Guide to remove BitcoinPricesearch Browser Hijacker

How to Remove BitcoinPricesearch redirect?

BitcoinPricesearch redirect is a malicious browser extension that initiates its inbuilt behavior pattern once infiltrated in the system. The threat is customizable and adapts its actions depending on the host. For instance this malware is configured to collect user confidential information which comprises of:

Personal Data: Personal identifiable data comprises of username, passwords, address, phone number, areas of interests etc. This data can be used to exposes victim’s identity and extort them.

Campaign Metrics (Hardware): This includes information about installed hardware components, Operating system, system settings, regional settings etc. of victimized PC. This information helps attackers to optimize the ongoing and any future attacks on the system.

The Browser Hijacker is configured to establish a network connection of the infected PC with hacker server. This allows cyber criminals to spy on the users in real-time and deploy additional threats or take over control of the vulnerable machine at any given point of time.

Other threats posed by BitcoinPricesearch redirect include:

1. Browser Modifications: This nasty system infection alters browser settings and replaces the home page, search engine and new tab page with its own. This ruins user browsing experience as the user search results are modified directing them to sponsored web pages. The infection is also deployed to redirect users to hacker controlled websites. This makes the system susceptible to other infections and poses a threat to user privacy and security.
2. Registry Modification: BitcoinPriceSearch invades system registries. This launches the infection as a soon as soon as the system is booted. Other changes made by the malware to the victim’s operating system make it impossible for users to enter into boot recovery menu. This renders malware manual removal guide non- working.
3. Sieges browser screen with intrusive ads and pop –ups: The malware pervasively tracks important information related to user identity and stores it in a database. The information it captures include:

Name

Address

System cache

Login frequency

Email address

Phone Number

This information is sold to third parties who could use it to display engaging ads or pop-ups to promote their brands or websites and earn revenue. Victim’s personal details could also be used to exploit their identity or extort them.

How is BitcoinPricesearch redirect installed in the system?

Hackers utilize all common distribution tactics in order to install BitcoinPricesearch in the system and increase the number of target hosts.

• Browser extension repositories: The source code of the nasty system infection is added to the Browser extension repository using fake developer’s credentials. The malware extension is marketed by providing fake reviews to confuse victims and persuade the download of this falsely assumed legitimate and useful tool.
• Spam Email Attachment: BitcoinPriceSearch Browser Hijacker is distributed via 2 types of spam email attachments:

Infected Software installers: Developers make use of popular software installers to distribute the malware. The virus code is embedded in the payload of legitimate popular installers. When the users click on the attachment to download the installer, their system becomes a victim of this nasty software infection.

Infected Documents: Macros by default is disabled in Microsoft files. When users without paying attention to email specs download spam email attachments that comprise of text files, excel, word, spread sheets etc, they are prompted to enable macros. When this is done the pernicious system infection follows.

• Malevolent Websites, ads and Pop ups: Hackers deceive users by masquerading legitimate popular websites and file sharing networks like BitTorrent to distribute the malware in the system.

Once the browser plug-in is downloaded, an inline notification appears that seeks for the following permissions from the users:

• Manage your apps, extension and themes
• Replace the page you see when opening a new tab
• Read and change all your data on the websites you visit.
• Manage your downloads

It is therefore advised to remove the malware from the system as soon as it is detected to avoid your system from being invaded.

Threat Summary

Name: BitcoinPricesearch

Browsers Affected: Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox

Targeted Operating System: Windows

Category: Browser Hijacker

Symptoms:  Homepage, new tab and search engine are replaced with BitcoinPriceSearch. Appearance of sponsored ads and pop-ups, Registry Modification, unnatural network activities, occasional sluggishness of the infected device.

Steps to remove BitcoinPricesearch redirect manually from windows and your Browser

Note: Before we begin, try to remember how the extension got downloaded  on your computer system. Generally, these programs come bundled with free applications that we download off the internet. It is a good practice to locate and uninstall such programs while removing the Browser Hijacker/ Extensions.

Tips to prevent your computer system from getting infected –

1. Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
2. Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
3. Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
4. Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
5. Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like Sophos and Vipre so that it remains safe.
6. Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.

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