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How to remove the Secure Color Search adware-type browser extension

Also Known As: Ads by Secure Color Search
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Secure Color Search?

Secure Color Search is a browser extension that our research team found while inspecting dubious download pages. This extension allows users to select a color on a website and learn its HEX, RGB, and HSV codes. However, our analysis revealed that Secure Color Search operates as adware.

Secure Color Search adware asking for permissions

Secure Color Search adware overview

Advertising-supported software displays various ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The advertisements promote unreliable/harmful pages and software, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements are capable of downloading/installing software stealthily - once clicked on.

Note that any legitimate products encountered via these adverts are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It must be mentioned that adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether Secure Color Search delivers ads - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

What is more, Secure Color Search has data tracking functionalities. Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like Secure Color Search on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Secure Color Search
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Secure Color Search
Supposed Functionality Providing color codes on areas selected on a website
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Adware examples

We have analyzed countless adware samples; DrinkerPop Out PlayerFine Video Tuning, and Best Files Downloader are merely some of our latest finds.

This software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into download/installation with various features, which are seldom operational. Even if the functionalities work, it does not change the fact that advertising-supported software threatens device integrity and user privacy.

How did Secure Color Search install on my computer?

We acquired Secure Color Search from a questionable download webpage. Adware is also endorsed through scam websites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by sites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

Additionally, adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.

We advise exercising caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear legitimate yet redirect to dubious sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Secure Color Search, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of Secure Color Search adware's functionality:

Secure Color Search adware feature appearance

Screenshot of the website used to promote Secure Color Search adware:

Website promoting Secure Color Search adware

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Secure Color Search adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Secure Color Search adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Secure Color Search", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Secure Color Search ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Secure Color Search adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove Secure Color Search adware using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Secure Color Search  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Secure Color Search", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Secure Color Search ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by secure color search, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Secure Color Search ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Secure Color Search".

Removing Secure Color Search ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by secure color search removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by secure color search, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by secure color search or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It also poses a threat to user privacy, as advertising-supported software typically has data tracking abilities. Adware-displayed ads can be hazardous and cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. This software may also be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, services, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Secure Color Search adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by Secure Color Search QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Secure Color Search on your mobile device.
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