If your default homepage and search engine of your web browsers were changed without your knowledge or permission and your search results are automatically redirecting to Search.yahoo.com, you may be infected with a browser hijacker, adware, or potentially unwanted program.
Search.yahoo.com is a legitimate search engine owned by Yahoo!, a well-known Internet web services provider. Yahoo redirect virus (also known as search.yahoo.com redirect virus) is not technically a virus. “Yahoo redirect virus” is a term used to describe an automatic browser redirect to Yahoo search results every time the user tries to do a web search.
Yahoo Search is being abused by a form of unwanted software called browser hijacker. A browser hijacker is easy to identify because of its unwanted behavior of changing default search engine settings to a third-party search engine and filling its search results with sponsored content. It also displays annoying advertisements and collects data such as your web searches, IP address, and sites visited.
Why is Your Browser Being Redirected to Yahoo! Search?
Your browser is being redirected to Yahoo Search because you unknowingly installed a browser hijacker, adware or potentially unwanted program to your computer. Usually, these programs are associated with toolbars or browser extensions and offered through ads or bundled with other software, leaving the victim confused about where the software came from.
Computer users should always pay attention when installing new software because a software installer often includes optional software. You can choose to opt for the custom installation option and deselect any optional software that is not familiar or you’re not interested in installing.
Again, we have to reiterate, Yahoo is not to blame for the redirection. The parties responsible for the unwanted redirection have redirected you onto Yahoo’s site after funneling you through transitional domains while often collecting your data in the process. A browser hijacker’s goal is to direct significant traffic to 3rd-party websites, therefore boosting its advertising revenue.
If a browser hijacker has infected your computer and your browser is redirecting to search.yahoo.com, you may need to take the appropriate steps to undo the changes made to your browser.
What to do? Here are some manual steps that may help to resolve the issue: Remove suspicious programs or browser extensions, especially programs you don’t recognize. Reset the web browser to default settings. Clear out your browser cache and the DNS cache.
If the browser redirects persist, then it is advised to run a reputable anti-malware program to scan for, detect and remove browser hijackers, adware or potentially unwanted programs from your computer.
