This article aims to help you with the removal of Bravesearch.net hijacker from affected browser and system. Follow the detailed guide at the end to get rid of all files installed by this undesired program in full.
Bravesearch.net is a questionable search engine website that may replace the default homepage, new tab page and search engine without asking for permission. That’s why it is considered to be a potentially unwanted program. Furthermore, our research affirms that it is designed to collect both personally and non-personally identifiable details from affected browsers. In case that you want to prevent privacy-related issues and stay safe online, you should consider removing this hijacker completely from the PC.
Threat Summary
| Name | Bravesearch.net |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | Bravesearch.net is a questionable website that appears in commonly used web browsers without asking users for permission. Its main page may replace the homepage and new tab page of an affected browser. Its doubtful search engine may hijack the default one. |
| Symptoms | Bravesearch.net hijakcer may be set as homepage and new tab page of affected browser. Many advertisements flood the browser and make it sluggish. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Bravesearch.net. |
Bravesearch.net – Spread Techniques
As you already know Bravesearch.net is a potentially unwanted program further classified as browser hijacker. As a one it is distributed with the help of shady techniques that trick users into installing it unintentionally. One of the primary techniques is the so-called software bundling. It allows developers of freeware to include additional potentially unwanted applications in the installers of their products. Malicious intenders are also able to download free apps, inject PUPs into their installers and release the compromised versions across the net. The “extras” are usually hidden in the Custom or Advanced install options. This is why it is good to always look for these settings and select them during the installation process of new apps. They should allow you to unmark all unwanted programs before you proceed with the installation process.
Another technique that may be used for the distribution of Bravesearch.net browser hijacker is malvertising. Thus various advertising campaigns may be set to land on websites that download the undesired program and cause its automatic execution.
Frequently used web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, Opera and Safari could be affected by Bravesearch.net hijacker.
Bravesearch.net – More About Its Impact
Once Bravesearch.net hijacker gains access to your system, its code initiates modifications that affect essential browser settings. After modifications, the homepage, new tab page and default search engine of your preferred web browser may be set to display the questionable search engine of the hijacker. By setting its main page to appear each time you open the browser, the hijacker leaves you no other choice than using its dubious services.
Apparently, this hijacker is configured to generate only web search results. The search sections images, videos and news display a “Nothing found” response. This bug limits your browsing experience and prevents you from reaching all content available across the net. Furthermore, the web results you see might not be the most relevant ones as owners of undesired apps like Bravesearch.net set them to display mainly sponsored content. This could be explained by the fact that this technique allows them to monetize their free products.
So it is possible for the hijacker to inject additional ads in the affected browser as well. These ads may be of various types including pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, in-text links, new tab windows, etc. As a result of their appearance, the browser may become sluggish and completely unresponsive at times. Furthermore, you are better to refrain from visiting the promoted websites as there is no guarantee of their security. At worst a visit of a corrupted web page may result in an unnoticed installation of malware through the browser.
Bravesearch.net – Privacy Policy
The privacy policy section of each website should inform users about data collection practices applied by the website and all associated services. In the policy section of Bravesearch.net hijacker, we found that it is able to automatically collect both personally and non-personally identifiable details as long as it has access to the browser. Among the obtained details are:
- IP Address;
- Installed Browser Extensions;
- Cookie Id;
- URL Referrer;
- Search queries;
- Visited websites;
- Browsing history;
Additionally, the hijacker uses tracking technologies such as cookies, pixels and web beacons to obtain certain information about you and send it to its servers and to its partners’ servers. As of its partners:
Please note that BraveSearch does not control, does not review and has no responsibility for the privacy policies of its service providers or co-operation partners.
On top of that, not all of the company partners are revealed in the policy. Eventually, it is not known how they will operate with the obtained data. The chances are that they will use it for advertising their advertising campaigns or disclose it to other businesses. At worst hackers could obtain the data and make you a target of their malicious activities.
How to Remove Bravesearch.net Browser Hijacker
In order to remove Bravesearch.net from your PC make sure to complete all the steps listed in the removal that follows. It presents both manual and automatic removal instructions that combined will help you to remove this nasty program in full. The automatic approach guarantees maximum efficiency as after a scan with an advanced anti-malware tool you can see the exact location of all malicious files and objects created by Bravesearch.net and remove them from the infected PC. In case that you have further questions or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via email.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Bravesearch.net from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Bravesearch.net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Bravesearch.net and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Bravesearch.net on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Bravesearch.net there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Bravesearch.net (Windows).
Get rid of Bravesearch.net from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Bravesearch.net and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Bravesearch.net. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Bravesearch.net via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Bravesearch.net files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Bravesearch.net, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Bravesearch.net (Mac)
Remove Bravesearch.net from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Bravesearch.net from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Bravesearch.net from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Bravesearch.net from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Bravesearch.net will be removed.
Eliminate Bravesearch.net from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Bravesearch.net-FAQ
What Is Bravesearch.net?
The Bravesearch.net threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Bravesearch.net?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Bravesearch.net?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Bravesearch.net Work?
Once installed, Bravesearch.net can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Bravesearch.net can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Bravesearch.net Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Bravesearch.net Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Bravesearch.net how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Bravesearch.net?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Bravesearch.net threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.