VideozSearchs – is a potentially unwanted program that was created for browser hijacking purposes
VideozSearchs is a browser hijacker that is typically distributed via software bundles
VideozSearchs is a browser hijacker[1] that uses a customized search engine in order to display ads to users and similar commercial content. This activity might be noticed as soon as an extension or an application gets installed on the system. Potentially unwanted programs as this one are typically distributed within software bundles or other deceptive methods, so users rarely notice a point of entry.
Once inside the system, VideozSearchs appends a customized search engine that redirects all searches through feed.videoz-searchs.com and then shows results via a reputable provider Yahoo. However, these results are not genuine, as top links are always sponsored. Besides hijacking Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, Safari, or another web browser, VideozSearchs virus also tracks users’ online activities to profit from targeted advertisements.
| Name | VideozSearchs |
| Type | Browser hijacker, search hijacker, redirect virus |
| Associated domain | feed.videoz-searchs.com |
| Distribution | Most browser hijackers are distributed via deceptive tactics, such as software bundles, fake update prompts, or intrusive ads. Nonetheless, some users might install PUPs deliberately, without knowing the full functionality post-installation |
| Symptoms | All searches are redirected to feed.videoz-searchs.com and then to Yahoo; search results are filled with sponsored links and ads; an overall increased amount of advertisements, etc. |
| Risks | Users who have their browsers hijacked are at increased risk of monetary loss, installation of other PUPs or malware, as well as sensitive information disclosure to unknown parties or cybercriminals |
| Elimination | To uninstall a browser hijacker, you can follow our detailed guide below or employ anti-malware software that can detect PUPs |
| Optimization | In case your computer suffers from constant crashes, lag, BSODs,[2] or similar issues, you can fix it with repair tools such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego |
In case you noticed that there are apps you have never installed before on your machine, it most likely happened during the installation of freeware. You should always be attentive during the installation of free software obtained from the internet, as you might end up with optional installs, along with malware on your machine. However, you should now focus on VideozSearchs removal.
The VideozSearchs redirect phenomenon might seem odd if one never encountered a browser hijacker before, especially if the search results are displayed via a reputable search provider. However, this activity is common, as not many PUP developers manage to create their own search engines, as they are costly to produce.
Instead, VideozSearchs developers rely on Yahoo’s affiliate program and generate revenue through advertisements. As a result, browser hijacker authors benefit from each person that has the app installed on their systems, although users themselves need to suffer from intrusive ads and misleading search results.
Since the infiltration of PUPs is mostly sneaky, some users might not notice the VideozSearchs hijack right away, especially if they used Yahoo Search previously. Nonetheless, those who rely on Google.com or another search engine would see that something is wrong right away.
VideozSearchs is a potentially unwanted program that inserts numerous sponsored links into search results
Here are a few symptoms that would indicate VideozSearchs infection:
- An unknown browser extension or app installed on the browser/computer;
- A new tab address and homepage are set to feed.videoz-searchs.com;
- VideozSearchs search engine applied to the homepage;
- All searches are redirected to search.yahoo.com;
- Sponsored links are shown at the top the of search results.
Another reason to remove VideozSearchs from your computer is its information browser practices. In many cases, the developers of apps like StreamsSearch, SearchMarquis, ShortcutTab, and similar, use cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies in order to collect information about users. The harvested data usually includes anonymous information, but most hijackers also collect personal details, such as an IP address, the device identifies, and location if a mobile phone is used.
Thus, we highly recommend you uninstall VideozSearchs from your machine as soon as possible. For more details, please check the bottom section of the article. As additional precautionary and remediation measures, we also recommend scanning the machine with repair software Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego.
Software bundles are main reason for unintentional installation of PUPs
While there are various methods of installation of PUPs, most commonly, users install them unintentionally – hence the name “potentially unwanted program.” However, users are most commonly tricked into inviting these apps into their systems due to deceptive techniques used by the developers or third-party websites that distribute them.
If you are wondering why your browser was hijacked, it is most likely due to freeware that you installed from a third-party site. These apps are often bundled with optional components which are installed without permission if a user is not attentive enough.
Thus, you should never rush the installation process of new programs, regardless where you download them from (although security researchers from novirus.uk[3] warn that torrent and similar sites that distribute pirated programs are dangerous and should not be visited in the first place). Your primary goal should be to pick the Advanced/Custom installation settings so you would stay in control of what is being installed on your system. Remove all the ticks from pre-ticked boxes and watch out for misleading offers or misplaced buttons.
VideozSearchs hijack sets feed.videoz-searchs.com as homepage and new tab URL
Get rid of VideozSearchs hijack easily
You can remove VideozSearchs manually – this process should not be that difficult if the hijack is related to a browser extension on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another web browser. To uninstall such add-ons, simply right click on its icon and select Uninstall/Remove. In some cases, apps might be hiding their presence on your browser/computer, so the termination process might become more difficult.
For easy VideozSearchs removal, you can employ powerful anti-malware software and scan your computer fully. However, be aware that not all security applications are capable of removing all PUPs, so this process might fail in some cases. If you still see ads after following instructions below or/and scanning the machine with security software, you should also reset the installed browsers.
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.