What is Websearch.hotsearches.info?
If Websearch.hotsearches.info appears as your home page when you launch your browser, it is most likely that you have been infected with a browser hijacker. If so, your default search engine has also been set to Websearch.hotsearches.info without your permission. If you care about your privacy, you need to know that this hijacker has already breached it by simply being present. Apart from losing the control of your browsers and not being able to start up with your preferred home page and use your favorite search engine, this hijacker also poses a bunch of threats to your system. If you want to know more about the risks it poses for you and how to remove Websearch.hotsearches.info, please read our full report.
100% FREE spyware scan and
tested removal of Websearch.hotsearches.info*
Where does Websearch.hotsearches.info come from?
This browser hijacker uses only one method to infiltrate unsuspecting users’ computers: freeware bundling. While there are totally safe and legitimate bundles out there, unfortunately, this method has become a target for schemers who want to take control of computers or simply infect them for all kinds of purposes. Websearch.hotsearches.info has been reported to be promoted in bundles containing adware and other infections via fake Java and Flash updating websites. Users usually land on these corrupt sites by clicking on advertisements on questionable file-sharing websites. In order to avoid getting more threats onto your computer, you should refrain from visiting such pages. It is very easy to click on a corrupted third-party ad or button on a website you are not familiar with. Since this hijacker may have entered your system surreptitiously, there is a good chance that you will find other malware, such as adware or worse, on your computer. In order to be on the safe side, we recommend that you not only delete Websearch.hotsearches.info, but also any other related infections you may find.
How does Websearch.hotsearches.info work?
Once this browser hijacker gets installed, it changes the home page and search engine settings without your consent. It also tries to be misleading and seem like a reliable search engine by using a Google lookalike logo next to the search box. As a matter of fact, this search tool is totally useless as it simply redirects your search queries and displays Google search results. However, it might modify the results and insert targeted sponsored links based on the information it collects about you and your online activities. Being exposed to customized, potentially harmful third-party ads and links might result in more infections or even identity theft. You can actually never be certain that a link you click on will redirect you to a legitimate website. Therefore, in order to avoid the potential dangers of landing on a malicious website, you had better remove Websearch.hotsearches.info from your computer.
How do I remove Websearch.hotsearches.info?
Since the home page and search engine might not be the only changes in your browsers that this hijacker or the additional adware apps make, it is worth doing a full reset in all major browsers, including Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Google Chrome. Please follow our guide below if you are not familiar with this process. However, you need to know that there still may remain leftovers on your system. Therefore, it is advisable to run a full system scan with a reliable online scanner to see what you are up against. If it finds any threats, you should not hesitate to install a powerful antimalware tool to clean your computer and protect it from further infection. If you need any assistance regarding the removal, please contact us by leaving a comment below.
Websearch.hotsearches.info Manual Removal
Internet Explorer
- Access the Tools menu and select Internet Options.
- On the Advanced tab press Reset.
- Tick the Delete personal settings checkbox.
- Click Reset and click Close.
Mozilla Firefox
- Tap Alt+H and select Troubleshooting Information.
- Press Refresh Firefox and press Refresh Firefox again in the confirmation window.
- Press Finish.
Google Chrome
- Tap Alt+F and navigate to Settings.
- Scroll down and click Show advanced settings.
- Click Reset settings at the bottom.
- In the confirmation window click Reset.
tested removal of Websearch.hotsearches.info*
0 Comments.