Question:

How can I remove the UNIX Search malware from Google Chrome and Edge?

I have been infected by a malware that hijacks my browsers and changes them to UNIX Search, a fake search engine. I have tried the following steps to remove it, but none of them worked:

• I cleared the policies and extensions in the registry editor.
• I ran Malwarebytes and ADWCleaner, which detected a TrojanInjector and two PUPs. I quarantined and deleted them, but the malware persisted.
• I checked the browser settings and found that both Chrome and Edge are controlled by an organization that I cannot remove.

I

am considering a factory reset, but I want to avoid losing my data and settings. Is there any other way to get rid of this malware? Please advise.

Answer:

UNIX Search is a malicious browser hijacker that changes your default search engine and homepage to a fake search engine that redirects you to unwanted and potentially harmful websites. It also prevents you from changing your browser settings and displays intrusive ads and pop-ups. UNIX Search is usually installed by bundling with other software or by clicking on malicious links or attachments.

If you have been infected by UNIX Search, you may have tried some common methods to remove it, such as clearing the policies and extensions in the registry editor, running anti-malware programs like Malwarebytes and ADWCleaner, or checking the browser settings. However, these methods may not be enough to completely get rid of UNIX Search, as it may have created hidden files and processes that can restore it after rebooting or updating your browsers.

Therefore, you need a more thorough and effective way to remove UNIX Search from your browsers and your system. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Uninstall any suspicious programs from your computer. UNIX Search may have been installed along with other programs that you did not intend to download or that you did not recognize. To uninstall them, go to the Control Panel and select Programs and Features. Look for any programs that have names related to UNIX Search, such as UNIX, Search, Browser, or Helper. You can also sort the programs by date and uninstall the ones that were installed around the time you noticed the infection. Follow the instructions to uninstall them completely and restart your computer.

2. Reset your browsers to their default settings. UNIX Search may have modified your browser settings to prevent you from changing them back. To reset them, follow these steps for each browser:

• Chrome: Open Chrome and click on the three dots icon at the top right corner. Select Settings and scroll down to the bottom. Click on Advanced and then on Reset and clean up. Click on Restore settings to their original defaults and confirm by clicking on Reset settings.
• Edge: Open Edge and click on the three dots icon at the top right corner. Select Settings and then on Reset settings. Click on Restore settings to their original defaults and confirm by clicking on Reset.

3. Scan your computer with a reputable anti-malware program. Even after uninstalling the suspicious programs and resetting your browsers, there may be some traces of UNIX Search left on your system. To remove them, you need to scan your computer with a reliable and updated anti-malware program that can detect and remove all kinds of malware, including browser hijackers. Some of the recommended programs are Malwarebytes, SpyHunter, Zemana, or HitmanPro. Download and install one of them and run a full system scan. Follow the instructions to quarantine and delete any detected threats and restart your computer.

By

following these steps, you should be able to remove UNIX Search from your browsers and your system. However, you should also be careful not to get infected again by avoiding clicking on suspicious links or attachments, downloading software from untrusted sources, or granting permissions to unknown programs. You should also keep your browsers and your anti-malware programs updated and run regular scans to ensure your system is clean and secure.