Y2mate.nu Hijacker

If your homepage or search engine changed to Y2mate.nu, your browser has been hijacked

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Y2mate.nu Browser Hijacker – Quick Overview

Threat Type	Browser Hijacker
Associated Domain	y2mate.nu
Detection Names	PUP.Optional.Y2mate, BrowserModifier:Win32/Y2mate, Adware.Y2mate, etc.
Symptoms	Homepage and search redirect to y2mate.nu, browser slowdowns, pop-up ads, push notification abuse
Damage & Distribution	Alters browser settings, tracks browsing activity, bundled with freeware or fake video converters
Danger Level	Medium – intrusive, tracks data, redirects to potentially harmful content

👉 SpyHunter Removal Tool → Download SpyHunter to Remove Y2mate.nu

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What Y2mate.nu Changes in Your Browser

Once installed, Y2mate.nu hijacks your browser settings. It replaces your homepage, new tab page, and default search engine with its own domain. You’ll notice that every time you open your browser or search the web, you’re redirected to Y2mate.nu or one of its affiliated ad networks.

The hijacker may also install unwanted browser extensions to maintain control, making it harder to revert changes. In some cases, it bombards you with pop-up ads, banners, and even fake alerts urging you to install shady software or allow push notifications.

These changes happen without proper consent and are designed to generate revenue through pay-per-click ads and user tracking.

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How Y2mate.nu Hijacked Your Homepage

Y2mate.nu usually comes bundled with free downloads—especially video converters, download managers, or “YouTube to MP4” tools. These programs often include hidden offers to install third-party components, including browser hijackers.

The hijacker can also get installed through fake update prompts or deceptive ads that trick users into clicking “Allow” on browser notification pop-ups. Once permission is granted, it gains control over your browser experience.

In some cases, you may not even recall installing anything suspicious—because the hijacker piggybacks on what looks like a harmless tool.

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Will Y2mate.nu Steal My Data?

Y2mate.nu isn’t ransomware or a banking trojan, but it absolutely collects user data. It tracks your:

• Search queries
• Visited websites
• Clicked ads
• IP address
• Browser version and type

This data is often shared with advertisers or third parties to deliver targeted ads—or worse, redirect you to malicious websites loaded with scams or other malware.

Some versions of this hijacker also abuse browser push notifications to display spam-like messages even when your browser is closed.

While it doesn’t encrypt your files or hack your webcam, it poses a real privacy risk and opens the door to more serious infections.

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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.

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Conclusion

Y2mate.nu may look like just a search engine, but behind the scenes, it’s a browser hijacker that compromises your browser settings and privacy. While it doesn’t act like classic malware, its redirects and tracking behavior can put your data and system at risk.

If your browser is behaving strangely, don’t ignore the signs—remove Y2mate.nu immediately and take steps to protect your system going forward.