How to remove Secure Text Search extension from a browser
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Secure Text Search?
While testing the Secure Text Search browser extension, we noticed that it displays intrusive advertisements. Apps that display unwanted ads are called advertising-supported apps (or adware). Typically, users download and install adware on computers (or add it to browsers) without knowing that it shows ads. We discovered Secure Text Search on a deceptive page.
More about Secure Text Search
Secure Text Search is described as a tool allowing users to translate text. However, it displays annoying advertisements. Moreover, ads shown by this app may be untrustworthy. They may open phishing websites, technical support scam pages, websites offering (or urging) to install/add potentially malicious apps, etc.
Another detail about Secure Text Search is that it can read and change data on all websites. Information accessed by this app may be sold to third parties or misused in other ways. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to remove Secure Text Search from browsers that have it added to them as soon as possible.
| Name | Ads by Secure Text Search |
| Threat Type | Adware |
| Symptoms | Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More about adware
In addition to showing unwanted ads, adware can change the browser's settings (e.g., default search engine, homepage) to promote a fake search engine. Adware can be designed to have features of a browser hijacker. Typically, adware is promoted and distributed using deceptive methods.
More examples of advertising-supported applications are Online Document Converters, Tin Colors, and Files Download Tool.
How did adware install on my computer?
We discovered Secure Text Search on a deceptive website instructing us to update an extension added to a Chrome browser because it might be out of date. It gets added to a web browser after following the provided instructions.
In other cases, users install adware via deceptive advertisements, fake installers, and software bundles. In the last case, users install adware alongside other software by leaving "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings available in installers unchanged.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Do not complete downloads and installations without deselecting unwanted applications included in downloaders and installers. Also, do not trust advertisements displayed on suspicious pages or allow such pages to show notifications. Download apps from official pages and stores (do not use third-party downloaders, P2P networks, third-party stores, and similar sources).
If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Deceptive page promoting the Secure Text Search adware:
Another page promoting Secure Text Search extension:
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:
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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:
- What is Secure Text Search?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Secure Text Search" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by secure text search, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by secure text search removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by secure text search, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
It can diminish the Internet browsing experience, slow down a computer, cause unwanted redirects/open various pages, and cause other issues.
What does adware do?
The main undesired feature of adware is that it generates annoying advertisements. Additionally, it can hijack a web browser and gather data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Usually, they earn commissions by participating in affiliate programs. Adware developers promote various websites, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Secure Texr Search adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can remove adware and other unwanted software. In some cases, manual removal is tricky because components belonging to adware remain in the system even after removal. Combo Cleaner removes adware without leaving any of its data in the system.
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