Searchersnap.com Redirects

Searchersnap.com is a browser hijacker — a type of potentially unwanted program (PUP) that takes over your browser settings without permission. It forces search redirects, injects intrusive ads, and may even install further malware. Though not a full-fledged virus, its effects can be just as damaging to your privacy and browsing experience.

---

Threat Type and Summary

Category	Details
Threat Type	Browser hijacker / redirect virus
Associated Domain	Searchersnap.com (redirects searches via Bing)
Detection Names	Classified as PUP/adware by many anti-malware engines
Symptoms of Infection	Search engine hijacked; homepage/new tab changed; pop‑ups and ads
Damage / Distribution	Tracks your search behavior; inserts ads; may download spyware or malware
Danger Level	Medium–High (privacy risk, annoyance, potential malware gateway)
Removal Tool	SpyHunter (download link: https://www.enigmasoftware.com/products/spyhunter/?ref=ywuxmtf)

---

Detailed Evaluation

How You Could Get Infected

Searchersnap.com typically arrives bundled with free programs or fake CAPTCHAs inviting you to “Allow” notifications. It often comes as a browser extension or disguised as a helpful tool. Once installed, it changes critical browser settings like homepage, search engine, and new tab defaults—without alerting you.

What It Does

• Redirects your searches through Searchersnap.com, eventually landing on Bing.com, all while harvesting your search data.
• Injects pop-ups, banners, and fake alerts that sometimes push phishing or malware sites.
• May install additional unwanted programs like spyware or other adware components that deepen the infection.
• Often resists removal by reinstalling itself via hidden extensions or background processes.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. Although it doesn’t encrypt files or demand ransom, this hijacker:

• Compromises your privacy by blindly tracking browsing behavior.
• Degrades performance with constant interruptions and heavier ad loads.
• Exposes you to risk through redirect chains leading to malicious or phishing pages.
• Can be persistent if not removed with a full system scan and reset.

Option 1: Manual Browser Hijacker Removal

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Software

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Look for recently installed or unknown software.
3. Select the suspicious program and click Uninstall.
4. Follow the uninstaller’s prompts.

For Mac:

1. Open Finder > Applications.
2. Locate any unfamiliar apps you didn’t intentionally install.
3. Drag them to the Trash.
4. Right-click the Trash and select Empty Trash.

---

Step 2: Reset Each Web Browser Affected

Google Chrome:

1. Go to chrome://settings/reset.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
3. Then, visit chrome://extensions and remove any suspicious add-ons.
4. Change your search engine:
   Settings > Search Engine > Manage search engines — remove unwanted entries and set a trusted one like Google.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the menu icon (three lines) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.
3. After reset, check Add-ons and Themes and remove unwanted extensions.
4. Navigate to Settings > Home/Search and revert changes to your preferred provider.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click menu (three dots) > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values.
2. Open edge://extensions and remove any unfamiliar plugins.
3. Reconfigure your homepage and search engine if needed.

Safari (Mac Only):

1. Open Safari > Click Safari in the top menu > Clear History (select All History).
2. Go to Preferences > Extensions, remove unknown entries.
3. Under General, set your homepage.
4. Under Search, revert to your preferred search provider.

---

Step 3: Check and Clean Your Hosts File

On Windows:

1. Open Notepad as Administrator.
2. Go to:
   C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. Look for unknown IPs or domains — remove them.
4. Save changes and reboot.

On Mac:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run: sudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Identify and remove hijacker entries.
4. Press Control + O to save and Control + X to exit.

---

Option 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter

If you want a faster and safer solution — especially if the hijacker reinstalls after manual removal — use SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Visit the official download page: Download SpyHunter

Need help with the installation? Follow this page: SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install and Launch the Program

1. Run the installer and follow the steps for your OS.
2. Open SpyHunter after installation.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now.
2. Wait while SpyHunter analyzes your computer for browser hijackers, malware, and other PUPs.
3. Once the scan completes, click Fix Threats to eliminate them.

Step 4: Reboot and Recheck Your Browser

After cleaning, restart your device. Open your browser and check if your homepage and search settings are restored. If not, perform a quick browser reset using the manual steps above.

---

How to Prevent Future Infections

• Avoid downloading freeware from third-party sites.
• Use custom/advanced installation and deselect optional offers.
• Keep your browser and OS updated.
• Regularly scan your system with SpyHunter for proactive defense.
• Don’t click strange pop-ups or redirect links from unknown sources.

---

Conclusion

Searchersnap.com is a harmful browser hijacker that hijacks your browsing experience, puts your privacy at risk, and may lead to further malware infections. Use a trusted anti‑malware tool like SpyHunter to scan your system, remove malicious extensions, and reset your browser to safe defaults. Acting quickly is key to restoring normal browsing and protecting your data.