Zoco Search

Zoco Search is an unwanted browser extension associated with zocosearch.com that hijacks browser settings, invades user privacy, and bundles with malware, adware, spyware, and viruses.

What is Zoco Search?

Zoco Search is a potentially malicious browser extension compatible with Google Chrome and other popular web browsers that is self-described as a tool for your browser that “lets you search the web.” Despite the fact that the extension may appear to be an innocuous browser tool like many before it, the Zoco Search extension is configured to complete functions that internet users may find intrusive and malicious.

The primary function of the Zoco Search extension is to intercept and obtain what users search for online by redirecting search results to a website they control. When a search is performed it will be redirected to zocosearch.com and then forwarded to another site such as Google.com. This way, Zoco Search can intercept what the user searched for before passing them through to a legitimate search engine.

In addition, the extension has permission to read and change data on numerous websites and read your browsing history even while you are in incognito mode.

Bundles with malware and viruses

One of the biggest issues with the Zoco Search 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 Zoco Search 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 Zoco Search (Virus Removal Guide)

The Zoco Search browser extension can be manually removed through internet browser settings. However, removing the browser extension within the settings will not remove malware, adware, spyware, viruses, and other threats from an infected computer. To remove malware from an infected computer, we recommend scanning the computer with a reputable security program such as Malwarebytes Premium or Malwarebytes Free. Follow the free removal guide on this page to remove the Zoco Search extension and use reputable antivirus software to remove malware from your computer.

How to remove the Zoco Search extension

How to remove malware and viruses

How to remove tracking files and repair Windows registry

How to remove the Zoco Search 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.