You can reset your internet browser settings to remove a potential virus.
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If your search engine keeps changing to Yahoo, it may be due to the browser hijacker virus.
Hackers use the Yahoo search redirect virus to earn revenue generated by clicks on Yahoo.
To get rid of the Yahoo virus, reset your browser settings for Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.
Though Yahoo is a legitimate search engine, if it isn’t your preferred site, it can be frustrating to have it continuously pop up every time you open your internet browser.
In fact, if your search engine keeps changing to Yahoo, it may be due to a browser hijacker virus. And even though it sounds scary, there’s actually a simple fix. Here’s how to get rid of it.
What is a browser hijacker virus?
A browser hijacker virus is a malicious piece of code that modifies your browser’s settings behind your back. By hijacking your browser, the virus redirects you – without your permission – to websites that are often malicious in nature.
On top of that, a browser hijacker virus is also used as a means to infect your computer with other types of malware. For example, it might install spyware on your computer behind the scenes, allowing the hacker who is monitoring the malware to steal your personal and financial information.
If your default search engine keeps changing suddenly to Yahoo, your computer may have malware
This problem can likely be attributed to malware — specifically, the Yahoo search redirect virus. This virus works by rapidly redirecting your browser to an intermediary site (or sometimes to multiple sites) and then depositing you onto the Yahoo site.
Any revenue then generated via clicks made on Yahoo will direct some revenue back to those intermediary sites. The hackers responsible for the virus also use it to collect your data and track your internet activity.
So it’s not Yahoo’s fault, but it is an issue you need to clear up. You don’t want to be forced to use Yahoo by malware that can track you and potentially harm your computer.
There are many ways your system can contract the redirect malware, but the solution is the same for most browsers: reset your browser’s settings.
How to reset Safari browser settings
How to reset Safari browser settings
1. Click Safari in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
2. In the menu, click Preferences.
Select “Preferences” from the Safari menu.
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3. Select the Advanced tab – the option that looks like two gears.
4. Make sure the Show Develop menu in the menu bar box is checked.
Make sure this checkbox is ticked.
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5. Click Develop in the menu bar, and then select Empty Caches.
Empty Safari’s caches.
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6. Click History in the menu bar, and then select Clear History.
Click “History” to bring out the menu, and then click “Clear History.”
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7. In the pop-up, click the dropdown next to Clear and select a time period – between the last hour, today, today and yesterday, and all history. Then, click Clear History.
8. Go back to Safari’s Preferences.
9. Select the Privacy tab – the option that looks like a hand.
10. Click Manage Website Data.
Click “Manage Website Data.”
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11. In the pop-up, click Remove All.
Now restart Safari and you should be all set.
How to reset Chrome browser settings
1. Open Chrome on your computer.
2. Click the more icon – the three vertical dots – in the top right corner of the browser window.
Click these three vertical dots to bring up the menu.
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3. Click Settings in the menu.
4. In the left side menu, click Reset and clean up.
Click “Reset and clean up” in the left side menu.
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Quick tip: You can also copy and paste chrome://settings/reset in the address bar at the top to quickly get to the Reset and clean up screen.
5. In the right panel, click Restore settings to their original defaults.
Click “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
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6. Click Reset settings in the pop-up to confirm.
Note: Wiping your browser settings will clear all cookies and extensions and reset your search engine, new tab page, startup page, and pinned tabs. It will not erase your saved passwords, history, or bookmarks. Restart Chrome and off you go.
How to reset Firefox browser settings
1. Open Firefox on your computer.
2. Click the hamburger menu – the three horizontal lines that look like a burger – in the top right corner of the browser window.
Click the hamburger menu in the top right corner.
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3. In the menu, click Help and then More troubleshooting information.
Quick tip: You can also copy and paste about:support in the address bar at the top to quickly get to the Troubleshooting information screen.
4. Click the Refresh Firefox button.
Click “Refresh Firefox.”
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5. In the popup window, click Refresh Firefox to confirm.
Your browser should now be clear of any malicious add-ons.