What is Search.startnow.com?
Search.startnow.com is a browser hijacker which can lead to malicious effects on your web browser.
Search.startnow.com extension targets major web browsers including Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Rather than performing the functions promised, it causes unwanted redirects and gathers your sensitive data. Its only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers.
When installed, this browser hijacker changes the search provider, new tab page, default search engine and homepage to http://search.startnow.com.
Users are not able to revert these changes and returning the browsers to their previous states becomes impossible. Hence, get rid of Search.startnow.com browser hijacker immediately.
Search.startnow.com is a creepy adware which when gets activated, makes changes to the existing settings of your web browsers without your permission. Security researchers have noticed that Search.startnow.com is a deceptive extension and contains malicious scripts.
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How Search.startnow.com Enters your System?
Search.startnow.com can creep into your system through any of the following methods:
- It can get into your browser through browser stores or official web pages.
- It is widely distributed through intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called bundling (freeware and shareware programs).
- It gets into your system through compromised or malicious websites.
- It can infect your system through social networking websites which incite the users to click on malicious ads. This method is known as Social Clickjacking.
- It can get into your computer through malevolent email attachments and URLs.
- It can enter your browser through P2P File Sharing methods and Torrents.
What are the Harmful Effects of Search.startnow.com?
Search.startnow.com can lead to the following malicious effects on your system and web browsers:
- It consumes high CPU resource and lowers down your overall PC performance.
- It causes the occurrence of fake alert messages and notifications.
- It can lead to irrelevant web search redirections and highly affects your web browsing experience.
- It collects your browsing information and data such as IP addresses, banking details, passwords, etc.
- It displays advertising banners on the web pages you are visiting.
- It installs other adware programs without the user’s knowledge.
How To Remove Search.startnow.com Browser Hijacker?
Follow the given Search.startnow.com Removal Process to get rid of the malicious extension.
You can easily remove Search.startnow.com with Search.startnow.com cleaner tool. Use a reputed and automated free malware removal tool to delete Search.startnow.com permanently from your system.
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How to Prevent Installation of Browser Hijackers, Browser Extensions and Adware in Future?
Follow the given steps while installing freeware programs to avoid the installation of unnecessary browser hijackers, browser extensions and adware:
- Be more vigilant while downloading & installing free programs.
- Make sure that the desired application program is coming from an official website or some reliable source.
- Opt out of any extra add-ons, plug-ins or extensions included in the program.
- While installing a freeware software or any free online game, please read the license agreement section and all the terms and conditions carefully.
- If you are not able to read the complete terms and conditions, then while installing the freeware application, if the installation offers you “custom and automatic installation”, it is always recommended that you select the custom installation as this would disclose all the other programs that might get installed along with the freeware program.
- If you see any additional add-ons or toolbars checked with the freeware program, then remember to uncheck them as this would avoid the installation of browser hijackers, browser extensions and adware.
After successfully eliminating the malicious browser hijacker, make sure to create a robust firewall to avoid any such issue that makes our system and privacy vulnerable to various online threats.
Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System:
- Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads on the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cybercriminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs.
So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc. and Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla, and IE
- Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update.By doing this you can keep your device free from virus.According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
- Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection.Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like ITL Total Security or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Virus RemovalTool
