Search Ya

The Search Ya removal guide on this page will help you remove Search Ya, malware, viruses, adware and other threats from your browser and computer.

What is Search Ya?

Search Ya is a browser extension compatible with Google Chrome and other popular web browsers that is self-described as “the best way to search.” Despite the fact that the extension may appear to be an innocuous tool, Search Ya is arranged to complete functions that internet users may consider intrusive and malicious which include reading browsing history, intercepting web searches, and modifying the existing browser settings.

The primary function of the Search Ya extension is to obtain personal information about their users. The extension first does this by intercepting and obtaining what users search for online. When a user searches for something online using the address bar, the search will briefly redirect to feed.search-ya.com, and then to a realistic search engine such as search.yahoo.com. This is an operation constructed to trick the internet user into briefly visiting their website so that they can download and install tracking files.

Furthermore, as shown in the image above, the extension has permission to read and change data on various websites include their interceptor website. This allows the extension to track what a user searches for on popular search engines. The extension also has permission to change search settings and read browsing history even while a user is in incognito mode.

The Search Ya extension is definitely not the best way to search the web.

Bundles with malware and viruses

One of the biggest issues with the Search Ya extension is that it may bundle with and/or be advertised by malicious advertising networks that spread malware, adware, browser hijackers, spyware, computer viruses, and other security threats. Simply put, it is possible that your computer is infected with malware due to how the extension is distributed.

Speaking of how the extension is distributed, the Search Ya extension is most often promoted by deceptive advertisements that promote it as something it isn’t and aggressive advertisements that force and pester users to install it. It can be downloaded through these advertisements and from the developer’s website and Google Web Store.

How to remove Search Ya (Virus Removal Guide)

Follow the free removal guide on this page to remove the Search Ya extension and use reputable antivirus software to remove malware from your computer.

How to remove the Search Ya extension

How to remove malware and viruses

How to remove tracking files and repair Windows registry

How to remove the Search Ya extension

Google Chrome

1. Open the menu and go to More tools > Extensions

2. Click the Remove button

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open the menu and go to Add-ons

2. Click the Remove button

How to remove malware and viruses

1. Download and install Malwarebytes.

2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, click the Scan Now button to begin scanning the computer.

3. When the scan is complete, click the Quarantine Selected button to remove all threats detected by Malwarebytes.

4. Reboot the computer.

5. Once the computer is rebooted, download and install HitmanPro or HitmanPro.Alert to perform a second-opinion scan and remove the remaining malware (if applicable). To download the executable file, fill out the information on their website (name and email address) and click submit.

6. Once HitmanPro is installed, click the Next button to begin scanning the computer.

7. When the scan is complete, click the Next button to remove all threats detected by HitmanPro.

How to remove tracking files and repair Windows registry

1. Download and install CCleaner Free or CCleaner Professional.

2. Once CCleaner is installed, go to the Easy Clean tab.

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