Read this article in order to learn how to remove Mobisearch.co-related browser redirects from your computer and learn how to protect it against such threats in the future as well.
A new potentially harmful software has been detected by malware researchers. The “virus” aims to cause multiple different browser redirects after changing the default home pages on the often used web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera, IE). In addition to this, the suspicious software may display multiple different advertisements on your computer system caused by background processes running on your computer. This may result in a system slowdown as well as other side-effects. Since the websites to which the Mobisearch.co “virus” may redirect you to are third-party and their security cannot be guaranteed, we strongly advise you to read this article and learn how to remove Mobisearch.co PUP permanently from your computer system.
| Threat Name | Mobisearch.co |
| Category | Adware/PUP/Browser Hijacker. |
| Main Activity | Displays targeted advertisements and may lead to harmful sites. Created for money. |
| Signs of Presence | Slow computer, various different advertisements, default search engine is changed. |
| Spread | Via bundling or fake setups. |
| Detection+Removal | Download Anti-Malware Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By Mobisearch.co |
How Did Mobisearch.co Enter Your Computer?
Mobisearch.co 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 Mobisearch.co Do?
As we already pointed out, Mobisearch.co is an adware program and as such its job is to generate advertisements whenever you are surfing the web. After being installed, Mobisearch.co 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 Mobisearch.co, 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 Mobisearch.co right away.
How Does Mobisearch.co Work?
Mobisearch.co 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 Mobisearch.co 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 Mobisearch.co 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 Mobisearch.co 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 Mobisearch.co 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 Mobisearch.co in Task Manager
1) Press CTRL+ESC+SHIFT at the same time.
2) Locate the “Processes” tab.
3) Locate the malicious process of Mobisearch.co, and end it’s task by right-clicking on it and clicking on “End Process”
Eliminate Mobisearch.co‘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 Mobisearch.co 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 Mobisearch.co Virus in the search field.
Win 8/10 users: Start Button –> Choose Run –> type regedit –> Hit Enter -> Press CTRL + F buttons. Type Mobisearch.co in the search field.