KeyGuard Web Secure

KeyGuard Web Secure is a deceptive browser extension that hijacks browser settings to promote the fake search engine keyguard-websecure.com. Marketed as a tool to enhance online security, it instead manipulates browser configurations, leading users to potentially harmful websites and compromising their privacy.

---

Threat Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Associated Domain	keyguard-websecure.com
Detection Names	Not widely documented
Symptoms of Infection	Altered homepage, new tab URL, and default search engine; forced redirects
Damage	Privacy invasion through data collection; exposure to dubious websites
Distribution Methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, bundled software installers, fake Flash Player updates
Danger Level	Moderate
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

---

In-Depth Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

KeyGuard Web Secure typically infiltrates systems through software bundling. When users install free programs without carefully reviewing the installation options, this extension may be included as an optional offer. It also spreads via misleading pop-up ads and fake update prompts, which can trick users into unwittingly allowing the installation.

What Does It Do?

Once installed, KeyGuard Web Secure takes control of the browser. It modifies settings such as the homepage, new tab URL, and default search engine, redirecting users to keyguard-websecure.com. Although this site may appear to function as a search engine, it typically reroutes searches through unrelated intermediaries, degrading the quality and safety of user search experiences.

Additionally, the hijacker tracks user data such as browsing habits, search terms, and IP addresses. This data is often used for targeted advertising or sold to third parties, raising serious privacy concerns.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. While KeyGuard Web Secure might seem like a simple annoyance due to browser redirects, its deeper impacts include potential data leakage and increased exposure to malicious content. If left installed, it could lead to further infections or identity theft through the sites it promotes.

Manual Removal Guide for Browser Hijackers

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs (Windows & Mac)

Before resetting your browser, remove any software that may have installed the hijacker.

Windows (10, 11, 8, 7)

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Find Unwanted Applications
   • Look for recently installed programs that seem suspicious (e.g., “EasySearch,” “QuickFind,” “Search Manager”).
3. Uninstall
   • Click on the suspicious program > Select Uninstall > Follow on-screen instructions.

Mac (macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, etc.)

1. Open Finder and go to Applications.
2. Look for unknown or unwanted programs.
3. Drag any suspicious apps to the Trash and empty the Trash.

---

Step 2: Remove Browser Hijacker from Web Browsers

Google Chrome

1. Reset Chrome to Default Settings
   • Open Chrome > Click ⋮ Menu (top-right corner) > Settings.
   • Scroll down and select Reset settings > Click Restore settings to original defaults > Confirm.
2. Remove Suspicious Extensions
   • Open chrome://extensions/ and remove unknown extensions.
3. Change Default Search Engine & Homepage
   • Go to Settings > Search engine > Select Google or another trusted search engine.
   • Under On Startup, remove any unwanted URLs.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Reset Firefox
   • Click the Menu (☰) > Select Help > Click More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox.
2. Remove Unknown Extensions
   • Open Add-ons Manager (Ctrl + Shift + A) > Remove any suspicious extensions.
3. Change Search Engine & Homepage
   • Open Settings > Search > Choose Google or another safe search engine.

Microsoft Edge

1. Reset Edge
   • Click ⋮ Menu > Settings > Reset settings > Restore to default values.
2. Remove Unwanted Extensions
   • Open edge://extensions/ and remove any unfamiliar extensions.

Safari (Mac Only)

1. Reset Safari & Clear Data
   • Open Safari > Click Safari (top-left menu) > Select Clear History.
   • Go to Preferences > Privacy > Click Manage Website Data > Remove All.
2. Delete Suspicious Extensions
   • Open Safari > Preferences > Extensions > Remove anything unfamiliar.
3. Change Homepage & Search Engine
   • Open Preferences > General > Change your homepage to a trusted site.
   • In Search, set your search engine to Google or a preferred option.

---

Step 3: Check for Unauthorized System Changes

Windows – Check the Hosts File

1. Open Notepad as Administrator (Win + S, type Notepad, right-click, Run as Administrator).
2. Click File > Open and navigate to:makefileCopyEditC:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. If you see unknown IPs or URLs at the bottom, remove them.
4. Save changes and restart your computer.

Mac – Check the Hosts File

1. Open Terminal (Command + Space, type Terminal).
2. Type:bashCopyEditsudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Look for suspicious entries and delete them.
4. Press Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter to save.

---

Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter (Windows & Mac)

For those who prefer a quick, hassle-free removal process, using SpyHunter is highly recommended.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Click here to download SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter

Step 2: Install & Run SpyHunter

1. Follow the instructions on the SpyHunter Download Page to install the software.
2. Open SpyHunter and run a full system scan.

Step 3: Remove Browser Hijackers

1. SpyHunter will detect all malware and potentially unwanted programs.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the detected hijacker.
3. Restart your device to complete the cleanup process.

Step 4: Reset Browser Settings (If Necessary)

Even after SpyHunter removes the hijacker, you may need to reset your browser settings manually (refer to browser-specific instructions above).

---

Preventing Future Browser Hijacker Infections

• Be cautious when installing free software – opt for Custom Installation to avoid bundled malware.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups – they often distribute browser hijackers.
• Keep your operating system and software updated – outdated programs are more vulnerable to infections.
• Use a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter to provide real-time protection against threats.

---

Conclusion

KeyGuard Web Secure poses a significant privacy and security risk. Disguised as a legitimate browser tool, it quietly hijacks browser settings, collects user data, and leads users to suspicious websites. Prompt removal is strongly recommended to regain control of your browser and protect your personal information.