“SSL search is off” pop-up fix

If you are seeing a pop-up when visiting Google Search Engine that says “SSL search is off” your computer may be infected with malware, including adware, browser hijackers, and spyware. However, even though this may be the an outcome introduced by malware, the likelihood that it actually is is less common.

The SSL search is off pop-up notification on Google appears on all browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer but appears when users attempt to visit Google.com, or other Google URL determined by geographical location.

The SSL search is off pop-up may also be caused by visiting http://Google.com as opposed to visiting their Search Engine with a Secure Socket Layer such as https://Google.com. This means that visiting Google’s Search Engine with the address https instead of http may fix your problems with this notification.

Google utilizes SSL to encrypt the connection between your computer and internet browser with Google to help prevent intermediary parties, like internet cafes, ISPs, and wifi hotspots, from intercepting or interfering with your search activities. If your internet search is not orchestrated from a Secure Socket Layer you are at a higher risk of having your activities compromised and login information stolen.

SSL does not primarily protect against computer viruses and malware; However, the Google SSL search will protect your tracks on the internet and information you input into the website like your email address and password, or keywords and phrases searched on the engine.

Many schools and organizations interfere with SSL controls therefore, must disable the SSL search on Google by default. If you notice the pop-up in this case, simply dismiss it to avoid continuous alerts.

Pop-up example text:

SSL search is off

This network has turned off SSL search, so you cannot see personalized results.

The security features of SSL search are not available. Content filtering may be in place.

Learn More | Dismiss

If you notice this pop-up do not ignore it, your computer may be infected with malware which directs your user to an unsecured layer.

1. Automatic malware removal

Use the instructions below to automatically remove malware, as well as automatically remove unwanted search engines from your installed internet browsers.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. We highly recommend writing down the toll free number below in case you run into any issues or problems while following the instructions. Our techs will kindly assist you with any problems.

1-888-986-8411
if you need help give us a call

2. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

3. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program. If you are using the free version of Malwarebytes you will be prompted to update the database, make sure to do so.

4. On the first tab labeled “Scanner” select the Perform full scan option and click the Scan button to perform a full system scan. Malwarebytes will automatically detect malware infecting the computer system.

5. Once the malware scan is complete, Malwarebytes may prompt a notice stating malicious objects were detected. Select the malicious objects and click the Remove Selected button to completely remove the malicious files from your computer.

CCleaner

CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall associated third-party software.

1. Install the free or paid 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 unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for them in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.

2. Manual unwanted software removal

Use the instructions below to manually uninstall unwanted software using Microsoft Windows removal procedures.

How to uninstall unwanted software

1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.

2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.

3. In the list of installed programs search unwanted software. Once the program is located, double click the unwanted program(s) or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button.

How to remove unwanted add-ons and extensions

Use the instructions to remove unwanted add-ons, extensions, plug-ins, and toolbars. Please note, it may be necessary to remove multiple third-party items.

Google Chrome

1. Click on the Customize icon (wrench or 3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the unwanted extension and remove it by clicking the trashcan icon next to it.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the unwanted add-on and remove it.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.

2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for the unwanted add-on and remove it if located.

Helpful Links:

• How to remove Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)
• How to stop browser redirects
• How to restore Microsoft Windows Operating Systems (XP, Vista, 7)
• How to refresh/reset Microsoft Windows 8 Operating Systems