This material is made to perform two actions – explain to you more about Hao123.com and show you how to remove it effectively and protect your computer from such apps in the future.
A search engine that has been reportedly associated with a browser hijacking software has been reported by malware researchers. The search engine, named Hao123.com has been detected to use tracking technologies and cause browser redirects to third-party websites to which the user is not familiar with. The app slithers onto your computer via bundled downloads and having it may eventually lead to higher consequences for you, primarily related to damaging of your OS and even malware. So, if you have this search engine as default and are wondering how to remove it effectively, read this post and follow the instructions in it.
| Threat Name | Hao123.com |
| Category | Browser Hijacker/Adware |
| Main Activity | Slithers onto your computer and then displays custom advertisements, collects data and causes browser redirect to suspicious third-party sites. |
| Signs of Presence | Slow computer, a lot of advertisements of fake software and browser redirects. |
| Spread | Via bundling and other adware. |
| Detection+Removal | DOWNLOAD REMOVAL TOOL FOR Hao123.com |
How Did Hao123.com Enter Your Computer?
Hao123.com infiltrates your system like most browser redirects do – via freeware. Freeware includes all programs, tools, add-ons out there that are available for a free download.Since the creators of the free programs need to get paid after all, they insert various software components that enter your system while you think you are downloading only the free program. Such unwanted components then are capable of generating revenue for third parties via the Pay-Per-Click method. To avoid letting unwanted programs enter you computer, be extra cautious during the installation process of the freeware. Uncheck all previously selected boxes such as “recommended settings”, for example. Choose only the “custom” option and that is how you’ll not end up with various unwanted pieces of software, some of which may be malicious too.
What Does Hao123.com Do?
As we already pointed out, Hao123.com is an adware program and as such its job is to generate advertisements whenever you are surfing the web. After being installed, Hao123.com attaches a browser extension to Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome, depending on which one you are using. This is how it is able to present the ads.
Another thing it will do is to gather information on your browsing. Anything from your IP address to browsing history, search queries, cookies, etc. This is how it is able to display ads relevant to each user’s preferences. This way, it is more likely that users will click on the ads, which will bring higher revenue for the developers of the program.
There is a huge downside to adware programs such as Hao123.com, however, and it is not the fact that the advertisements will annoy you. There is some chance that not all advertisements are genuine. Some may lead to phishing or malicious websites. This will not be good for your computer’s security as it will be at risk of getting infected. And any data that you store on it may be stolen. This is why adware should not be trusted. And it is best to remove Hao123.com right away.
How Does Hao123.com Work?
Hao123.com is developed to serve sponsoring third parties by generating traffic and sales for them. The way this is done, however, is not at the best interest of the user.Once Hao123.com enters your system, it will slow down your Internet connection and your browser may start crashing. In addition, it may start generating multiple pop-ups advertising various product discounts that you will not be able to shut down. In fact, clicking them may redirect you to malicious websites that could further infect your system.
Ad-supported programs like Hao123.com are usually capable of “spying” on the users’ activities. They monitor their browsing routine and collect that information along with some personal data. They may share it with the sponsoring third parties in order to help them personalize the ads and display products and services the users have previously searched for.
The problem, however, is that the collected personal data may fall into the hands of cyber criminals (accidentally or not), thus exposing your system to greater threats.
How to Remove Hao123.com Redirect from Your Computer
Removing a program that is of no use to you is a must. As explained above, it does not only not bring value to you, but it also makes your computer vulnerable to cyber threats and on top – it acts intrusive and may annoy you with unwanted redirects and constant pop-ups.
Removing Hao123.com redirect manually from your system is possible to do, but if you are not certain how to do it, it’s best to use a reliable anti-malware tool for that purpose. Problem is, if you don’t manage to remove it completely, it may continue displaying unwanted pop-ups. Such programs are quite resistant and hard to remove by those who are not tech-savvy, while the anti-malware tool will scan your whole system, detect all malicious components and remove them instantly and completely.
Booting in Safe Mode
For Windows:
1) Hold Windows Key and R
2) A run Window will appear, in it type “msconfig” and hit Enter
3) After the Window appears go to the Boot tab and select Safe Boot
Cut out Hao123.com in Task Manager
1) Press CTRL+ESC+SHIFT at the same time.
2) Locate the “Processes” tab.
3) Locate the malicious process of Hao123.com, and end it’s task by right-clicking on it and clicking on “End Process”
Eliminate Hao123.com‘s Malicious Registries
For most Windows variants:
1) Hold Windows Button and R.
2) In the “Run” box type “Regedit” and hit “Enter”.
3) Hold CTRL+F keys and type Hao123.com or the file name of the malicious executable of the virus which is usually located in %AppData%, %Temp%, %Local%, %Roaming% or %SystemDrive%.
4) After having located malicious registry objects, some of which are usually in the Run and RunOnce subkeys delete them ermanently and restart your computer. Here is how to find and delete keys for different versions.
For Windows 7: Open the Start Menu and in the search type and type regedit –> Open it. –> Hold CTRL + F buttons –> Type Hao123.com Virus in the search field.
Win 8/10 users: Start Button –> Choose Run –> type regedit –> Hit Enter -> Press CTRL + F buttons. Type Hao123.com in the search field.