If your web browser’s home page has unexpectedly changed to a search page you’ve never heard of, or if you find that the default search engine in your browser’s search bar has redirected you to a completely different search engine like Cybersearch.xyz, you may be a victim of a browser redirect virus.
“Browser redirect virus” is a descriptive term used to describe a browser hijacker. A browser hijacker is a type of unwanted software that is designed to modify your browser’s settings, change your default homepage and search engine, and redirect your Internet searches to random websites. The developers who create and distribute such unwanted software do so to generate advertising revenue by displaying unwanted pop-ups, injecting ads directly into the browser, and diverting online visitors to websites that are heavy with advertisements and sponsored content.
The “Cyber Search” browser extension and its website cybersearch.xyz is associated with browser hijackers, adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Once the “Cyber Search” browser extension is installed, it may change the default search engine without a user’s permission or knowledge to redirect search traffic to cybersearch.xyz, enable the “Managed by your organization” feature to the Google Chrome and Safari browsers, and track browsing data such as geolocations, IP addresses, search queries, and web pages visited.
How Do Browser Hijackers Get on Your PC
Often, users unknowingly download and install programs such as Cyber Search. Although most browser hijackers are usually distributed via bundles of free software, pirated or cracked software, torrent websites, and spam emails, the “Cyber search” browser extension is administered via a phony Adobe Flash player installer.
In most cases, questionable search engines like cybersearch.xyz will display results generated by other search engines. When using the Chrome browser, cybersearch.xyz redirects the user to bing.com (where it shows the search results generated by Bing). For the Safari browser, it redirects the user to webcrawler.com (where it shows the search results generated by other questionable search engines).
It’s a good rule of thumb to evaluate free software and file-sharing programs before downloading them. Always read the installation steps, available checkboxes and read terms of service or agreement carefully when installing third-party programs (even from trusted sources). If you click on the “Advanced” or “Manual” checkbox during the installation process, you will see many options you can deselect to download or not to download additional software, such as a search bar or toolbar.
How Do You Delete Cybersearch.xyz
If a browser hijacker has infected your computer and your browser is redirecting to cybersearch.xyz, you may need to take the appropriate steps to undo the changes made to your browser.
What to do? Here are some manual steps that may help to resolve the issue: Remove suspicious programs or browser extensions, especially programs you don’t recognize. Reset the web browser to default settings. Clear out your browser cache and the DNS cache.
If the browser redirects persist, then it is advised to run a reputable anti-malware program to scan for, detect and remove browser hijackers, adware or potentially unwanted programs from your computer.
