What is SeekWeb browser plugin? — Fix Guide

SeekWeb – What is it?

“SeekWeb” search hijacker is a potentially unwanted application (PUA)¹, that is promoted as a plugin for your internet browser. It is typically shared as an add-on for Chrome or Firefox, that aids to browse some particular information, as an example, about sporting activity events, make your browser a lot more secure, allow downloading of any type of video, and so on. Also, this app adds the “Managed by your organization” feature (on Chrome browsers).

Nevertheless, the “SeekWeb” plugin is pretty useless because all such features are already built-in to your web browser and/or Windows. Such advertising mottos are targeted at low-skilled computer users, such as pensioners or schoolchildren. However in some cases even skilled users are getting caught on such a lure. In certain situations, this hijacker is spread together with free programs.

SeekWeb Search Hijacker

How harmful is SeekWeb hijacker?

Besides its uselessness, SeekWeb hijacker is likewise rather harmful for web browser utilization. It modifies your search engine to its specific – My.seekweb.com, and additionally modifies your background, adding its watermark on your wallpaper (or, occasionally, changing it to default with the mentioned sign).

Apart from seeable alterations done by SeekWeb hijacker, you might see that a number of your search questions are redirecting to the untrustworthy sites, filled with links and promotions – so-called doorway websites. Such sites can consist of web links for malware downloads. The chance of redirecting boosts if you attempt to launch Google search page by force.

But all these actions are a lot more bothersome than truly hazardous. The greatest danger, especially for individuals who have a considerable amount of confidential information in their web browsers, is installed in data gathering functionalities. Cookie files, conversations, often-visited web pages, and various other activities are easily gathered by SeekWeb hijacker.

How to remove SeekWeb search hijacker?

• Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
• Open GridinSoft Anti-Malware and perform a “Standard scan“.
• “Move to quarantine” all items.
• Open “Tools” tab – Press “Reset Browser Settings“.
• Select proper browser and options – Click “Reset”.
• Restart your computer.

Browser hijackers are often quite very easy to remove. In many cases, they have a separate app that can be seen in the list of installed apps. Because of the particular marketing tactic of SeekWeb hijacker, it can be easily tracked and removed manually. However, if you got SeekWeb in the package with a free applications, your PC might be infected with far more harmful malware – trojans, spyware or even ransomware. That’s why I’d advise you make use of anti-malware tools to delete the SeekWeb PUA and all other malware.

You can make use of Microsoft Defender² – it is capable of detecting and eliminating different malware, including named hijacker. Nevertheless, major malware, that can be present on your computer in the specified instance, can disable the Windows antivirus tool by editing the Group Policies. To prevent such situations, it is better to utilize GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

To detect and delete all malicious programs on your desktop with GridinSoft Anti-Malware, it’s better to use Standard or Full scan. Quick Scan is not able to find all the malicious apps, because it scans only the most popular registry entries and folders.

You can see the detected malicious programs sorted by their possible harm during the scan process. But to choose any actions against malicious programs, you need to hold on until the scan is finished, or to stop the scan.

To choose the action for each detected malicious or unwanted program, click the arrow in front of the name of the detected virus. By default, all malware will be removed to quarantine.

Reverting browser settings to original ones

To revert your browser settings, you are required to use the Reset Browser Settings option. This action is not able to be counteracted by any malware, hence, you will surely see the result. This option can be located in the Tools tab.

After pressing the Reset Browser Settings button, the menu will be displayed, where you can specify, which settings will be reverted to the original.

Deleteing SeekWeb hijacker manually

Besides using anti-malware software for browser restoration, you may choose the “Reset browser settings” function, which is usually embedded in all popular browsers.

1. Open “Settings and more” tab in upper right corner, then find here “Settings” button. In the appeared menu, choose “Reset settings” option :
2. After picking the Reset Settings option, you will see the following menu, stating about the settings which will be reverted to original :

1. Open Menu tab (three strips in upper right corner) and click the “Help” button. In the appeared menu choose “troubleshooting information” :
2. In the next screen, find the “Refresh Firefox” option :

After choosing this option, you will see the next message :

1. Open Settings tab, find the “Advanced” button. In the extended tab choose the “Reset and clean up” button :
2. In the appeared list, click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” :
3. Finally, you will see the window, where you can see all the settings which will be reset to default :
   

1. Open Settings menu by pressing the gear icon in the toolbar (left side of the browser window), then click “Advanced” option, and choose “Browser” button in the drop-down list. Scroll down, to the bottom of the settings menu. Find there “Restore settings to their original defaults” option :
2. After clicking the “Restore settings…” button, you will see the window, where all settings, which will be reset, are shown :

As an afterword, I want to say that time plays against you and your PC. The activity of browser hijacker must be stopped as soon as possible, because of the possibility of other malware injection. This malware can be downloaded autonomously, or offered for you to download in one of the windows with advertisements, which are shown to you by the hijacker. You need to act as fast as you can.

References

1. More information about PUAs
2. Detailed review of Microsoft Defender