SearchMana.com Removal Guide: Understanding and Eliminating the Cyber Threat

SearchMana.com is a browser hijacker, a type of unwanted software that modifies a web browser’s settings without the user’s permission. This cyber threat aims to redirect users’ searches to its own search engine, thereby generating revenue through increased traffic and ad clicks. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, the presence of SearchMana.com on your system can lead to serious privacy and security concerns. In this article, we will delve into the actions and consequences of this malware, discuss how it is detected, highlight similar threats, and provide a comprehensive guide for its removal. Additionally, we will outline best practices for preventing future infections.

Actions and Consequences of SearchMana.com

Actions

Once installed on a user’s device, SearchMana.com hijacks the browser’s settings. This includes changing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to its own URL. The hijacker might also inject various advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, and in-text ads, which can slow down the browser and make web browsing an irritating experience. Moreover, it can track users’ browsing activities, collecting data such as search queries, visited websites, and even personal information.

Consequences

1. Privacy Invasion: SearchMana.com can track your online activities, capturing sensitive data that might be sold to third parties or used for malicious purposes.
2. Security Risks: The ads and redirects from this hijacker could lead to phishing websites or pages laden with more severe malware, putting your system at risk of further infections.
3. System Performance: The excessive advertisements and browser redirections can significantly degrade the performance of your system, causing slower load times and frequent crashes.
4. Annoyance: Constant interruptions from ads and redirects disrupt your browsing experience, making it difficult to use your browser effectively.

Detection Names and Similar Threats

Detection Names

Various cybersecurity companies identify SearchMana.com under different names. Some of the detection names include:

• BrowserModifier:Win32/SearchMana
• PUA:Win32/SearchHijack
• Adware.SearchMana
• Browser_Hijacker.SearchMana

Similar Threats

Browser hijackers similar to SearchMana.com include:

• MyStartSearch
• Conduit Search
• Search Protect by Conduit
• Delta Homes
• Babylon Toolbar

These threats share similar characteristics, such as altering browser settings without permission and injecting unwanted ads.

Comprehensive Removal Guide

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

1. Windows 10/11:
   • Right-click on the Start button and select “Apps and Features.”
   • Scroll through the list of installed programs and locate any unfamiliar or suspicious applications.
   • Select the suspicious program and click “Uninstall.”
2. Windows 7/8:
   • Open the Control Panel by clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Control Panel.”
   • Go to “Programs” > “Programs and Features.”
   • Look for suspicious programs in the list of installed applications.
   • Select the suspicious program and click “Uninstall.”

Step 2: Remove SearchMana.com from Browsers

Google Chrome

1. Remove Extensions:
   • Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
   • Go to “More tools” > “Extensions.”
   • Find any suspicious extensions and click “Remove.”
2. Reset Settings:
   • Click on the three dots again and select “Settings.”
   • Scroll down and click on “Advanced.”
   • Scroll further and click “Reset and clean up” > “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
   • Confirm by clicking “Reset settings.”

Mozilla Firefox

1. Remove Add-ons:
   • Open Firefox and click on the three lines in the upper right corner.
   • Select “Add-ons” > “Extensions.”
   • Find and remove any suspicious extensions.
2. Reset Firefox:
   • Click on the three lines again and select “Help.”
   • Choose “Troubleshooting Information.”
   • Click “Refresh Firefox” and confirm by clicking “Refresh Firefox” again.

Microsoft Edge

1. Remove Extensions:
   • Open Edge and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
   • Select “Extensions.”
   • Find and remove any suspicious extensions.
2. Reset Settings:
   • Click on the three dots again and select “Settings.”
   • Scroll down and click “Reset settings.”
   • Click “Restore settings to their default values” and confirm by clicking “Reset.”

Step 3: Clean Up System with Disk Cleanup

1. Open “File Explorer.”
2. Right-click on the C: drive and select “Properties.”
3. Click on “Disk Cleanup.”
4. Check all the boxes, especially “Temporary files” and “Recycle Bin.”
5. Click “OK” and then “Delete Files.”

Step 4: Check for Malware

1. Windows Defender:
   • Open “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Security.”
   • Click on “Virus & threat protection.”
   • Click on “Quick scan” or “Full scan.”
2. Manual Search:
   • Go to “C:\Program Files” and “C:\Program Files (x86)” to look for folders related to SearchMana.com or other suspicious names.
   • Delete any found files or folders.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings

1. Open “Settings.”
2. Go to “Network & Internet.”
3. Scroll down and click on “Network reset.”
4. Click “Reset now” and then “Yes” to confirm.

Step 6: Clear Browser Cache

1. Google Chrome:
   • Click on the three dots and go to “Settings.”
   • Scroll down and click on “Privacy and security.”
   • Click on “Clear browsing data,” select “All time,” check all boxes, and click “Clear data.”
2. Mozilla Firefox:
   • Click on the three lines and go to “Options.”
   • Select “Privacy & Security.”
   • Scroll down to “Cookies and Site Data” and click “Clear Data.”
   • Check both boxes and click “Clear.”
3. Microsoft Edge:
   • Click on the three dots and go to “Settings.”
   • Select “Privacy, search, and services.”
   • Under “Clear browsing data,” click “Choose what to clear.”
   • Select “All time,” check all boxes, and click “Clear now.”

Best Practices for Preventing Future Infections

1. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and all installed software to patch vulnerabilities.
2. Avoid Suspicious Downloads: Only download software from reputable sources and avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments in emails.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Implement strong passwords and consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
4. Be Cautious Online: Avoid visiting questionable websites and be wary of pop-ups or ads that seem too good to be true.
5. Backup Important Data: Regularly back up your data to an external drive or cloud service to protect against data loss from malware attacks.