Remove Safer Search (Virus Removal)

The Safer Search virus (SaferSearch virus) is a term used to identify a potentially unwanted program (PUP) located in the adware and browser hijacker categories of computer threats. Safer Search is a very deceptive program that reads, collects, and modifies user browsing data and existing browser settings in order to serve pop-up and targeted advertisements across Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer, as well as cause browser redirects to websites such as welcome.safer.com, search.safer.com, and others.

Safer Search programs have permissions set allowing them to read, collect, and modify all browsing activities, bookmarks,history, and browser settings including the homepage, new tab settings, and default search engine. It uses this information to generate advertisements it feels are relevant to internet user browsing habits. Furthermore, the program may change browser settings in order to redirect affected internet browsers to sponsored webpages when an internet browser is booted, a new tab is opened, or a user searches the web using browser’s address bar.

• Safer Search causes unwanted browser redirects to a sponsored webpages.
• Safer Search injects websites with targeted advertisements (including banner ads, in-text advertisements that appear as hyperlinked text, and pop-under advertisements).
• Safer Search allows additional programs to automatically install without user knowledge, including Safer Browser.
• Safer Search bundles with third-party malware and malicious files without user knowledge.

How did Safer Search get onto my computer?

Potential Safer Search malware is commonly contracted with third-party freeware, shareware, torrents, and other items. In many cases users may be given the opportunity to accept or decline an offer to install this program and other items; However, the offer to decline the object(s) is often ignored or presented in a deceptive manner.

The Safer Search virus can also be contracted from questionable advertisements, most notably found on media sharing websites and websites that promote prohibited content. In many scenarios, questionable advertisements may claim that an update or other item needs to be installed in order to trick users into clicking the ads and installing potentially harmful content.

How to remove Safer Search

This Safer Search removal guide will help you remove Safer Search virus, potentially unwanted programs, malware, and stop browser redirects to Safer Search webpages on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

• Step 1: Scan your computer for malware
• Step 2: Cleanup and repair settings
• Step 3: Uninstall Safer Search from Windows
• Step 4: Remove Safer Search browser attachments
• For Tech Support Call: 1-888-879-0084

Step 1: Scan your computer for malware

1. We recommend that you write down the toll free number below in case you run into any issues or problems while removing Safer Search. Our techs will kindly assist you with any problems.

2. Install the free or full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. The full version enables real-time protection to block malware and unwanted programs from infecting your computer, while the free version is just a free scan and removal tool.

3. Open the Anti-Malware program after the program is installed.

4. Click the large Scan Now button or visit the “Scan” tab to manually run a scan. Before the scan is started Malwarebytes may ask to update the software, make sure to install updates if prompted to do so.

5. Once the malware scan is complete, click the Quarantine All button and reboot your computer.

Step 2: Cleanup and repair settings

1. Install the free or full version of CCleaner by Piriform.

2. Once installed, open the program and navigate to Cleaner > Windows/Applications and click the Analyze button. Afterwards, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.

3. Next, navigate to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from windows, internet explorer, etc., all the way to Content Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click Disable and Delete once anything is found.

4. To automatically uninstall Safer Search using CCleaner, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for the program in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.

Step 3: Uninstall Safer Search from Windows

1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel (on Windows 8, right click the bottom left corner to gain access to the Windows 8 Start Menu. Windows 8 may also select Programs and Features).

2. In Windows Control Panel, click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program in the Programs section.

3. In the list of installed programs, search for Safer Search. Once the program is located, double click the unwanted program or select it with your mouse and click the Uninstall button. *Follow any on-screen instructions that may prompt to remove this program. Repeat the steps to remove additional unwanted programs.

4. Restart your computer.

Step 4: Remove Safer Search browser attachments

Google Chrome

1. Click on the Customize icon (3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the Safer Search extension and other suspicious extensions and remove them individually by clicking the trashcan icon next to it.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the Safer Search add-on and other suspicious add-ons and remove them if located.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.

2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for the Safer Search add-on, click it, and click the Remove button. Remove other suspicious add-ons if found. If the Remove button does not appear you must first uninstall associated software through the Control Panel.