This article is created in help of all users who want to remove Privacy Switch redirect from affected browsers and PC.
Privacy Switch redirect affects commonly used browsers to provide its deceptive search engine. It sets the domain safeservesearch.com to appear on the homepage and new tab page on all affected browsers. Afterward, it starts to push a lot of annoying advertisements all over the browser which leads to slow browser performance. The redirect can hijack browsers after the installation of a potentially unwanted program on the system. To remove Privacy Switch as well as all files associated with the infection just follow the detailed guide below.
Threat Summary
| Name | Privacy Switch |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The redirect can change the homepage, search engine and new tab on each browser installed on the compromised machine. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of affected browsers will be switched to Safeservesearch.com. You will be redirected and could see sponsored content. |
| 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 Privacy Switch. |
Privacy Switch – Distribution
Privacy Switch is considered to be a potentially unwanted program (PUP) mainly because of the shady ways used for its distribution. In general Privacy Switch hijacks the browser after the installation of freeware programs. The redirect infection may be part of the installers of third-party apps. Thus, it can be set for installation by default. To prevent all undesired additional components from sneaking into the system you should select the “Advanced” or “Custom” options where you can reject their installation.
Privacy Switch could also be delivered via advertisements, such as banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, and redirect links that land you on suspicious websites. These websites might also be partners or affiliates of the Privacy Switch and safeservesearch.com website.
A browser extension of the same name is another spread way option. The extension Privacy Switch can be downloaded from Chrome web store:
However, Privacy Switch redirect can affect other commonly used browsers than Google Chrome like: Mozilla Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer and Safari.
Privacy Switch – In Detail
Privacy Switch is a dubious search engine of a browser hijacker that is associated with the domain safeservesearch.com. The hijacker is designed to access your browser and then set the safeservesearch.com to appear on the homepage and each new tab you open. Whenever you want to search for something you will be redirected to Privacy Switch search engine as it will be set as a default one. The main page of the redirect can be viewed from the screenshot below:
As you may have noticed the search engine provided by Privacy Switch is not a real one as it just redirects to the results of reputable search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing. However, have in mind that Privacy Switch hijacker keeps a record of every search query that you make.
The hijacker can push a lot of advertisements and cause many redirects to various online offers based on the collected data stored on its servers. All these spammy advertisements can lead to slow browser performance and at worst cause severe malware infections.
Another adverse effect that may occur due to an infection with Privacy Switch is an installed browser extension of the same name. The hijacker can do this without your knowledge. As a result, the extension receives the permission to:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Read and change your browsing history
- Communicate with cooperating websites
- Change your search settings to: search.myprivacyswitch.com
- Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
- It appears that the company owner of Privacy Switch
As it gets clear the same extension is related to another potentially unwanted program named MyPrivacySwitch.com reported by our team before a year ago.
Privacy Switch – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the Privacy Switch is located on the homepage of its associated domain address safeservesearch.com. There you can learn some details about the information obtained by this website. The policy page looks like this:
Below, you can see what kind of information could be acquired from you when you are using the services of Privacy Switch:
- Search terms that you enter into the search box
- Browser version
- Browser type
- Operating system
- Operating system type
- Internet protocol (IP) address
In fact, it looks as if your searches are far from private as long as you are using Privacy Switch. Thus, you should be careful what information you input into search engines and websites. If you do not feel comfortable with the collection of all that details, you should remove the browser hijacker completely from the system.
How to Remove Privacy Switch Redirect
The detailed guide below shows how to remove Privacy Switch redirect from all affected browsers and from the PC. In some cases, the manual removal may not be enough to eliminate completely the hijacker. So be advised to run a scan with an advanced anti-malware tool. It will locate all leftovers so you can easily delete them with a few mouse clicks. Furthermore, an active anti-malware tool on the system guarantees its protection from future malware infections.
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 Privacy Switch from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Privacy Switch with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch (Windows).
Get rid of Privacy Switch from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch. 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 Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Privacy Switch, 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 Privacy Switch (Mac)
Remove Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch will be removed.
Eliminate Privacy Switch 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".
Privacy Switch-FAQ
What Is Privacy Switch?
The Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch?
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 Privacy Switch?
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 Privacy Switch Work?
Once installed, Privacy Switch 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.
Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Privacy Switch 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 Privacy Switch?
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 Privacy Switch threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.