Search.gomaps.co

Posted by Max Lehmann on August 18, 2016

What is Search.gomaps.co?

Users who download the Go Maps by SaferBrowser extension are bound to face Search.gomaps.co. This search engine is represented via the New Tab page that the extension takes over. Although it might seem as if the extension represents links to Google Maps, Yahoo Maps, Bing Maps, and Traffic, all of these links are part of the search engine interface, and you do not need to download the extension to access it. All that you need to do is enter the URL of this search tool into your address bar, and the same links will be displayed for you. The extension is set up only to represent the search tool, which is why it is considered useless. Although it is a good enough reason to remove Search.gomaps.co and the extension associated with it, our research team warns that there are other reasons to delete this threat from your PC. If you are curious about these reasons, you should keep reading. test test

How does Search.gomaps.co work?

Search.gomaps.co might look like a unique search tool for you, but Anti-Spyware-101.com malware analysts have seen a ton on lookalikes, including Search.searchlen.com, Search.yourpackagesnow.com, and Search.yourinterestscenter.com. All of these search tools are linked to extensions that are mostly compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and IE browsers. The Go Maps (or Go Maps New Tab) extension linked to the hijacker we are discussing is available from gomaps.co. The information on this website suggests that the extension can provide you with maps, driving directions, and route planners. It does not even mention the introduction of a suspicious search engine. Because users are likely to let it in without really knowing it, we classify it as a browser hijacker, and, of course, we recommend removing hijackers. According to our research, Search.gomaps.co can modify the homepage and new tab on all browsers, but it modifies the default search engine only on Mozilla Firefox. If several browsers are present on your PC, we suggest checking all of them to see if you need to delete the hijacker from multiple browsers.

The official setup of Go Maps is signed by Sail Machine, but the distributor of this program might be unknown. Although an official website exists, it was found that third-party installers could be employed to spread this extension along with Search.gomaps.co. Needless to say, it is most likely that these installers would bundle this software along with other programs, and who’s to say that they will be reliable. If you have downloaded third-party software along with the extension, we strongly encourage you to quickly scan your PC. The sooner you identify existing threats, the better chances you have to stop them in time. Hopefully, you will not discover malware, and you will be able to focus on the hijacker. Did you notice it redirecting to Yahoo Search? Unfortunately, the results shown via this search engine can be modified to serve the creator of the hijacker. It is likely that it works with third-party advertisers who pay money to have their products advertised, and search.yahoo.com search engine is the platform that is used for that. Obviously, you should remove the hijacker to avoid exposure to potentially unreliable links.

How to get rid of Search.gomaps.co

Although you might be upset about installing such a useless and suspicious program, we have good news for you. It is very easy to delete Search.gomaps.co from your browsers. Does the guide below look intimidating? Do not worry, because the steps are very easy, and the instructions are very clear. Of course, if you are having any problems, you can connect with us via the comments section below, and we will help you shortly. Once you are done erasing the unwanted extension, make sure you erase any leftover threats. If you are unable to do that manually, utilize automated anti-malware software. Do not hesitate to invest in this software because it is also capable of ensuring full-time protection, and you need this protection to ensure that unwanted and unreliable programs cannot attack without your notice. You can install anti-malware software right away to take care of all threats, or you can install it after completing the steps in these instructions.

Removal Instructions

Mozilla Firefox:

Launch Explorer by tapping Win+E keys on the keyboard.
Enter %AppData%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\ into the address bar.
Open your Firefox profile folder (random characters with the .default string).
Open the extensions folder and Delete the file named @Maps.xpi.
Go back to the Profile folder and open the prefs.js file using Notepad.
Delete the strings representing the URL of the hijacker, save the file, and exit it.

Internet Explorer:

Launch RUN by tapping Win+R keys.
To launch Registry Editor, enter regedit.exe into the dialog box.
Move to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\.
Right-click the key named gomaps.co and choose Delete.
Move to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main.
Right-click the value named Start Page and choose Modify.
Replace the URL of the hijacker with the URL of the desired startup page and click OK.
Move to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\.
Right-click the key named gomaps and select Delete.

Google Chrome:

Launch Explorer by tapping Win+E keys on the keyboard.
Enter %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\ (%UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\ for Windows XP users) into the bar at the very top.
Delete the files named Secure Preferences and Preferences.
Open your Profile folder (or Default folder).
Now open the Local Storage folder and Deletethese files:
- http_gomaps.co_0.localstorage-journal
- http_gomaps.co_0.localstorage
- https_wego.here.com_0.localstorage-journal
- https_wego.here.com_0.localstorage
Go back to the Profile folder (or Default).
Open the Extensions folder and Delete the folder named Behppkigiknjinjdhibkkeglggdhifie.