SeekThatOnline – Access to Favorite Sites Browser Hijacker: Removal Guide & Prevention

The SeekThatOnline – Access to Favorite Sites browser hijacker is a deceptive program that modifies browser settings to promote the fake search engine seekthatonline.com. This unwanted software redirects users to search engines like Yahoo (search.yahoo.com) and may collect browsing data, leading to privacy concerns, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary

Name	SeekThatOnline – Access to Favorite Sites
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s)	SeekThatOnline – Access to Favorite Sites
Supposed Functionality	Quick access to users’ favorite websites (social, e-commerce, entertainment, etc.)
Promoted URL	seekthatonline.com
Detection Names	N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address	18.160.41.55
Affected Browser Settings	Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine
Symptoms	Forced redirections, browser settings modifications, unwanted ads, tracking
Distribution Methods	Bundled with free software, deceptive pop-up ads
Damage	Privacy breaches, excessive ads, potential exposure to malicious content

How Does SeekThatOnline – Access to Favorite Sites Work?

This browser hijacker infiltrates systems through deceptive means such as software bundling and pop-up advertisements. Once installed, it alters browser settings to redirect searches to seekthatonline.com, which ultimately reroutes to Yahoo Search. However, redirections may change based on user location or campaign configurations.

Key Features of SeekThatOnline Browser Hijacker:

• Homepage Hijacking: The extension modifies the browser homepage to seekthatonline.com.
• Search Engine Redirection: Forces users to use seekthatonline.com, which then redirects to legitimate search engines.
• Tracking & Data Collection: May collect browsing history, IP addresses, search queries, and even login credentials.
• Persistence Mechanisms: Prevents users from changing browser settings back to their preferences.

Removal Guide for SeekThatOnline – Access to Favorite Sites Browser Hijacker

To completely eliminate SeekThatOnline – Access to Favorite Sites, follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

1. Windows (10, 11):
   • Open Control Panel → Programs and Features.
   • Look for SeekThatOnline – Access to Favorite Sites or unfamiliar programs.
   • Click Uninstall.
2. MacOS:
   • Go to Finder → Applications.
   • Drag any suspicious apps to the Trash and empty it.

Step 2: Remove Malicious Browser Extensions

Google Chrome:

1. Click the three dots (top-right) → Extensions.
2. Locate SeekThatOnline – Access to Favorite Sites and click Remove.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click Menu → Add-ons and Themes → Extensions.
2. Remove suspicious extensions.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click Settings → Extensions.
2. Find the hijacker and uninstall it.

Step 3: Reset Browser Settings

1. Chrome: Go to Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their original defaults.
2. Firefox: Open Troubleshooting Information (about:support) → Refresh Firefox.
3. Edge: Navigate to Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their default values.

Step 4: Use SpyHunter for Complete Removal

To ensure no remnants of SeekThatOnline – Access to Favorite Sites remain, use SpyHunter:

1. Download SpyHunter.
2. Run the installer and follow the setup instructions.
3. Perform a full system scan to detect malware.
4. Click Remove to delete all threats found.
5. Restart your computer.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Infections

To prevent browser hijackers like SeekThatOnline – Access to Favorite Sites, follow these best practices:

• Avoid Bundled Software: Always opt for custom installation and deselect unwanted programs when installing free software.
• Use Trusted Sources: Download applications from official websites or the Google Play Store/App Store.
• Enable Safe Browsing: Activate Google Safe Browsing or similar features in your browser.
• Install Ad Blockers: Extensions like uBlock Origin can prevent malicious redirects and pop-ups.
• Use Strong Passwords: Secure your online accounts with unique, strong passwords.
• Regularly Scan for Malware: Run periodic scans with SpyHunter or other reputable anti-malware tools.

Conclusion

The SeekThatOnline – Access to Favorite Sites browser hijacker is a deceptive threat that compromises browsing security by redirecting users and collecting data. If left unchecked, it may expose users to unwanted ads, phishing scams, and identity theft.

By following the comprehensive removal guide above and using SpyHunter, you can completely eliminate this threat. Additionally, implementing preventive measures will help you safeguard your system against future infections.