SearchG Hijacker

If you’re suddenly seeing SearchG as your homepage or default search engine—and no matter how many times you reset it, it keeps coming back—you’re dealing with a browser hijacker. These threats override your preferences, lock settings, and inject unwanted redirects, all while hiding in the background. Fortunately, SearchG isn’t unstoppable. With the right steps, you can fully remove it and reclaim your browser.

---

Threat Summary

Threat Type	Browser Hijacker
Associated Domain	searchg.surf (or similar)
Detection Names	PUA:Win32/BrowserModifier, Adware.SearchHijack, Hijack.SearchG
Symptoms	Redirected searches, homepage changed, “Managed by your organization” in Chrome
Damage & Distribution	Alters browser policies, may sync across devices, often bundled with freeware
Danger Level	Moderate
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

---

What SearchG Changes in Your Browser

SearchG hijacker modifies your browser’s core settings:

• Homepage and new tab page are forcibly set to its custom domain (usually searchg.surf)
• Default search engine is replaced, so your queries route through their redirect engine
• In Chrome or Edge, you may see the “Managed by your organization” message, even on personal devices
• It may block or re-enable removed extensions, reinstall itself through policy files, or restore settings using browser sync

These changes are more than just annoying—they’re engineered to control traffic flow, harvest data, and push ads or even more dangerous payloads.

---

How SearchG Hijacked Your Homepage

SearchG doesn’t install like a normal app. Instead, it typically arrives through:

• Bundled software installers (especially free tools or cracked apps)
• Malicious extensions from unofficial Chrome Web Store clones or sideloaded add-ons
• Fake software updates or deceptive ads posing as downloads
• Browser sync features that pull infected settings from another device

Once installed, it modifies your browser policies using system-level registry entries (on Windows) or profile-level configuration files (on macOS and Linux), making manual removal harder.

---

Will SearchG Steal My Data?

While SearchG is not a virus or ransomware, it poses privacy and security risks:

• Redirected search results may track your queries and behavior
• Pages you visit can be replaced with sponsored or affiliate links
• It may collect IP address, browser version, installed extensions, and cookies
• Long-term exposure to these hijackers can lead to exposure to more serious threats like credential phishing or malware downloaders

If left alone, SearchG can also serve as a foothold for other threats to exploit your system.

---

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: Clean Your Browser and Regain Control

SearchG might look like a harmless change to your search engine, but under the hood, it rewires your browser to work against you. The longer it stays active, the more damage it can do—whether it’s tracking your habits, rerouting your clicks, or bringing in more junkware. Fortunately, with the right tools and careful cleanup, you can eliminate it completely and stop it from ever coming back.