SecureSurf browser hijacker removal instructions

The SecureSurf search hijacker is an example of a standard unwanted program; such programs are distributed enormously these days. On this page you will see the detailed guidance of “SecureSurf” hijacker elimination in several ways: using anti-malware programs and manual removal process.

SecureSurf – What is it?

“SecureSurf” search hijacker is a potentially unwanted application (PUA)¹, that is promoted as a plugin for your internet browser. It is typically promoted as an add-on for Chrome or Firefox, that helps to browse some particular details, for instance, about sport events, make your web browser far more secure, allow downloading of any web video, et cetera. Also, this app adds the “Managed by your organization” feature (on Chrome browsers).

However, the “SecureSurf” plugin is fairly pointless since all such features are already built-in to your web browser and/or Windows. Such advertising and marketing mottos are targeted at low-skilled computer users, such as pensioners or schoolchildren. However occasionally even skilled users are getting caught on such an attraction. In particular scenarios, this hijacker is dispersed together with free software.

Here is a short summary for the SecureSurf hijacker

How harmful is SecureSurf hijacker?

Besides its uselessness, SecureSurf hijacker is additionally pretty hazardous for browser usage. It modifies your search engine to its specific – Securesurf.biz, and also alters your background, putting its watermark on your background image (or, in some cases, altering it to default with the mentioned symptom).

Besides visual adjustments done by SecureSurf hijacker, you can notice that a couple of your search questions are redirecting to the untrustworthy sites, filled with links and ads – so-called doorway sites. Such sites can have links for malware downloads. The chance of redirecting boosts if you attempt to open Google search page by force.

However all these activities are a lot more frustrating than really harmful. The greatest threat, primarily for people who have a lot of confidential information in their browsers, is installed in data collecting functions. Cookie files, conversations, often-visited web pages, and other activities are simply collected by SecureSurf hijacker.

How to remove SecureSurf search hijacker?

• “Move to quarantine” all items.
• Open “Tools” tab – Press “Reset Browser Settings“.
• Select proper browser and options – Click “Reset”.
• Restart your computer.

Browser hijackers are usually rather easy to deal with. In many cases, they have a separate application that can be spotted in the list of installed applications. As a result of the specific marketing tactic of SecureSurf hijacker, it can be conveniently tracked and removed manually. Nevertheless, if you got SecureSurf in the package with a free program, your PC can be contaminated with much more serious malware – trojans, spyware or perhaps ransomware. That’s why I’d suggest you utilize anti-malware tools to delete the SecureSurf PUA and all various other malware.

You can spectate the detected viruses sorted by their possible hazard simultaneously with the scan process. But to choose any actions against malware, you need to hold on until the scan is over, or to stop the scan.

To set the action for each detected malicious or unwanted program, click the arrow in front of the name of the detected malicious app. By default, all malware will be removed to quarantine.

Reverting browser settings to original ones

To reset your browser settings, you need to use the Reset Browser Settings option. This action cannot be counteracted by any malware, hence, you will surely see the result. This option can be found in the Tools tab.

After choosing the Reset Browser Settings option, the menu will be displayed, where you can choose, which settings will be reverted to the original.

Deleteing SecureSurf hijacker manually

Besides using anti-malware software for browser restoration, you may choose the “Reset browser settings” function, which is usually embedded in all popular browsers.

To reset Edge, do the following steps :

1. Open “Settings and more” tab in upper right corner, then find here “Settings” button. In the appeared menu, choose “Reset settings” option :



2. After picking the Reset Settings option, you will see the following menu, stating about the settings which will be reverted to original :

For Mozilla Firefox, do the next actions :

1. Open Menu tab (three strips in upper right corner) and click the “Help” button. In the appeared menu choose “troubleshooting information” :



2. In the next screen, find the “Refresh Firefox” option :


After choosing this option, you will see the next message :

If you use Google Chrome

1. Open Settings tab, find the “Advanced” button. In the extended tab choose the “Reset and clean up” button :



2. In the appeared list, click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” :



3. Finally, you will see the window, where you can see all the settings which will be reset to default :
   

Opera can be reset in the next way

1. Open Settings menu by pressing the gear icon in the toolbar (left side of the browser window), then click “Advanced” option, and choose “Browser” button in the drop-down list. Scroll down, to the bottom of the settings menu. Find there “Restore settings to their original defaults” option :



2. After clicking the “Restore settings…” button, you will see the window, where all settings, which will be reset, are shown :

As an afterword, I want to say that time plays against you and your PC. The activity of browser hijacker must be stopped as soon as possible, because of the possibility of other malware injection. This malware can be downloaded autonomously, or offered for you to download in one of the windows with advertisements, which are shown to you by the hijacker. You need to act as fast as you can.

1. More information about PUAs
2. Detailed review of Microsoft Defender