How to Remove The Hotfeed Virus – Hotfeed.net Redirection Virus And Malware Removal Instructions
What Is The Hotfeed Virus (Hotfeed.net Redirection Virus/Hijacker)?
Hotfeed (Hotfeed.net) is considered malware, in particular an adware & spyware platform that utilizes browser hijackers, black-hat methods, and malicious tactics to entrap internet users to theirs and their sponsor’s services and terms, which may include additional installments of software without direct permission from the computer user.
The Hotfeed virus changes existing internet browser settings, to accommodate their Cost-Per-Click (CPC) affiliate program that is used by scammers and third parties to create an unethical revenue stream. Each time a third party is able to attach Hotfeed and or their affiliates to a computer and internet browser, or persuade victims to click links provided by the affiliate network or third party, etc. the third party is paid by Hotfeed.
A Hotfeed infection, as stated above changes existing internet browser settings, or “hijacks” setting to accommodate a revenue stream. This is mostly done by causing internet browsers to redirect to hotfeed.net and a variety of unwanted websites (in order to get victims to click the sponsored adverts). The infection also causes the home page to change without permission, causing internet browsers to start up on hotfeed.net and/or third party websites.
A third party is able to do this by attaching an add-on, extension, plug-in, toolbar that has implemented code from the Hotfeed affiliate network and/or by installing software to the computer, including voluntary installments of freeware and shareware. This sometimes makes it difficult to remove Hotfeed.net and third party websites from your browser’s home page and internal search engine, which is why when removing Hotfeed it is important to search for third party programs on your computer and removing these programs before repairing your home page and internet (provided) search engine.
Hotfeed claims no responsibility for the actions of third parties using their affiliate network and has left the following statement on every page on their website:
“This site is owned by public pay-per-click affiliate program. We do not place our content and do not flow our own traffic here. We only redirect traffic received from the affiliates working in our pay-per-click affiliate program to the advertisers and other pay-per-click affiliate programs providing us with their ads.
The ads on this site are provided by third-parties or third-party websites and connect you to third-party websites. Third-parties are solely responsible and liable for their content and for the content of third-party websites. You agree that we are not liable for any content provided by third parties or appearing on third-party websites. Also we are not liable for the traffic redirected by us from our affiliates to third-party websites.”
If your computer system and internet browser is infected with the Hotfeed virus, hotfeed.net redirection virus, or additional third party malware, use the options and instructions provided to easily remove the parasite affecting your computer and browser.
How To Remove Hotfeed Virus – Stop Redirecting To Hotfeed.net
Select an option below to detect and remove Hotfeed and/or third party malware affecting your computer and browser.
1. Anti-Malware Software (Remove/Troubleshoot Malware)
Malwarebytes is the most recommended Anti-Malware software used to scan, detect, and remove malware, including browser hijackers and adware associated with Hotfeed.net.
It is recommended to perform a full-system scan using the free or full Malwarebytes Malware-Removal product.
2. Uninstall Hotfeed And Third Party Programs (WIN)
1. Access Windows Control Panel and navigate to Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program (depending on Windows OS).
2. Search for Hotfeed and third party software in the list of installed programs and double click the software to uninstall it (or highlight it and click the Uninstall button/or right click and select Uninstall).
3. Remove Hotfeed And Third Party Add-ons, Extensions, & Toolbars
When a browser helper object is present, a program is often installed to a system alongside the add-on, extension, plugin, or toolbar. Sometimes the program must be uninstalled before being removed as a browser attachment. – So make sure to uninstall any unwanted programs using the steps above before removing the browser attachment.
Google Chrome
1. Click on the customize and control icon (wrench, 3 bars) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.
2. Search for ANY suspicious or unknown extensions and remove them by clicking the trashcan icon next to it.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Click Tools and select Add-ons. (Ctrl+Shift+A)
2. On the Extensions and Plugin tabs search for ANY suspicious or unknown add-on and remove them.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.
2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tabs search for ANY suspicious or unknown extensions and remove them.
4. System Restore (Remove/Troubleshoot Malware)
Perform a system restore to an automatic restore point created by Window’s each week or during system updates. System Restores are a fast way to remove any malware that has attached itself to your system.
Tip: Repair Home Page & Provided Search Engine (Post Malware Removal)
Once malware has been detected and removed, if your browser is starting up on hotfeed.net or redirecting to hotfeed.net while attempting to search using the address bar please refer to a previous article “How to stop unwanted redirections”