Startsear.ch Hijacker
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Popularity Rank: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Popularity Rank: | 8,197 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 18,791 |
| First Seen: | September 27, 2013 |
| Last Seen: | September 27, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The detection of Startsear.ch Hijacker on your system indicates a potential security threat that requires immediate attention. This Trojan-type threat can compromise your computer's integrity and put your personal data at risk. It is essential to understand the nature of this threat and take prompt action to remove it and prevent future infections.
Table of Contents
What Is Startsear.ch Hijacker?
The Startsear.ch Hijacker is a type of malware that can alter your browser's settings and redirect you to unwanted websites, potentially exposing you to further malicious content. This threat can be particularly troublesome, as it may not exhibit obvious symptoms, making it challenging to detect and remove. Understanding the characteristics of this threat is crucial in taking effective countermeasures.
How Startsear.ch Hijacker Operates
Malware like Startsear.ch Hijacker typically operates by infiltrating a system through various means, such as exploited vulnerabilities, phishing attacks, or bundled software installations. Once inside, it can modify system and browser settings to control your browsing experience, often for malicious purposes such as data theft or forced advertising. This type of threat can also download additional malware, further compromising your system's security.
Symptoms of Infection
Symptoms of a Startsear.ch Hijacker infection can vary but commonly include unwanted changes to your browser's homepage, search engine, or the appearance of persistent pop-ups and advertisements. Your browser may also become slower or more unstable. In some cases, you might notice that your search results are being redirected to suspicious websites. These symptoms indicate that your system is likely infected and requires a thorough cleanup.
How to Remove Startsear.ch Hijacker
- Enter Safe Mode with Networking to limit the malware's ability to interfere with the removal process. This mode allows you to use the internet to download removal tools while minimizing system functionality to prevent the malware from running.
- Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter. Ensure the tool is updated to detect and remove the latest threats, including the Startsear.ch Hijacker.
- Uninstall suspicious programs that you do not recognize or that were installed around the time the symptoms appeared. Be cautious and only remove programs you are sure are malicious or unnecessary.
- Reset your browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) to their default settings. This step will remove any changes made by the malware, including altered homepages and search engines. Note that this will also remove any saved passwords and extensions, so be prepared to reinstall or reconfigure them afterward.
- After completing the above steps, reboot your computer and perform another full scan to ensure the malware has been completely removed. Repeat the scan a few times if necessary, until no threats are detected.
Conclusion
Removing the Startsear.ch Hijacker from your system requires careful and methodical steps to ensure complete eradication. By following the guidelines outlined above and maintaining good cybersecurity practices, such as regularly updating your software and being cautious with email attachments and downloads, you can significantly reduce the risk of future infections. Remember, staying informed and proactive is key to protecting your digital environment from evolving threats like the Startsear.ch Hijacker.
SpyHunter Detects & Remove Startsear.ch Hijacker
File System Details
| # | File Name | MD5 |
Detections
Detections: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on
infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | ssBarLcher.dll | 5364af70a2ea70e710482e6ecdadb7e1 | 4,215 |
| 2. | VshareComplete.dll | e0c256256b8e4501941227e864d9ad3d | 40 |
| 3. | VshareComplete64.dll | fe23d1e6ca5b4aec373d7a692865f9f6 | 1 |
Registry Details
Directories
Startsear.ch Hijacker may create the following directory or directories:
| %APPDATA%\VshareComplete |
| %PROGRAMFILES%\StartSearch plugin |
| %PROGRAMFILES%\VshareComplete |
| %PROGRAMFILES%\vShare.tv plugin |
| %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\StartSearch plugin |
| %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\VshareComplete |
| %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\vShare.tv plugin |
URLs
Startsear.ch Hijacker may call the following URLs:
| startsear.ch |