Threat Database Browser Hijackers search.startpoint.com

search.startpoint.com

By CagedTech in Browser Hijackers
Published:
Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Popularity Rank: 12,242
Threat Level: 50 % (Medium)
Infected Computers: 1,777
First Seen: January 28, 2015
Last Seen: September 13, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of search.startpoint.com on your system indicates a potential security threat that requires immediate attention. This detection name is associated with a Trojan-type threat, which can lead to various system compromises and data breaches if not addressed properly.

What Is search.startpoint.com?

Search.startpoint.com is a detection name that refers to a type of malicious software designed to infiltrate and compromise computer systems. The nature of this threat suggests it could be used for unauthorized data collection, redirection of web searches, or as a conduit for further malware infections. Understanding the specifics of how such threats operate is crucial for effective removal and prevention of future infections.

How search.startpoint.com Operates

Trojan-type threats like search.startpoint.com typically operate by disguising themselves as legitimate software or components. Once installed on a system, they can perform a variety of malicious actions, including but not limited to, altering browser settings, intercepting sensitive information, and downloading additional malware. These threats often rely on social engineering tactics or exploits in software vulnerabilities to gain initial access to a system.

Symptoms of Infection

Symptoms of an infection can vary widely but may include unexpected changes to browser home pages or default search engines, appearance of unwanted toolbars or extensions, and general system slowdowns due to increased malicious activity. Users may also notice an increase in pop-up advertisements or redirects to suspicious websites. Recognizing these symptoms is key to identifying a potential infection and taking prompt action to mitigate the threat.

How to Remove search.startpoint.com

  1. Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to limit the malware's ability to interfere with the removal process.
  2. Conduct a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to identify and remove all associated malware components.
  3. Manually uninstall any suspicious programs or applications that were installed around the time the infection was detected.
  4. Reset your web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) to their default settings to remove any malicious extensions or alterations made by the malware.
  5. Reboot your system and perform another scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure all threats have been removed and your system is clean.

Conclusion

Removing search.startpoint.com from your system requires a thorough and multi-step approach to ensure all components of the malware are eliminated. It's also crucial to adopt preventive measures to avoid future infections, including keeping your operating system and software up to date, using strong antivirus protection, and being cautious when clicking on links or downloading software from the internet. By understanding the nature of Trojan-type threats and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your system being compromised and protect your personal data from unauthorized access.

SpyHunter Detects & Remove search.startpoint.com

Registry Details

search.startpoint.com may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
File name without path
http_search.strtpoint.com_0.localstorage
http_search.strtpoint.com_0.localstorage-journal
Regexp file mask
%WINDIR%\System32\Tasks\StartPoint Updater
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\search.strtpoint.com
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\strtpoint.com
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION\startpoint.exe
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\StartPoint
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\StartPoint Updater

Directories

search.startpoint.com may create the following directory or directories:

%PROGRAMFILES%\StartPoint\startpoint
%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\StartPoint\startpoint

URLs

search.startpoint.com may call the following URLs:

search.strtpoint.com