How to Remove Search-Privacy.net (Removal Guide)

by Sean Doyle · Published November 17, 2016 · Updated September 11, 2022

This Search-Privacy.net removal guide contains steps to remove Search-Privacy.net extension, viruses, malware, and other potentially unwanted programs and extensions from your browser and computer.

Can read and change all your data on the websites you visit
Can communicate with cooperating websites
Bundles with malware, potentially unwanted programs, adware, and other threats
Changes your search settings to searchprivacy.co
Displays malicious advertisements and search results
Advertised by malicious advertising networks

What is Search-Privacy.net?

Search-Privacy.net is a questionable browser extension that is promoted on websites that advertise and bundle malware, potentially unwanted programs, adware, spyware, and other malicious programs. The extension is bolstered as a free browser utility plugin that “makes all your searches private for free;” However, the extension does not actually perform exactly as advertised.

One issue with this extension is that it can read and change all your data on the websites you visit which can lead to the collection of your personal information and browsing habits. Your information can be sold or shared with a third-party. The MYWOT extension was recently caught selling identities and browsing habits and was removed from the Chrome and Firefox repository and they’re a well known entity, so it’s right to worry about this unknown party using your information for the wrong reasons.

Once the extension is installed it will change your search settings to searchprivacy.co. A search on the webite can result in malicious search results and advertisements. For example, a search for botcrawl resulted in various links to websites that contain rogue programs and malware.

How to remove Search-Privacy.net (Removal Guide)

STEP 1: Scan your computer for malware
STEP 2: Manually repair your browser settings
STEP 3: Manually uninstall programs
TIPS: How to stay protected against future infections

STEP 1: Scan your computer for malware

The best way to remove Search-Privacy.net and other threats from your computer is to scan your computer for malware using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro softawre. Malwarebytes and HitmanPro will locate and eradicate this threat and other malicious files installed on your machine automatically.

1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to run a scan and remove malicious files from your computer.

2. Once installed, open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.

3. When the Malwarebytes scan is complete click the Remove Selected button.

4. To finish the Malwarebytes scan and remove detected malware click the Finish button and reboot your computer if promoted to do so.

5. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright to perform a second-opinion scan and remove any remaining malicious trace files.

6. Once installed, open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.

7. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.

8. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.

9. Click the Reboot button.

Your computer should now be free of Search-Privacy.net and other threats completely; However, you can still use the manual repair and uninstall instructions below if your browser settings have not been repaired or if you think an unwanted program is still installed on your machine.

STEP 2: Manually repair your browser settings

If your browser settings have been changed use these instructions to manually repair your settings.

How to remove extensions from Safari

STEP 3: Manually uninstall programs

If you are infected with adware and other unwanted programs you might be able to manually uninstall programs from your computer. Use these instructions to uninstall unwanted programs that may have installed on your machine. If you do not find a program installed on your machine make sure to scan your computer for malware using the instructions above.

TIPS: How to stay protected against future infections

The key to staying protected against future infections is to follow common online guidelines and take advantage of reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware security software with real-time protection.

Real-time security software

Security software like Malwarebytes and Norton Security have real-time features that can block malicious files before they spread across your computer. These programs bundled together can establish a wall between your computer and cyber criminals.

Common Online Guidelines

Backup your computer and personal files to an external drive or online backup service
Create a restore point on your computer in case you need to restore your computer to a date before infection
Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs you are not familiar with
Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs from websites you are not familiar with – some websites use their own download manager to bundle additional programs with the initial download
Avoid visiting fake “spyware removal” blogs and websites that promote “spyware removal software.” These are usually malicious websites designed to phish your personal information, infect your computer with a rogue program and trick you into paying for rogue “spyware removal software.”
If you plan to download and install freeware, open source software, or shareware make sure to be alert when you install the object and read all the instructions presented by the download manager
Avoid torrents and P2P clients
Do not open email messages from senders you do not know