MultSearch Browser Hijacker

MultSearch is a browser hijacker that stealthily infiltrates your system and takes control of critical browser settings. Once active, it replaces your default homepage, new tab, and search engine with a fake search provider — oesrchrdr.com. Users are then constantly redirected through this domain before landing on legitimate search results, such as Yahoo. While this behavior may seem harmless, it’s a method commonly used to gather user data and serve unwanted, potentially malicious ads.

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Threat Overview

MultSearch hijacker is designed to manipulate your browsing environment for profit. Instead of providing useful features, it engages in aggressive redirection tactics and tracks your online behavior. It is commonly bundled with freeware or distributed through deceptive download sites. The hijacker’s aim is to harvest your search data, generate advertising revenue, and potentially expose you to further online threats through redirects.

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MultSearch Browser Hijacker Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect Virus, Search Hijacker
Associated Domain	oesrchrdr.com
Detection Names	No current detection on VirusTotal (manually classified as a PUP/hijacker)
Symptoms of Infection	Changed browser homepage, default search engine, and new tab page; persistent redirects to unknown search engines; influx of ads; slower browser
Damage & Distribution	Intrusive redirects, tracking of user activity, collection of personal data, potential exposure to malware via redirect chains
Danger Level	Moderate
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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Detailed Analysis of the MultSearch Hijacker

How Did MultSearch Get Onto My System?

MultSearch doesn’t rely on direct downloads. Instead, it’s most commonly installed through bundled software packages, where it is hidden in the “Custom” or “Advanced” settings that users often skip. Additionally, misleading pop-up adsand fake software updates may trick users into downloading it unknowingly.

What Does MultSearch Do?

After installation, MultSearch:

• Replaces key browser settings with its own search provider (oesrchrdr.com)
• Redirects every search through its controlled engine before forwarding to Yahoo
• Collects personal browsing data, including IP addresses, search terms, and browsing patterns
• Inserts ads and sponsored links into search results
• Slows down the browser due to excessive script execution and tracking

These tactics help the operators behind MultSearch monetize traffic while degrading your user experience and exposing you to more serious threats.

Is MultSearch Dangerous?

While MultSearch doesn’t encrypt files or steal credentials directly, it poses a serious privacy and security risk. Its redirects can lead to phishing websites, malicious downloads, or other forms of scam content. The harvested data can also be sold to third parties or used to launch more sophisticated attacks.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

MultSearch browser hijacker is a threat that deserves immediate attention. Its deceptive tactics, constant redirections, and data collection methods turn your browser into a surveillance tool. Users who notice signs of browser hijacking should act fast to remove the infection. The best way to ensure complete removal is by using a trusted malware removal utility like SpyHunter, which can detect and eliminate threats like MultSearch and restore browser settings safely.

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