Search.searchfdf.com

Posted by Max Lehmann on July 22, 2016

What is Search.searchfdf.com?

It is possible that you travel a lot and a browser extension like Search.searchfdf.com could come in handy to provide you with quick access links to directions and online map sites. Unfortunately, our malware researchers at anti-spyware-101.com have found this tool questionable and potentially unreliable. Since this search page can emerge in your browsers by changing certain settings, it has been labeled as a browser hijacker. A lot of people do not really pay attention to such an infection showing up in their browsers because they are obviously not aware of the potential risks they take by failing to act. If this browser hijacker has managed to sneak onto your system, not only can it introduce you to unsafe content, but it is also possible that it is not the only threat you should worry about. Our specialists recommend that you delete Search.searchfdf.com before the situation gets out of hand. But you should also take care of all other infections you may find on your system. Let us tell you in more detail about the potential risks and the solutions. test test test

Where does Search.searchfdf.com come from?

This browser hijacker seems to be mainly distributed over the net in freeware bundles. Before you would say that you would never download such a software package with infections, let us tell you why it is still possible. For example, you want to download a new free application, what would you do? Most likely you would do a web search to find a place to download this program from, right? But did you know that the search results can contain potentially harmful links leading to fake file-sharing websites even if you use one of the most reputable search engines, including Google, Bing, and Yahoo? If you land on an unfamiliar file-sharing site that is filled with third-party content, you cannot even be sure that the Download button you click on belongs to the page or is simply a “hidden” third-party ad. This is how most users actually download malicious bundles and infect their system with several adware programs, browser hijackers, and potentially unwanted programs.

But it is also possible that you have not visited such sites lately and still dropped an infectious package onto your system. This can happen when your computer is infected with ad-supported programs or browser hijackers. Adware can display unsafe third-party ads while you are browsing the web and so can browser hijackers along with unreliable sponsored links among the search results they may present you with. If you are in doubt about how this infection may have entered your computer, we suggest that you run a free online malware scanner to identify all infections right after you delete Search.searchfdf.com.

Last but not least, we also need to mention that there is actually a promotional page, finddirectionsfast.com, that contains some basic bits of information about this browser extension that is named Find Directions Fast. Basically, this tool offers you easy access to websites related to weather, local traffic, maps, and directions. However, this is an unreliable extension; therefore, you are better off using the built-in bookmarking function of your browsers to create such links for yourself. This makes Search.searchfdf.com totally useless, too. Do not even bother to press the “Get Started Now” button on this official page because no download or installation will start; a bit suspicious, is it not?

How does Search.searchfdf.com work?

This browser hijacker changes your home page and default search provider settings in your browsers. This is not the worst that can happen, of course. The major issue with this infection is that you cannot trust its search results. It is one thing that it redirects all your queries to a Yahoo search results page; another thing is that this page can be altered to include promoted affiliated third parties through ads and sponsored links. This would not be such a big issue if cyber criminals could not take advantage of this tool and display their own content. Unfortunately, if you click on any ads or links coming from such source, you could be taken to malicious websites. It is also possible that a couple of such pages open on new tabs and all of them can offer you a way or two to further infect your machine or become a victim of online scams. Since losing money from your bank accounts is also one of the possible versions of such scams, we recommend that you do not think twice before you remove Search.searchfdf.com from your computer.

How can I remove Search.searchfdf.com?

Finally, it is time to talk about solutions. It is not rocket science to eliminate this threat from your PC even if you are not an experienced computer user. Please follow our guide to make sure that no leftovers remain. First, it is worth trying to run the uninstaller via Control Panel, if there is any. Then, reset your browsers for best results. In order to make your computer all safe and secure, you should tackle all other infections as well. If you do not want to fight this malware war manually, we suggest that you consider using a professional anti-malware program. Nevertheless, it is also important that you keep all your drivers and programs up-to-date to make your computer less vulnerable.