How to remove SearchLock (Virus Removal Guide)

SearchLock, also known as SearchLock for Chrome (updated version for Google Chrome) or SearchLock virus, is self-described as “a free add-on for your browser that detects and safely redirects searches that can be tracked and used to profile you.” The SearchLock add-on is compatible across multiple web browsers including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

SearchLock is often recognized as a malicious or potentially malicious browser attachment due to its deceptive and unethical marketing tactics and what the extension does once it is installed. For example, the extension is typically promoted by advertisements served by malicious advertising networks that also bolster malware, adware, browser hijackers, spyware, and computer viruses. Malicious advertisements are usually found on questionable websites that are prohibited from employing the use of legitimate and safe advertising networks like Google AdSense because of their content which may include illegal streaming videos, torrents, adult content, and more.

Once the SearchLock extension is installed a user may experience unwanted browser redirects to https://www.searchlock.com/ and other websites as well as unwanted advertisements. SearchLock claims to properly maintain their advertisements in order to display safe products and services; however, we have found advertisements that promote known malware and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs), including MyPCBackup as shown in the image above.

In addition, the websites that SearchLock may redirect users to and the advertisements that are shown may use various techniques to gather personal user data.

The extension also has many bad online reviews and has maintained a bad online reputation over the years mostly because of how it may violate user privacy and how it is installed. Many users have complained that the SearchLock extension was installed without their knowledge and consent.

The extension can also read and change your data on the websites you visit, change your search settings to searchlock.com, manage your apps, extensions, and themes, and change your privacy-related settings. Source: How to remove SearchLock for Chrome (Virus Removal Guide)

How to remove SearchLock (Virus Removal Guide)

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Remove SearchLock extension

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Scan your computer for malware with ESET Smart Security

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Clean up and repair settings with CCleaner Professional

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More removal and repair options

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Remove SearchLock extension

Google Chrome

1. Run Chrome.
2. Open the menu and go to More tools > Extensions.
3. Locate the extension and click the Remove button.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Run Firefox.
2. Open the menu and go to Add-ons.
3. Locate the extension and click the Remove button.

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Scan your computer for malware with ESET Smart Security

1. Download and install ESET Smart Security. *When installing ESET Smart Security, select the option to enable detection of potentially unwanted applications (if applicable).

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2. Once ESET Smart Security is installed, open the program and navigate to the Computer scan tab.

ESET Smart Security may automatically update and perform an initial scan. The ‘initial scan’ takes longer to complete than a normal computer or removable media scan. It is recommended to perform a second scan following the initial scan.

3. Click Scan your computer to scan all local disks and clean threats.

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Clean up and repair settings with CCleaner Professional

1. Download and install CCleaner Professional.

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2. Once CCleaner Professional is installed, open the program and navigate to the Easy Clean tab.

3. Click the Analyze button to find trackers and junk files that CCleaner Professional can remove.

4. When the analysis is complete, click the Clean All button.

5. Next, go to the Registry tab and click the Scan for Issues button.

6. When the scan is complete, click the Fix selected Issues… button.

7. As a precaution, click Yes to back up the registry before making changes to it and save the Reg File (.reg) file to your computer.

8. Click the Fix All Selected Issues button and then click Close once all problems have been removed.

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More removal and repair options

ESET Smart Security is one of the top Antivirus and internet security program on the market and CCleaner Professional is arguably the only respected Windows System Utility program; However, in rare cases, even the best Antivirus program can miss small trace files and potential threats.

Perform a second-opinion scan with HitmanPro.Alert

HitmanPro.Alert is a powerful anti-malware program that detects and removes known malicious files, trackers, and registry entries related to viruses, rootkits, trojans, ransomware, adware, worms, spyware, and other malware. What makes HitmanPro.Alert stand out is that it will remove a large sample of malicious or potentially malicious files than most antimalware and antivirus programs.

1. Download and install HitmanPro.Alert.
2. Once HitmanPro.Alert is installed, open the program and click the Scan Now button.
3. When the scan is complete, click the Quarantine Selected button.