation of a potentially unwanted application that they never wanted in the first place. This practice is extremely prevalent on a third-party website that hosts free programs, so choosing trustworthy sources like Google Web Store, Microsoft Store, Amazon, etc., is always a more wise decision to make when it comes to new software. That being said, sites that host illegal installers or software cracks should be avoided altogether.
If you insist on downloading apps from third parties, you should also acknowledge the risks, namely, the installation of potentially unwanted programs or, in some cases, malware. Therefore, you should always ensure that you don’t rush the installation process; for example, clicking “Next” until you are done is a very bad practice that can result in cyber infections. Thus, follow these tips provided by security experts:
- Never rush the installation process – read each of the instructions carefully;
- Decline all the offers/deals on the way;
- Watch out for pre-ticked boxes – unmark those that allow the installer to proceed with additional component installation;
- Do not skip the fine print, as important information might be hidden there;
- Always opt for Advanced/Custom installation settings when prompted, as sometimes it is the only way to prevent PUPs from being installed (Recommended/Quick setting will install all the nasties you don’t want on your PC).
Sweetim.com offers an application that runs a background process once installed
Sweetim.com offers an application that runs a background process once installed
Remove Sweetim.com virus safely
As previously mentioned, Sweetim.com removal might not be successful immediately if the normal program uninstallation method is followed. Nevertheless, we suggest you first check our instructions provided below and follow them closely. If the unwanted activity does not stop even after you get rid of the PUP, you should also try resetting the installed web browsers.
In case you can’t remove Sweetim.com virus in a regular way, we highly advise you employ anti-malware software that has a PUP detection feature or specializes in PUP detection. However, please do not forget to bring the security application to the most recent version, and only then perform a full system scan.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner . 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.
