What is OptimumSearch?
OptimumSearch is a potentially unwanted program that might be associated with a number of potential security issues. Although potentially unwanted programs seldom are direct computer security threats, they should not be tolerated if you had no plan of having them.
Scroll down to the very bottom of this description for the manual removal instructions if you want to delete OptimumSearch right now. Please note that there could be more unwanted applications installed on your system, so you should consider scanning your PC with a licensed security tool of your choice. If possible, remove all the unwanted apps automatically, too.
Where does OptimumSearch come from?
In a sense, this extension doesn’t differ from other PUPs because these types of programs tend to have official distribution sources. That’s one of the reasons we cannot say that OptimumSearch and other similar programs are malicious infections. Another reason is that these apps do not trick users point-blank about installing them. They require your authorization if they want to be on your browser. So, if you have OptimumSearch on-board, you probably missed the noticed that told you about the oncoming installation.
This Chrome extension has an official website at search.optimum.icu. It can also be found on the Chrome Web Store. With that, it looks like this extension is a useful app that can improve your overall web browsing experience. It wouldn’t be that far from the truth if only the official distribution websites were the only places where you could get this app.
However, as it is common among PUPs, OptimumSearch can also be downloaded from third-party sources. For instance, the app could come bundled with freeware, or you might accidentally trigger the installation pop-up when you browse some website that is full of third-party ads. The bottom line is that it is not that hard to avoid the likes of OptimumSearch. You just need to be careful when you encounter unfamiliar content. At the same time, it also means that this extension could be one of the many unwanted apps currently on your system. After all, such programs tend to travel in packs.
What does OptimumSearch do?
Okay, so let’s say you installed this extension, and now what? If you haven’t noticed that you added OptimumSearch to your browser, some of the modifications this app carries out might take you by surprise. And if it’s a surprise, it might seem that you got infected by a browser hijacker because this extension changes your default search engine and new tab settings. Both get set to search.optimum.icu, and then through this site you get redirected to Google search page.
The question is, why would you need OptimumSearch if you can just go to Google directly? Not to mention that the extension requires to read your browsing history in order to function properly, and it means that it engages in a type of online activity monitoring. Of course, the extension cannot collect personally identifiable information, but it could still share the collected data with third-party partners, and then this information could be used to expose you to various online marketing schemes.
In a sense, OptimumSearch is more annoying than dangerous, but the bottom line is simple: If you didn’t want the program, you shouldn’t keep it. It doesn’t look like it can provide you with anything substantial, so please be sure to remove it from your browser ASAP.
How do I remove OptimumSearch?
Since we’re talking about a browser extension here, you can obviously remove it through your browser’s Extensions menu. However, some of the modifications carried out by this app might not disappear that way. Therefore, we recommend resetting your browser to default. Full browser reset would also help you get rid of other unwanted applications that could’ve been added to your browser accidentally.
Afterwards, please consider scanning your system with a licensed antispyware tool. There could still be more unwanted programs installed on your system, and you have to take care of them all. Finally, be sure to avoid potential threats by downloading programs ONLY from their official sites and reading all the pop-ups and notifications that appear on your screen carefully. Do not slip! Your web browsing habits are also an important part of your system’s security.
Manual OptimumSearch Removal
- Launch your Chrome browser.
- Press Alt+F and select Settings.
- Click Advanced at the bottom of the page.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults at the bottom of the page.
- Press Reset settings to confirm.
- Use SpyHunter to perform a full system scan.
100% FREE spyware scan and
tested removal of OptimumSearch*
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