Searchbox.xyz

Searchbox.xyz appears to come from the same group of malware as Monsear.xyz, Ustarts.xyz, and Nefryhok.xyz browser hijackers. None of them work at the moment, and it is possible that the creator is operating one hijacker at the time. It is also possible that the same faulty platform is used by multiple parties to create similar hijackers. In this report, we focus on the removal of Searchbox.xyz. Although our research team classifies it as an unreliable search engine, you cannot underestimate it, and it would not be unfair to identify it as a hijacker, especially if it corrupted your web browser without your permission. The main reason our research team recommends deleting this search tool is the unpredictability that is linked to it. At this moment, there is absolutely no way to know how exactly it works, and, unfortunately, that poses a great risk. If you want to learn more about this risk, and you need our advice when it comes to the elimination process, please continue reading.

The interface of Searchbox.xyz is that of a normal search engine. You get the “Search Box” logo, as well as the “Google Custom Search” tag, which we need to discuss further. Also, you get links to Home, Contact Us, Legal, and Privacy pages. Only the Home link works, and the rest of them open a page with this message: “The requested URL /[…].php was not found on this server.” What that means is that the developer of the search tool does not want to be known, and there is no way of contacting them. Also, there is no way of knowing how exactly Searchbox.xyz deals with the information you enter into the search field, or how it uses data trackers, or what kinds of parties it works with. This kind of information is generally available via the Privacy Policy, but, in this situation, this document is not available. Although it might not look like it, that is a very important reason to remove the search tool. After all, you cannot trust it.

When it comes to the search tool, it does not work at the moment. As you enter keywords into the search field, you are returned back to the home page. What about that “Google Custom Search” tag? When Searchbox.xyz works – if it ever does or did – it uses the customizable version of the Google Search engine, but caution is required with that. Various hijackers and unreliable search tools often employ well-known names and services to confuse users. It is most likely that you would consider the unfamiliar search tool trustworthy if you though that it was linked to a well-known search provider. In reality, Searchbox.xyz simply would take results from Google Search and then, most likely, inject the links of third-party partners. That is not always safe because some parties use inconspicuous links to scam users. That is another thing to consider if you are thinking about removing the search tool. Before you get rid of it, you also need to think about third-party malware. Make sure you inspect your operating system because it is possible that you need to erase more threats.

Since Searchbox.xyz could be bundled with other unreliable programs upon installation, you need to check if they exist. A legitimate malware scanner is the ideal tool for that. If you are lucky, you will not find other threats. If you are not so lucky, you will realize that you need to deal with something else. In the latter case, we suggest following the guide below only if you know that you can erase all other active threats manually as well. If you cannot, you have to consider using an anti-malware tool. You do not need to dread investing in this tool because it will serve you beyond deleting Searchbox.xyz and other potentially running infections. It is most important that this tool can ensure protection against uninvited and unwanted programs in the future. Do you want to communicate with our research team further? If you do, do not hesitate to leave us a comment below.

Searchbox.xyz Removal

Google Chrome:

1. Launch Chrome and tap Alt+F.
2. Select Settings and then click Advanced at the bottom of the menu.
3. Move to the bottom and click Reset.
4. Install a malware scanner to check for leftovers.

Internet Explorer:

1. Launch Internet Explorer and tap Alt+T.
2. Select Internet options and then move to the Advanced tab.
3. Click Reset, check Delete personal settings, and then click Reset again.
4. Install a malware scanner to check for leftovers.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Launch Firefox and tap Alt+H.
2. Select Troubleshooting information.
3. Choose Refresh Firefox to reset your browser.
4. Install a malware scanner to check for leftovers.