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Removal instructions for the Smart Seeker browser hijacker

Also Known As: smartseeker.info redirect
Damage level: Medium

What kind of software is Smart Seeker?

Smart Seeker is a rogue browser extension. It makes changes to browser settings in order to promote (through redirects) the smartseeker.info fake search engine. Due to this behavior, Smart Seeker is categorized as a browser hijacker.

smartseeker.info browser hijacker

Smart Seeker browser hijacker overview

On our test machine, Smart Seeker reassigned the browser's homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URL to the smartseeker.info webpage. Therefore, Web searches performed via the URL bar and new browser tabs/windows opened – result in redirects to smartseeker.info.

Illegitimate search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to genuine Internet search websites. At the time of research, smartseeker.info redirected to the Bing search engine (bing.com). Note that it could land elsewhere since redirects might be impacted by factors like user geolocation.

Furthermore, browser hijackers often use persistence-ensuring techniques to complicate their removal and prevent browser recovery.

What is more, Smart Seeker might have data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of browser-hijacking software like Smart Seeker on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Smart Seeker
Threat Type Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s) Smart Seeker
Promoted URL smartseeker.info
Detection Names (smartseeker.info) N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (smartseeker.info) 95.110.205.91
Affected Browser Settings Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine
Symptoms Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling).
Damage Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites.
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.

Browser hijacker examples

We have examined thousands of browser hijackers; YOUSearchSearch4wordFindFast Search, BestWallpaper NewTab, Scenic Tab – are merely some examples.

Browser-hijacking software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users can be enticed by it with offers of various "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as advertised – that does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.

How did Smart Seeker install on my computer?

Browser hijackers can be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware ad free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Browser-hijacking software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.

Additionally, intrusive adverts spread browser hijackers as well. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources.

Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.

Fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – therefore, we strongly advise being vigilant when browsing. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

Appearance of smartseeker.info redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):

Smart Seeker browser hijacker redirecting to Bing (GIF)

Permissions asked by Smart Seeker browser hijacker:

Smart Seeker browser hijacker asking for permissions

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:

Smart Seeker browser hijacker 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.

Browser-hijacking application uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Smart Seeker browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove Smart Seeker browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing smartseeker.info related Google Chrome extensions

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Smart Seeker" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing smartseeker.info from Google Chrome homepage

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "Smart Seeker", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.smartseeker.info) below the "Open a specific or set of pages" option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Remove".

Change your default search engine:

Removing smartseeker.info from Google Chrome default search engine

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for "smartseeker.info", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the smartseeker.info redirect, 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 extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing smartseeker.info related Mozilla Firefox extensions

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Smart Seeker", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing smartseeker.info from Mozilla Firefox homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "Smart Seeker", remove hxxp://smartseeker.info and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Removing smartseeker.info from Mozilla Firefox default search engine

In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter. Click "Accept the Risk and Continue".

In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the Mozilla Firefox switch about:config entry button button.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with smartseeker.info redirect 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 browser hijackers from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

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

removing browser hijacker from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 3 - changing homepage

In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.

removing browser hijackers from safari step 4 - changing the default Internet search engine

In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.

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 browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.

Change your homepage and new tab settings:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 2

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".

Change your default Internet search engine:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 3

To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon Microsoft Edge (Chromium) puzzle icon near it and select "Disable".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the smartseeker.info redirect, 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 browser hijackers while downloading free software sampleA browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of forcing users to visit smartseeker.info website?

Cyber criminals (e.g., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines, etc.) generate revenue through redirects to sites like smartseeker.info.

Is visiting smartseeker.info a threat to my privacy?

To a certain extent, yes. Websites like smartseeker.info typically gather (and sell) visitor data.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser hijackers are mainly spread via deceptive promotional pages, online scams, bundled installers, freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive ads.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Smart Seeker browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected browser-hijacking applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be ideal. In cases where multiple browser hijackers are present, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. What is more, browser-hijacking software may be capable of denying access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.

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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.

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