If internet application settles to Stream-Searchs homepage, it only implies that the said application is taking control over the browser program. Majority of users cannot comprehend how Stream-Searchs manages to enter the computer without proper endorsement. It is perhaps they are innocent that adware makers are using different kinds of techniques in spreading the dubious browser extension. As long as computer users are connected to the internet, chances of being infected with adware like Stream-Searchs is very likely.
How this threat spreads
The basic thoroughfare for Stream-Searchs to spread is via internet connection. Although there are several possible method that adware makers are using, deceitful software installer package is still the most favored distribution channel. On this scheme, attackers are embedding Stream-Searchs to different kinds of freeware and upload them to different servers. General computer users may intentionally download the freeware, without realizing that there is an attached unwanted program. Therefore after installation, they are shock to see the unsolicited existence of Stream-Searchs on homepage of internet browser application.
One more method that helps in the successful deployment of Stream-Searchs is malicious advertising campaign. Several pop-up ads are promoting Stream-Searchs as valuable browser extension that improves online browsing and search experience of users. It claims to upgrade the functions of default internet software by integrating useful features like quick links, toolbars, and search enhancements. There are also versions of the ads where it pretends as system alert claiming to have found outdated program. The pop-up ads prompt for immediate software updates that will eventually install Stream-Searchs on the computer without user’s knowledge.
Risk factors of Stream-Searchs
Once installed and active on the computer, Stream-Searchs can exploit the internet browser program to display ads and gain revenue via this scheme. Aside from pop-up ads, banners, and push notifications, the adware also redirects the browser pages to various websites where the unintentional acquisition of additional threat is possible. Some of the malicious websites where web users may be redirected includes Footballito.com and Ecessaglou.com.
Online privacy of online user is at risks as long as Stream-Searchs is residing on the browser program. Like most threats in the pool of adware, this malicious browser extension is capable of logging crucial browsing information like search keywords, favorite websites, IP address, username, and password. Before the attack end up in a much severe identity theft, you must remove Stream-Searchs at once. Below are comprehensive steps to get rid of the threat using online legitimate anti-virus and anti-malware scanners.
Stream-Searchs Removal Procedure
Below is a systematic instruction that is very useful in getting rid of the potentially unwanted program (PUP) from compromised Windows computer. Aside from removing the malicious browser extension, this guide is also helpful in deleting Streamsearch.com hijacker and pop-ups.
In order to totally eliminate the threat, it is vital to follow the process in exact manner.
Step 1 : Delete Stream-Searchs Browser Extension
Most adware and unwanted programs use an application called a "browser extension" to be able to take over the settings of internet applications. Therefore, we highly recommend checking and removing the extension that is closely related to Stream-Searchs. If it is not present, look for and delete any suspicious browser extension.
Remove the Stream-Searchs Extension from Google Chrome
1. Open your Google Chrome browser.
2. Type chrome://extensions/ in the address bar and press Enter on the keyboard.
3. Find Stream-Searchs or any relevant entry and remove it from the Google Chrome browser.
Uninstall the Stream-Searchs Extension from Mozilla Firefox
1. Open the Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. Type about:addons in the address bar and press Enter on the keyboard.
3. Choose Extensions from the sidebar menu.
4. Look for an object that pertains to Stream-Searchs and remove it from the browser.
After deleting the malicious browser extension, it is expected that pop-ups and other troubles will be gone from the internet browser.
Remove Stream-Searchs from Microsoft Windows and Edge Browser
1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key + R and then, type the appwiz.cpl command.
2. The Program and Features window will open. Arrange the list in a chronological manner, with recently installed applications on top. To do this, click on the 'Installed On' column.
3. Select Stream-Searchs or a recently installed unwanted entry. Then, click on Uninstall to remove it from the Windows system.
If Stream-Searchs is still present on the browser and there are still homepage and pop-ups, another option is to remove the adware from the browser settings.
4. Open the Microsoft Edge program.
5. Input edge://extensions/ in the URL bar and press Enter on the keyboard.
6. Look for and Remove or Disable entries for Stream-Searchs from the Installed Extensions area. Additionally, delete the same object from the Search Providers section by executing the Hijacker Removal Procedure for Edge.
7. Close the window and restart Microsoft Edge.
Step 2 : Scan the computer with Sophos Antivirus
To remove Stream-Searchs automatically, checking the computer with this powerful malware scanner recommended. This security application does not just uncover known threats like viruses or malware, it is also effective in discovering browser hijacker that assigns Streamsearch.com as the homepage URL.
1. Download Sophos Virus Removal Tool from the link below. Save the file on your computer where you can easily access it.
2. Once the download completes, browse the location of the file. Double-click to run the program and begin the install process.
3. On first windows of installation wizard, click Next to continue. Then, it will display the program’s License Agreement. You need to Accept the terms in order to proceed. If Windows prompts for User Account Control, please click Yes to proceed.
4. On succeeding windows, click Next or Continue to carry on with the installation. After completing the installation process, Launch Sophos Virus Removal Tool.
5. Internet connection is required when running this scanner in order to download important updates. Make sure that everything is up-to-date to effectively remove malicious program like Stream-Searchs.
6. Click the button to carry out the Scan. This will check the system for presence of malicious objects, malware, and viruses. The tool reveals items that were found linked to Stream-Searchs and other suspicious entities. Be sure to remove all identified threats.
The above procedures should have totally eliminated the Stream-Searchs browser hijacker. However, if you found that there are still remnants of the threat and Streamsearch.com still exists on internet application, please proceed to manual removal of associated objects as outlined below.
