5finder.com

5finder.com is a search engine that offers something every Google Chrome user might be interested in: A safe browsing experience. Although this tool is meant to filter search results and deliver only those that are “secure,” our research team identifies this search engine and the extension that introduces it as potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). It does not matter how this software enters your Google Chrome browser. What matters is that using it is not beneficial. If you install this tool, you might be tricked into thinking that you are safe online, but that is not the case. First and foremost, the search results are unlikely to be “secure.” Furthermore, unless you protect your operating system and browsers appropriately, you will not be safe no matter what you do. Whether you keep using the suspicious search tool discussed in this report or something else, you will have to stay vigilant. In this report, we explain why you should consider removing 5finder.com, as well as how to do it. If you are interested, keep reading.

The suspicious 5finder.com is introduced to Google Chrome users using an extension called “5finder.” This extension is allegedly represented by secure.5finder.com, but this page no longer works. The only installer is found on https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/5finder/hllhmnocnnpkdlonakiicfpohccpecni. Since the Chrome web store is generally believed to be a reliable source, many users are likely to install the tool without thinking about it much at all. Of course, most will let this potentially unwanted program in a completely different manner. According to our research, the suspicious PUP was seen being spread via pop-ups shown on unreliable file-sharing websites. Unfortunately, it is possible that it is spread packaged with other potentially unwanted programs or even malware. Do not rush to state that your operating system is free from malware because you do not know it. Install a malware scanner you trust, and perform a full system scan using it to check if you need to worry about anything else. Obviously, if malware is found, you should not hesitate to delete it as soon as possible. Your virtual security might depend on how fast you react.

When you install the potentially unwanted program onto your system, 5finder.com takes over the default search provider. That means that every time you search via the address bar, you are shown search results by this search tool. You can also open the search provider via the button that is added next to the address bar. Although these search results are meant to be more “secure,” they are your regular search results, and some of them might even represent advertisements or sponsored content. The creator of 5finder.com must earn money somehow, and that is likely to be done by promoting third-party websites or by selling information. Though it is unlikely that 5finder.com records and leaks personal information, it could record and leak less important data. Even though it is not sensitive, you do not want it shared with unknown parties, which is another reason to consider removing the PUP. It is most likely that you will need to delete it if you live in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, or the Philippines. It is also important to note that it is identical to the spicystart.com hijacker (installed along with SpicySEARCH). You could face it as well.

You can delete 5finder.com yourself. This potentially unwanted program operates as an extension, and so it is enough to eliminate it to have the default search provider restored too. The removal steps are not at all complicated, and it is likely that you have eliminated unwanted extensions in the past. If that is not the case, and you are afraid that you lack experience, use the guide below. It will help you remove 5finder.com in no time. Afterward, install a trusted malware scanner to inspect your system. If any leftovers of the PUP exist, you will know about it, and, more important, if other threats exist, you will learn about them too. What should you do if other threats are found? You can try to eliminate them yourself, or you can use anti-malware software. We suggest the latter option because this software can also provide you with realistic and reliable protection. With this software installed, you will not need to worry about the security of any search results.

5finder.com Removal

1. Launch Google Chrome.
2. Simultaneously tap keys Alt+F.
3. Click More tools for more options.
4. Select Extensions.
5. Click the recycle bin next to 5finder.
6. Select Remove.
7. Perform a full system scan.