Is SearchAssist Virus? Should I Remove SearchAssist?

       

Is SearchAssist Virus?

Recently, many PC users have been plagued by SearchAssist. Most people think that searchassist is virus simply because they don’t remember downloading Search Assist and they detect unpleased scenario. As a matter of fact, there are many programs and applications out there that can be installed without permission or unwittingly just like searchassist. Global PC Support Center would like to inform wide range of PC users that searchassist is not a virus in a responsible manner. Its infiltration way would differentiate it from virus.


Infiltration Way
SearchAssist has been found to be bundled with third-party programs such as freeware and shareware. In the event that carelessness is taken in the middle of installation, searchassist can sneak in unwittingly. When in, it exerts BHO technique and JS technique to insert its launcher in system configuration as well as control the browser to allow its popping up rather than replicating itself to affect driver and some other kernel part.

Should I Remove SearchAssist?

SearchAssist is, strictly speaking, an advertising platform to promote sales. However, extra attention should be paid to the popup ad. Other modifications must have been made to system configuration so as to keep itself stay on the target machine without being removed easily. Such modification would weaken the target machine to the degree where can be attacked by infections readily.

Once being attacked, JS and BHO techniques will be utilized to load down baleful components without knowledge and record log-in credentials without authorization. As a consequence, additional programs like Windows Antivirus Suite will be caught to be installed to consume more CPU and further damage the target machine, accounts are used by cyber criminals to send away vicious codes in your name for a broader spread, information will be collected without knowledge and uploaded for money generated by resale, etc..

You never know what SearchAssist brings about the next time, it is just like a time bomb. Therefore, it is always recommended by senior technician to remove searchassist. Given the fact that searchassist is not a virus, manual removal method is offered below. Should you run into emergency, you are welcome to contact VilmaTech Online Support by starting a live chat for on-demand help.

Need Instruction on How to Remove SearchAssist from Mac and Computer 

A
Enable popup blocker to stop searchassist.

Firefox
Tools option > Web features button > select searchassis to be blocked.

IE
Tools window > Options > Privacy tab > Blocker section > check “Block pop-ups” option > stop searchassis from popping up.

Chrome
Tool menu > Options > “Under the Hood” tab > “Content Settings” > “Pop-ups” > access “Exceptions” > uncheck searchassis > OK button.

Opera
Opera’s menu > “settings” > “Preference” > General tab > “Pop-up” section > “Block Unwanted Pop-ups” > OK button.

Safari
Apple icon > "Safari" option > "Preference" > "Security" tab > check "Block pop-up windows" > block searchassis from popping up.


 
B
Stop searchassist’s service.

Windows 8
Windows Explorer > Administrative tools > Services icon > remove/disable the service named searchassis.

Windows7/vista/XP
Win+R key combination > type “services.msc” > hit Enter key >　ｒemove/disable the service named searchassis.

Mac OS X
Finder menu > “Services” > “Services Preferences” > tap “Services” > non-tick the box next to searchassis.

 

C
Remove searchassist’s extension from browser settings.

IE
Tools > Manage add-ons > ‘Toolbars and Extensions’ > remove searchassist.

Mozilla Firefox
Tools > Options > ‘Add-ons’ > remove searchassist > select ‘plugins’ panel > remove searchassist.

Chrome
spanner icon > "Tools" > ‘Extensions’ > remove searchassist.

Opera
Opera menu > Extensions > Manage Extensions > remove searchassist.

Safari
'Safari' menu > 'Preferences' > 'extensions' tab > remove searchassist > back to 'Safari' menu > Help > Installed Plug > Ins & list > remove searchassist.

SearchAssist Scenario 

1. Double blue underline appearing in websites ever since searchassist popped up abruptly.
2. There’s no “searchassist” or its extension in add-on/extension list.
3. SearchAssist cannot be found in add/remove program.
4. SearchAssist pops up a lot to ruin surfing experience and consume a lot of CPU.
5. Computer would freeze sometimes and browser would crash from time to time.

It is not only the mechanical issue that you should worry, you should also notice information security as what’s said in the preceding paragraphs. Should you have any questions about searchassist or you need exclusive help, you are welcome to contact VilmaTech Online support for both answers and solution.