Searchonsite.com Redirect

Searchonsite.com is classified as a browser hijacker that manipulates browser settings to push its own questionable search engine. Once installed, it alters default search engines, homepages, and new tab pages to redirect users to searchonsite.com, often without clear permission. Browser hijackers like this one are used to generate revenue through affiliate marketing and ad-click schemes, while also collecting user data for potentially unethical purposes.

Threat Overview

Category	Details
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker
Associated Domain	searchonsite.com
Detection Names	Avast (URL:Blacklist), BitDefender (Phishing), Malwarebytes (PUP.Optional.SearchOnSite)
Symptoms of Infection	Browser homepage and search engine are changed, new tabs redirect to searchonsite.com, slowed browser performance, intrusive ads
Damage, Distribution Methods	Data collection, exposure to malicious content, bundled software installations, fake update prompts
Danger Level	Moderate
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

Detailed Analysis: What You Need to Know About Searchonsite.com

How Did I Get Infected?

Searchonsite.com usually infiltrates systems through bundled software downloads, deceptive advertisements, and fake update alerts. Users might unknowingly install it alongside freeware or shareware when they skip through installation steps.

What Does It Do?

Once inside, Searchonsite.com:

• Changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab settings to its own domain.
• Redirects search queries to promote partner websites.
• Tracks your browsing habits, recording search terms, visited sites, IP addresses, and even device details.
• Displays intrusive advertisements, which can lead to more potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or even malware infections.

Should You Be Worried for Your System?

Yes. Although it is not classified as highly dangerous like ransomware, browser hijackers like Searchonsite.com compromise your online privacy and can expose you to malicious websites, scams, and phishing attacks. Immediate removal is recommended to prevent further system issues and data leakage.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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

Dealing with Searchonsite.com hijacker promptly is crucial to maintain your online safety and browsing performance. Users should always opt for “Custom” installation modes and avoid downloading software from unreliable sources to prevent such infections in the future. The safest and fastest way to eliminate Searchonsite.com and restore your browser’s settings is to use a trusted malware removal tool like SpyHunter.

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