How to remove search-it-now.com from browsers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is search-it-now.com?
During our analysis of search-it-now.com, we found that it operates as a fake search engine. This fake search engine is identical to searchmarquis.com. It is worth noting that sites like search-it-now.com are often promoted via browser hijackers that change the settings of web browsers.
More about search-it-now.com
When we tested search-it-now.com, we learned that it causes a series of redirects. Upon entering a search query, search-it-now.com redirects to bing.com via search-location.com, lisumanagerine.club, and extrasearches.club. Ultimately, users receive search results from bing.com, a legitimate search engine.
We classified search-it-now.com as a fake search engine because it does not provide results. Some fake search engines may collect and harvest user data, including browsing habits, search queries, and personal information, for malicious purposes. Also, they may redirect users to malicious websites that host malware, phishing scams, or other harmful content.
Moreover, fake search engines like search-it-now.com might present misleading search results designed to promote scams, fake products, or fraudulent services. This may lead to financial losses, identity theft, or other issues. Another reason to avoid fake search engines is their association with browser hijackers.
Usually, a browser hijacker can modify browser settings, such as the default search engine, homepage, or new tab page, to redirect users to a fake or untrustworthy search engine. Also, an app of this type may be designed to prevent users from revering to the previous settings.
| Name | search-it-now.com browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Browser hijacker, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Gridinsoft (Suspicious), Seclookup (Malicious), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More about search-it-now.com
In summary, fake search engines are closely linked to browser hijackers, which pose risks to users' online safety, privacy, and security. It is important to avoid using fake search engines and protect against browser hijackers, such as using reputable antivirus software and being cautious when downloading and installing software from the internet.
More examples of dubious search engines are search-alpha.com, gobrowser.xyz, and remarksearch.com.
How did search-it-now.com install on my computer?
Browser hijackers often come bundled with free or dubious software. Users may overlook the presence of a browser hijacker during installations and unintentionally install or add it. Usually, these additional unwanted apps can be located in and deselected through the provided settings (like "Advanced" or "Custom").
Also, users may unintentionally add or install such applications through misleading advertisements, counterfeit software update notifications, alerts from untrustworthy websites, peer-to-peer networks, unofficial app stores, and similar sources.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download software exclusively from official pages or trusted app stores. Prior to downloading an app, review its ratings and read user reviews. When installing a[[s, go through each installation step and use the provided checkboxes or settings to reject offers to install or add unwanted apps.
Also, exercise caution when clicking on links in emails, messages, or pop-up ads, particularly if they appear suspicious or originate from dubious sources. Install reputable antivirus software on your device and ensure it remains always up to date. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Search-it-now.com redirects to bing.com via search-location.com, lisumanagerine.club, and extrasearches.club (GIF):
Instant automatic Mac 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 Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
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. Limited seven 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 search-it-now.com?
- STEP 1. Remove search-it-now.com related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove search-it-now.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove search-it-now.com browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove search-it-now.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
search-it-now.com redirect removal:
Remove search-it-now.com related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove browser hijacker-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the browser hijackers, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove browser hijackers from Internet browsers
Remove Safari browser hijackers:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
Change your homepage:
In the "Preferences" window, select the "General" tab. To set your homepage, type the preferred website URL (for example: www.google.com) in the Homepage field. You can also click the "Set to Current Page" button if you wish to set your homepage to the website you are currently visiting.
Change your default search engine:
In the "Preferences" window, select the "Search" tab. Here you will find a drop-down menu labeled "Search engine:" Simply select your preferred search engine from the drop-down list.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove Google Chrome browser hijackers:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable the malicious extension (if present), look for a browser hijacker URL 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:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the 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 a browser hijacker URL, 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.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and 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".
Change your homepage
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable malicious extension (if present), remove the browser hijacker URL and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your 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 
button.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users visit search-it-now.com website?
The purpose of forcing users to visit the search-it-now.com website is to generate traffic to the site, potentially for malicious or fraudulent reasons.
Is visiting search-it-now.com a threat to my privacy?
Visiting search-it-now.com may pose privacy risks due to potential data collection and exposure to malicious content like malware or phishing scams.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
A browser hijacker may have infiltrated your computer through deceptive software downloads, malicious email attachments, misleading advertisements, P2P networks, software bundles, or similar channels.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove a browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner scans computers and removes browser-hijacking applications. Manual removal is not always effective, especially when multiple hijackers are present and reinstall each other. In these cases, users have to remove all of these apps simultaneously.
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