Surfer Search

Surfer Search is a deceptive browser extension that functions as a browser hijacker. Once installed, it alters your browser’s homepage, new tab page, and default search engine to redirect users to oasrchrdr.com, a fake search engine. This site doesn’t provide genuine search results; instead, it reroutes your queries to a real search engine without your consent. While the final destination may seem legitimate, the intermediary redirection through oasrchrdr.com raises privacy concerns and may expose users to additional threats.

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Threat Overview

Surfer Search pretends to offer enhanced search capabilities. In reality, it manipulates browser settings to promote its associated domain, oasrchrdr.com. Beyond redirection, this hijacker monitors your browsing activity, potentially harvesting sensitive data such as search queries, login details, and browsing history. This information may be used for targeted advertising, profiling, or even sold to third parties—seriously compromising your online privacy.

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Surfer Search Browser Hijacker Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Associated Domain	oasrchrdr.com
Detection Names	Not currently listed on VirusTotal
Symptoms of Infection	Altered homepage, default search engine, and new tab settings; forced redirects to oasrchrdr.com; possible tracking of browsing data
Damage	Privacy invasion, exposure to misleading ads and potentially harmful sites
Distribution Methods	Bundled software installers, deceptive ads, fake update prompts
Danger Level	Moderate
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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In-Depth Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

Surfer Search often comes bundled with free software installers from third-party websites. If you download apps and rush through the installation process using “Default” or “Express” settings, you could easily install this hijacker without noticing. Other methods include deceptive pop-up ads that prompt you to install updates or software that appear to be essential, such as Flash Players or browser extensions.

What Does It Do?

Once installed, Surfer Search makes unauthorized changes to browser settings. These include:

• Homepage: Redirected to oasrchrdr.com
• Default Search Engine: Set to oasrchrdr.com
• New Tab Page: Opens oasrchrdr.com automatically

Even though your search results may eventually be shown from a legitimate engine, Surfer Search captures your queries first. This allows it to track your browsing habits and display intrusive ads. These actions degrade your browsing experience and can lead to even more unwanted software or scams.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. Surfer Search is more than just a nuisance—it puts your privacy at risk. The hijacker gathers data silently, which may be shared with unknown third parties. This can lead to identity theft, targeted phishing attempts, and further malware infections. Removing it as soon as possible is essential to protect your device and personal data.

Manual Removal Guide for Browser Hijackers

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs (Windows & Mac)

Before resetting your browser, remove any software that may have installed the hijacker.

Windows (10, 11, 8, 7)

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Find Unwanted Applications
   • Look for recently installed programs that seem suspicious (e.g., “EasySearch,” “QuickFind,” “Search Manager”).
3. Uninstall
   • Click on the suspicious program > Select Uninstall > Follow on-screen instructions.

Mac (macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, etc.)

1. Open Finder and go to Applications.
2. Look for unknown or unwanted programs.
3. Drag any suspicious apps to the Trash and empty the Trash.

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Step 2: Remove Browser Hijacker from Web Browsers

Google Chrome

1. Reset Chrome to Default Settings
   • Open Chrome > Click ⋮ Menu (top-right corner) > Settings.
   • Scroll down and select Reset settings > Click Restore settings to original defaults > Confirm.
2. Remove Suspicious Extensions
   • Open chrome://extensions/ and remove unknown extensions.
3. Change Default Search Engine & Homepage
   • Go to Settings > Search engine > Select Google or another trusted search engine.
   • Under On Startup, remove any unwanted URLs.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Reset Firefox
   • Click the Menu (☰) > Select Help > Click More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox.
2. Remove Unknown Extensions
   • Open Add-ons Manager (Ctrl + Shift + A) > Remove any suspicious extensions.
3. Change Search Engine & Homepage
   • Open Settings > Search > Choose Google or another safe search engine.

Microsoft Edge

1. Reset Edge
   • Click ⋮ Menu > Settings > Reset settings > Restore to default values.
2. Remove Unwanted Extensions
   • Open edge://extensions/ and remove any unfamiliar extensions.

Safari (Mac Only)

1. Reset Safari & Clear Data
   • Open Safari > Click Safari (top-left menu) > Select Clear History.
   • Go to Preferences > Privacy > Click Manage Website Data > Remove All.
2. Delete Suspicious Extensions
   • Open Safari > Preferences > Extensions > Remove anything unfamiliar.
3. Change Homepage & Search Engine
   • Open Preferences > General > Change your homepage to a trusted site.
   • In Search, set your search engine to Google or a preferred option.

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Step 3: Check for Unauthorized System Changes

Windows – Check the Hosts File

1. Open Notepad as Administrator (Win + S, type Notepad, right-click, Run as Administrator).
2. Click File > Open and navigate to:makefileCopyEditC:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. If you see unknown IPs or URLs at the bottom, remove them.
4. Save changes and restart your computer.

Mac – Check the Hosts File

1. Open Terminal (Command + Space, type Terminal).
2. Type:bashCopyEditsudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Look for suspicious entries and delete them.
4. Press Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter to save.

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Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter (Windows & Mac)

For those who prefer a quick, hassle-free removal process, using SpyHunter is highly recommended.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Click here to download SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter

Step 2: Install & Run SpyHunter

1. Follow the instructions on the SpyHunter Download Page to install the software.
2. Open SpyHunter and run a full system scan.

Step 3: Remove Browser Hijackers

1. SpyHunter will detect all malware and potentially unwanted programs.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the detected hijacker.
3. Restart your device to complete the cleanup process.

Step 4: Reset Browser Settings (If Necessary)

Even after SpyHunter removes the hijacker, you may need to reset your browser settings manually (refer to browser-specific instructions above).

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Preventing Future Browser Hijacker Infections

• Be cautious when installing free software – opt for Custom Installation to avoid bundled malware.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups – they often distribute browser hijackers.
• Keep your operating system and software updated – outdated programs are more vulnerable to infections.
• Use a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter to provide real-time protection against threats.

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Conclusion

Surfer Search browser hijacker is a privacy-invasive threat that manipulates your browser for its own gain. By redirecting traffic through a suspicious domain and monitoring your activity, it undermines both your browsing experience and personal security. Immediate removal with a trusted anti-malware solution like SpyHunter is strongly recommended to restore your system’s integrity.