Step 3 : Scan and Delete Adware with AdwCleaner
In addition to the procedure, we suggest scanning the computer with AdwCleaner tool. Possibly, there are some traces of Stream-Searchs on the browser that was not deleted during the preceding steps. This tool will scan the computer and check for presence of malicious applications as well as invalid browser entries that produces Streamsearch.com pop-ups.
1. Follow the link below to download the tool called AdwCleaner.
2. When the download has completed, please close all running programs on the computer especially browsers affected by Stream-Searchs.
3. Browse the location of the downloaded file and double-click on adwcleaner_Ver.exe to start running the tool. Then, click on Scan button.
4. AdwCleaner searches the computer for malicious programs, extensions, plug-ins, adware, and any items that may be associated to Stream-Searchs. It will also check for suspicious entries on browser settings that is associated with Streamsearch.com.
5. Clean or Remove all suspicious and harmful items identified after the thorough scan.
6. After the cleanup procedure, rebooting the computer is required to finalize the removal of detected threats.
Check if your internet browser application is no longer being bothered by Streamsearch.com. If the browser hijacker still persists, please continue with the steps below to reset internet programs to default settings.
Optional : Reset Internet Browser Program
Cleaning your internet browser from clutter and unwanted add-on/extension is a must when dealing with Stream-Searchs. The procedure below discusses on resetting various browsers to their default state.
Restore Google Chrome to Default Settings
Resetting Google Chrome to its default settings is helpful in deleting hard-to-remove extensions, such as Stream-Searchs. This method is highly advisable to perform if you have difficulty removing unwanted extensions.
1. Open the Google Chrome internet browser.
2. On the address bar, type chrome://settings/reset and press the Enter key.
3. Click on Reset Settings on the sidebar and choose Restore settings to their original defaults.
4. On the confirmation window, click the Reset settings button to clear all entries for Stream-Searchs.
5. Close the existing tab and restart Google Chrome. That should have removed the Stream-Searchs extension and associated objects.
Reset Mozilla Firefox to Default
This section describes how to remove unwanted extensions from Firefox that may be related to Stream-Searchs. This process can fix many browser issues by restoring Firefox to factory settings without affecting your essential information (bookmarks, browsing history, passwords, and Internet cookies) on the browser. If you desire to remove only a specific extension, please see the manual removal of add-ons from Firefox.
1. Input the string about:support on the Firefox web address and press Enter on the keyboard.
2. You will now see the Troubleshooting Information page of Mozilla Firefox.
3. You will notice a section in the upper-right corner of the screen stating, Give Firefox a tune-up. Click the Refresh Firefox button.
4. If a confirmation window appears, click Refresh Firefox to continue.
5. Firefox browser will close and start the resetting process. When done, it will display a list of restored data. Stream-Searchs should be gone by now. Click Finish to open a fresh version of Firefox.
Restore Microsoft Edge to Default Settings
1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
2. On the address bar, please input edge://settings/reset and press Enter on the keyboard.
3. Once you are on the Reset Settings page, click on Restore settings to their default values.
4. A confirmation window will appear; click on the Reset button to continue.
Your data, like favorites, bookmarks, and history, will remain in the browser. However, this process will delete add-ons by Stream-Searchs and other unknown objects.
How to remove Streamsearch.com Pop-ups (Notification)
Most of the time, browser hijackers are combined with intrusive pop-up ads originating from the source website Streamsearch.com. It is taking advantage of push notification feature of popular internet programs like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Edge. These pop-up ads from Streamsearch.com are extra ordinary as it exceeds the normal display volume and they are certainly annoying.
Normally, Streamsearch.com pop-ups will start to bombard internet browser screen with pop-ups if web user was deceived to click “Allow” button that triggers the said website to send push notification. To stop Streamsearch.com from showing the pop-ups, please execute the procedures below. Remember, these steps may only be successful after the removal of the main component or dubious browser extension.
Google Chrome
1. On Google Chrome browser, input the following in the address bar and press Enter:
chrome://settings/content/notifications
2. Navigate to the list under "Allow" section and look for Streamsearch.com.
3. Click the ellipses (3 dots) beside Streamsearch.com list to reveal the options.
4. Click on Block or Remove to stop Streamsearch.com from displaying pop-up ads on Google Chrome browser.
6. Please restart Google Chrome browser.
Mozilla Firefox
1. On Mozilla Firefox browser, type the following in the address bar and press Enter key:
about:preferences#privacy
2. Navigate below to Permission area and look for Notifications.
3. Click the Settings button aligned with the Notifications.
4. Look for Streamsearch.com entry and change the Status to Block.
5. Click on Save Changes and restart Mozilla Firefox and check if Streamsearch.com pop-up is gone.
Safari (Mac)
1. On top menu, click on Safari and then, select Preferences from the drop-down list.
2. Click on Websites tab to open its settings.
3. Select Notifications from the left sidebar.
4. On right panel, it will display a list of websites with "Allow" attribute.
5. Find and click on Streamsearch.com.
6. You may choose to Deny or Remove it from the notification list.
7. You may now restart Safari browser and see if Streamsearch.com pop-up is gone.
Microsoft Edge
1. Assuming that Edge browser is open, click on the ellipses (3 dots) on upper right corner to open the Settings. Alternatively, you can press Alt + X on the keyboard.
2. Select Settings from the drop-down list.
3. Click on Advanced.
4. Under Website Permissions area, click on Manage Permissions button.
4. Find and select Streamsearch.com from the list. Click on X button to stop it from showing pop-up ads or notifications.
5. You may now restart Edge browser.
