SearchingTrends.com Redirect

“Search Trends” is a browser hijacker that stealthily changes your homepage, new tab pages, and default search engine to searchingtrends.com. This fake search engine often provides no real results—merely redirecting you to Bing or other engines—while collecting your private browsing data and exposing you to potential privacy breaches and unstable web behavior.

---

Threat Overview: Browser Hijacker

Feature	Details
Threat type	Browser hijacker / fake search engine / redirect hijacker
Associated domain	searchingtrends.com
Detection names	Not currently listed in major antivirus databases
Symptoms of infection	Browsers forcibly open searchingtrends.com on new tabs or during searches; inability to revert browser settings
Damage & distribution	Privacy risks, data tracking; often distributed via software bundling or misleading advertisements
Danger level	Medium–High (due to privacy invasion and potential data misuse)
Removal tool	SpyHunter – get it here

---

Threat Evaluation & Detailed Analysis

How I Got Infected

This hijacker typically spreads through software bundling. When users install freeware from unreliable sources and use “Express” installation options, additional applications like “Search Trends” are quietly installed. Intrusive ads and deceptive pop-ups can also serve as infection vectors.

What Does It Do

Once active, the hijacker overrides browser settings, forcing redirection to searchingtrends.com. Search results are manipulated, often redirected through third-party engines like Bing. The tool collects user data—IP address, browsing habits, and potentially sensitive information—for advertising or monetization purposes.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. While not inherently destructive to files, this hijacker undermines browser functionality, compromises user privacy, and opens the door to more dangerous software. Users should take immediate steps to remove it.

---

What to Do Next

1. Download and run SpyHunter from the link above to detect and eliminate the hijacker.
2. After removal, manually reset your homepage, default search engine, and new tab settings.
3. Use caution when installing new software—always opt for custom setup and deselect additional offers.

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

Search Trends is a nuisance browser hijacker that jeopardizes your web browsing experience and privacy. Removal is critical to restoring full browser functionality and protecting sensitive data. Use the provided tool to eliminate the threat and secure your system against future hijackers.