This post is made with the main idea of showing you how you can remove the Linkey browser hijacker from your Mac effectively and how you can make sure that it stops causing redirects on your browser.
A new browser hijacker, going by the name Linkey has been detected to be roaming around, affecting Firefox, Chrome and Microsoft Edge users. The hijacker changes the settings on the web browsers of victims, making Linkey Search the default search engine. This leads to numerous problems, like advertisements to begin popping out as redirects and other forms and many other side effects. If your browser has been affected by this ad-supported program, we strongly suggest that you remove it from your Mac, preferably by following the information in this article and cleaning up Linkey from your Mac.
Threat Name | Linkey "Virus" |
Category | Potentially Unwanted App |
Main Activity | Slithers onto your Mac and displays a lot of third-party advertisements which may even infect your PC with malware. |
Signs of Presence | Slow-down in your Mac’s performance, changed browser settings, a lot of different advertisements. |
Spread | Via bundling installers with it’s files or other adware. |
Detection+Removal | DOWNLOAD CLEANER FOR Linkey "Virus" |
Linkey "Virus" Description
As a browser hijacker, Bing.vc Redirect enters your system uninvited. Once installed, it alters your browser home page and settings without permission.
Although the search engine claims to be legitimate, malware experts classify it as rogue because it may sometimes display irrelevant search results in order to generate traffic to sponsoring websites. That makes Linkey "Virus" unreliable.
Sometimes the search results Linkey "Virus" displays may be malicious too. Thus, by clicking any of them, you risk exposing your system to serious threats which the search engine is not responsible for.
In addition, Linkey "Virus" is capable of generating multiple pop-up ads that could disturb your normal browsing activities. You will not be able to close these ads, but clicking them may also put your system at risk, as you may be redirected to unwanted and potentially corrupted websites.
Browser hijackers such as Linkey "Virus" may also have spyware capabilities meaning your browsing habits may be monitored and collected along with your personal data and then shared with third parties.
Linkey "Virus" Distribution
Linkey "Virus" could sneak into your system via free programs you download from the Web. Experts say that Linkey "Virus" may also enter your system via junk emails and malicious websites you open.When you are downloading free programs from the Web, keep in mind that they are often bundled with various PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) and malicious programs. They will enter your system if you don’t uncheck the bundling option during the installation process. Make sure you also disable all settings and features you are not familiar with.
How Did Linkey "Virus" Enter Your Computer?
Linkey "Virus" 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.
Is Linkey "Virus" Dangerous?
Linkey "Virus" redirect is not particularly malicious. However, it may act intrusive at times:- It is capable of changing your browser home page without permission and it’s compatible with most browsers – Google Chrome, Mozilla FireFox, Internet Explorer.
- It may start displaying multiple pop-up advertisements that you cannot close as they keep showing up.
In addition, Linkey "Virus" is of no value to your browsing needs as it does not even have its own database. If you try to search something via that browser hijacker, it will redirect you to Google. Why would you ever need it then?
What’s worse, however, is that Linkey "Virus" is not HTTPs encrypted while all trustworthy search engines are. A non-encrypted connection is vulnerable against attacks and malicious components can easily gain access to your system via such search engine.
As a result, hackers and advertisers can watch your online behavior, collect your data, steal your sensitive information, hack your system, etc.
How to Remove Linkey "Virus" Redirect Scam 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 Linkey "Virus" 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.
Note! Linkey "Virus" could remain on your Mac if you are not careful during removal. We recommend that you download and run a scan with Combo Cleaner now to professionally clean up your Mac in now just in 5 minutes..
REMOVE Linkey "Virus" NOW
Preparation Before Removing Linkey "Virus"
1.Make sure to backup your files.
2.Make sure to have this instructions page always open so that you can follow the steps.
3.Be patient as the removal may take some time.
Step 1: Uninstall Linkey "Virus" from Your Mac:
Step 2: Remove Linkey "Virus" from Your Web Browsers.
- Open Chrome and click on the drop-down menu at the top-right corner.
- From the menu open “Tools” and click on “Extensions”.
- Find any Linkey "Virus" – related add-ons and extensions and click on the garbage icon to remove them.
- Open Firefox and select the top-right menu.
- From it, click on “Add-ons” setting.
- Click on the suspicious extension and click “Remove”.
- Restart Firefox.
- Start Safari.
- Click on the Safari drop-down menu on top-right.
- From the drop-down menu, click Preferences.
- Click on “Uninstall” and accept any prompts.
Step 3:Run a free scan now to remove Linkey "Virus" files and objects from your Mac.
According to security professionals, the best way to effectively secure your Mac against threats such as Linkey "Virus" is to scan it with an advanced cleaner software. Combo Cleaner has the professional capabilities of detecting all threats and remove them from your Mac safe and fast.