Secure-surf.net
is a browser hijacker that is part of a large group
of adware family. Secure-surf.net is a browser redirect program that can be
risky when installed on the computer. This adware can replace home page with
unknown search engine. This browser hijacker is bundled with suspicious free
software that you may obtain from internet, especially when visiting
questionable download sites. Similar to nearly all homepage hijacker, Secure-surf.net
is technically not a virus. Even though it behaves like a virus, it is classed
as potentially unwanted program or Adware. Once it is inside, it can perform
certain changes but it does not destroy files neither contaminate other files
on the PC. Adware or browser redirect such as Secure-surf.net aims only on
issuing ads and redirect web pages for moneymaking purposes. Once Secure-surf.net
and associated adware is installed on the PC, it directly set the homepage and
search engine to said web address.
The homepage itself is not considered
harmful, particularly if it is utilizing known search provider. Common sources
of Secure-surf.net are third-party applications, malicious links, and fake
software update. Either sources, the effect of this browser hijacker is likely
inconvenient to victim. It hijacks the home page and overrides settings on
known browsers like Edge, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Firefox. It
also alters the default search engine that victims are force to utilize Secure-surf.net.
Browser redirect and pop-up ads may also seen on affected browser from
time-to-time. However, if ever it is resolving to unknown search engine other
than Google, Bing, or Yahoo, there is a possibility that it can cause some harm
on the computer. Redirecting to dubious search portal also endangers your
online privacy.
Although, some valid programs also changes homepage and
search settings on the computer, it is mostly with mandate of the computer
user. In the case of Secure-surf.net, it alters these vital settings on the
browser without seeking for user’s approval. If you are seeing Secure-surf.net
as part of the browser, it only confirms that it is compromised. Browser
hijacking intends to replace your search engine so that it can display ads on
home page as well as search results. This can generate revenue for adware
authors. However, users have nothing to gain aside from being annoyed by too
much display of advertisements. For that ground, many users deemed Secure-surf.net
as part of virus activity. Modifications are done abruptly during the
initialization of the adware or downloaded freeware. Sadly, some free software
does not disclose these proceedings. Due to these intrusive changes, most
people suppose it as some kind of virus infection.
What does Secure-surf.net do to damage the
computers?
Secure-surf.net
hijacks your browser and redirects you to other malicious websites.
Secure-surf.net
pops up lots of unwanted annoying popups.
Secure-surf.net
slows down the PC performance severely.
Secure-surf.net
opens backdoor to install other malware.
Secure-surf.net
keeps updating and generating its rogue variants every day.
Secure-surf.net
poses risks to privacy security.
How
To Remove Secure-surf.net Browser Hijacker
Step 1. Uninstall all unknown programs from
computer control panel
For Win 7/Vista
(1) You can access the Control Panel from
the Start menu.
(2) click the “Uninstall a program” link
under the “Programs” category
(3)Find out all unknown programs and applications related to Secure-surf.net
and remove them. Note: Sometimes those malware infections may refuse to leave
and display system errors. You can ignore those warnings and continue the next
step.
For Win 8
1. Move your mouse cursor to the right edge
of your screen >> select Search >> type in Control Panel and click
it
2.Click on the “Control Panel” from the
Apps search results. In the opened window select “Programs and Features“.
In the Programs and Features window select
all suspicious programs and click on the “Uninstall” button.
Step 2. Check your Browser settings and
remove all suspicious plug-ins, toolbars, add-ons, extensions from Internet Explorer/Google
Chrome/Mozilla Firefox/Safari
For Chrome
1.Click the Chrome menu on the browser
toolbar.
2.Click Tools.
3.Select Extensions.
4.Click the trash icon by the extension
you’d like to completely remove (related to Secure-surf.net).
5.A confirmation dialog appears, click
Remove.
For Firefox
1. Click the menu button
and choose Add-ons. The Add-ons Manager tab
will open.
2.In the Add-ons Manager tab, select the
Extensions or Appearance panel.
3. Select the add-on added by Secure-surf.net.
4. Click the Remove button.
5. Click Restart now if it pops up. Your
tabs will be saved and restored after the restart.
For Internet Explorer
1. Open Internet Explorer;
2. Press Alt+T, or Click on Gear Icon in
the right-top corner;
3. Click Manage Add-ons;
4. Select Toolbars and Extensions;
5. Find the suspicious add-on and Click
Disable ;
6. Click More information button;
7. Click Remove
Besides the annoying popups and unexpected
redirect problems, this Secure-surf.net
also poses great risks to privacy security problems. Advanced cookies are added
once this Secure-surf.net begins to active itself in the system. Day by day,
the hackers can utilize the Secure-surf.net virus to capture what users are
doing online. If there is anything related to sensitive information, users are
under risks to privacy leakage. All in all, this Secure-surf.net should be
removed completely without any delay.