Remove api.cactus-search.com π₯ 4 Effective Methods!
Modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, etc., are smart enough to dodge browser hijackers. However, some can still bypass security protection and take control of your web browser settings. π«π
What is a browser hijacker? π΅οΈββοΈ
A browser hijacker is a type of malicious program that controls your web browser settings without your consent. You can install on your device as a program, a browser extension/plugin, or other type of application. π₯οΈπ οΈ
When these types of are installed malware, change your browser's homepage and default search engine, and redirect you to harmful websites. πβ οΈ
What is api.cactus-search.com? π΅π
api.cactus-search.com either Cactus Search is simply a browser hijacker that changes your search engine to cactus-search.com. ππ This gets installed on a device via a browser extension or a program.
When the browser hijacker Cactus Search It is installed in a computer, you will notice these signs:
- π Search queries will be redirected through cactus-search.com.
- 𧩠You will find the browser extension or program Cactus Search on your PC.
How to remove api.cactus-search.com? π§Ήπ₯οΈ
To get rid of Cactus-Search.com from your computer, you will need to find and remove the malicious program from your device. πβHere's what you should do:
1. Uninstall the malicious program from the Control Panel π οΈ
If the browser hijacker is installed on your PC, you will probably find it in the Control Panel. Follow these steps to remove it and protect your computer! π
1. Write Control Panel in Windows Search. Then open the List Control Panel for better search results.
2. When the Control Panel opens, click on Programs and features.
3. Find malicious programs. You should look for programs that you have not installed and that appear malicious.
4. Make Right click on it and select Uninstall.
2. Reset browsers to default settings π
We have shared the steps for Reset Chrome browsers to default settings, Firefox and Microsoft Edge. π₯οΈβ¨
Here's what you need to do:
Chrome Browser: Reset Setting the Chrome browser to its original default will reset the home page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. π§ Follow these steps to do so:
- Click on the three dots at the top right and select Settings.
- On the left side, click on Reset settings.
- On the right side, click Restore settings to their default values originals.
- In the confirmation message, click the Reset settings button again.
Firefox Browser:
The steps to reset Firefox to its default settings are a little different than those for Chrome. So, to reset Firefox, follow these steps.
- Launch the Firefox browser.
- Click on the hamburger menu at the top right and select Help > More information to solve issues.
- On the right side, click Update Firefox.
- In the confirmation message, click Update Firefox.
Microsoft Edge:
The steps for reset Microsoft Edge are very similar to those of Chrome because it is based on the same engine. Here is how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click on the three points at the top right and select Settings.
- On the left side, select Reset settings.
- On the right, click Restore settings to their default values.
- Then, in the confirmation message, select Reboot.
3. Use Malwarebytes to remove the browser hijacker
Malwarebytes is a great tool that can help you get rid of api.cactus-search.com from your browser. Here is how to use Malwarebytes to remove Cactus Search browser hijacker.
1. Download and install Malwarebytes on your infected device.
2. Once installed, launch Malwarebytes.
3. Then click on the Scan button on the scanner.
Now you just have to wait until Malwarebytes performs a full scan. It will scan all the files on your device and remove the threat.
4. Run a rootkit scan with Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes also has a rootkit scanning feature that needs to be enabled manually. The feature scans for and removes various rootkits from your device.
1. Start Malwarebytes on your computer.
2. When the application opens, click on Settings on the left side.
3. On the right side, click Scanning and detections.
4. Under Scanning and Detections, enable the option for Scan for rootkits.
5. Return to the home screen and click on the Scan button.
π§ Here are some easy ways to remove api.cactus-search.com. If you need more help on this topic, Tell us in the comments. π¬ Also, if this guide was helpful to you, Don't forget to share it with your friends. π