Do you know what Secure Search is?
Secure Search is a potentially unwanted program that connects to the Internet and that can change your default search provider without your permission. Just until recently, this extension was promoted via the reputable Chrome web store (chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/secure-search/pighdeelcfelhelmgdeiigfcppbcjenm). At this time, the installer is no longer available, but that does not stop the suspicious extension that, by the way, is compatible with Google Chrome. Unfortunately, it can be spread in a highly aggressive and malicious manner: Via pop-ups that are represented using full-screen browser pages. Furthermore, misleading alerts follow these pop-ups to convince gullible users that they must install the unreliable PUP. Needless to say, the aggressive distribution, is a reason big enough to remove Secure Search from the operating system, but there are other reasons as well.
Have you been rerouted to https://lp.securesearch.online/ pages representing Secure Search pop-ups? If that is the case, you must think if you have landed on the misleading page by accident or if you were redirected to it by malware? In the case of the latter, you need to delete malware to ensure that you are not introduced to misleading offers and fictitious warnings or redirected to random sites/pages without authorization. Since the pop-ups promoting the suspicious extension can turn the page full-screen, the user might think that there is nothing else to do but follow the instructions. In this case, you can try the Alt+F4 combination to close the window, or you can launch the Task Manager and terminate the process representing the browser. The last thing you should do is install the unfamiliar extension. One of the examples we have analyzed was followed by an alert suggesting: “Google Tracks your web searches in order to profile you for advertising. You can now prevent this by using Secure Search. Press OK and ADD Extension!” The message is bogus, but it might trick some users.
Secure Search screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Once Secure Search is installed, it should modify all searches. For example, if a third-party search engine is set as your homepage, you might find a “lock” icon in the search dialog box, which indicates that the searches are “protected” by the PUP. This simply means that when you enter keywords, you are automatically redirected to a different engine. According to our research, you are most likely to be redirected to plusnetwork.com or to search.yahoo.com via services.searchy.info. Also, Search.hr and Search.gg – both of which are hijackers that require immediate removal – could be involved as well. If you think that this service is authentic, reliable, and beneficial, you are wrong. Secure Search is redirecting you to third-party search engines to expose you to sponsored content, and since interacting with it could be dangerous, we recognize it as another reason to remove the PUP.
Can you delete Secure Search manually? We are sure that you can because this task is not that complex. In fact, all you have to do is erase the unwanted extension. What about third-party malware that might have invaded your operating system along with the PUP? If it exists, we advise using anti-malware software to have it eliminated. Another reason to install this software is that it ensures reliable, well-rounded protection against malicious threats, which means that you will not need to fear the invasion of dangerous infections for as long as anti-malware software is installed and, of course, up-to-date.
Remove Secure Search
- Open Google Chrome and enter chrome://extensions/ into the bar at the top.
- In the Extensions menu, click the recycle bin button next to the PUP.
- Select Remove and then restart Google Chrome.
In non-techie terms:
Although you might think that you are doing yourself a favor by installing Secure Search, the reality is that this “security” tool is just another PUP that uses attractive services to trick you into installing it. Once this potentially unwanted program is set, it can redirect your searches to third-party search engines, where potentially unreliable third-party content is added. That is one of the ways for malicious parties to promote their links. Whether you have downloaded it yourself or it was forced on you, you should delete Secure Search from your Google Chrome browser right away. You can use the guide above if you choose manual removal, but if other infections are running along with this PUP, employing anti-malware software might be best. If you need help making the next step, add your questions below.