Remove Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search browser hijacker

The Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search is a browser hijacker that forces a user’s browser to use a fake search provider instead of the preferred search engine. When installed, it changes the default search engine setting in the browser to privacyguardiansearch.com, which it controls. That domain then redirects search queries to search results hosted by another provider, usually Yahoo Search, but only after routing them through the hijacker’s system. This repeated redirection of search traffic does not improve search quality and is not part of any legitimate browser feature or security tool.

 

 

Once the Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search hijacker is present, it affects only how searches are handled. It alters the default search engine and relays typed queries through privacyguardiansearch.com. The hijacker can also display advertisements and observe search terms that pass through its infrastructure. This visibility gives the hijacker’s operators information about what users search for, and it can expose private browsing habits. The redirection is persistent and continues until the hijacker extension or program is removed.

The data targeted by this hijacker is primarily search queries and associated metadata. Because every search is passed through the hijacker’s controlled domain, the operator can record terms entered by the user and which sites the user visits from those search results. These logs can include personal or sensitive search information that the user did not intend to share with any third party. Over time, this collected information can build a profile of search behavior and interests, which is then held by parties outside of the user’s control.

Although the hijacker does not directly install ransomware, encrypt files, or function as a trojan, it still impacts the browser’s operation by altering default settings without clear user consent. The presence of Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search can slow search operations and result in unwanted advertisement content appearing during browsing sessions. Redirected searches also carry a heightened risk of exposing users to low-quality or potentially unsafe web pages shown in later pages of results, since the hijacker serves as an intermediary for those results.

How browser hijackers are installed

The Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search hijacker usually installs on a computer when the user accepts bundled software or adds a browser extension without full awareness of what it does. The extension’s title suggests it provides privacy-related features or quick access to privacy policies, but its actual behavior is to reroute search queries. It is commonly offered through deceptive advertisements or bundled with other free software installers that include optional components. If users do not choose a custom installation and reject unwanted offers, the hijacker can install without a clear indication of its purpose.

Once installed, the hijacker becomes evident through changes in search settings. A clear sign of Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search activity is that the default search engine shown in the browser’s settings panel becomes privacyguardiansearch.com. When any search is typed into the address bar, the browser first shows the hijacker domain in the address bar before loading the final search results. This forced redirect happens even if the user tries to change search preferences back to a known provider.

Another indicator is the presence of an extension or program in the system that is named or associated with Secure Shell Search or Privacy Guardian. In browser extension lists or the system’s installed programs list, an entry that matches these names often signals the hijacker’s installation. Users may not recall installing it, since it may have been bundled with other software.

The hijacker also alters certain browser behaviors beyond search. In some cases, it can change the homepage and new tab page to the hijacker’s controlled domain, making the redirect persistent across browsing sessions. The combination of a changed default search engine, forced redirects through privacyguardiansearch.com, and the presence of the related extension or program are specific traits that identify the Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search hijacker and distinguish it from normal browser functionality.

Remove Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search browser hijacker

The easiest way to remove Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search browser hijacker is to use an anti-virus program. When the hijacker is no longer present, the browser’s settings can be changed.

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Quick Menu

Step 1. Uninstall Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search and related programs.

• Windows 8
• Windows 7
• Windows XP
• Mac OS

Remove Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search from Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel choose Programs and Features and select to Uninstall a software.

Uninstall Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search from Windows 7

Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features → Uninstall a program.

Delete Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search from Windows XP

Click Start → Settings → Control Panel. Locate and click → Add or Remove Programs.

Remove Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search from Mac OS X

Click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications. Select applications folder and look for Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search or any other suspicious software. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash, then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Step 2. Delete Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search from your browsers

• Internet Explorer
• Chrome
• Firefox
• Safari

Terminate the unwanted extensions from Internet Explorer

1. Tap the Gear icon and go to Manage Add-ons.
2. Pick Toolbars and Extensions and eliminate all suspicious entries (other than Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, Oracle or Adobe)
3. Leave the window.

Change Internet Explorer homepage if it was changed by virus:

1. Tap the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of your browser and click Internet Options.
2. In General Tab remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Press Apply to save changes.

Reset your browser

1. Click the Gear icon and move to Internet Options.
2. Open the Advanced tab and press Reset.
3. Choose Delete personal settings and pick Reset one more time.
4. Tap Close and leave your browser.
5. If you were unable to reset your browsers, employ a reputable anti-malware and scan your entire computer with it.

Erase Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search from Google Chrome

1. Access menu (top right corner of the window) and pick Settings.
2. Choose Extensions.
3. Eliminate the suspicious extensions from the list by clicking the Trash bin next to them.
4. If you are unsure which extensions to remove, you can disable them temporarily.

Reset Google Chrome homepage and default search engine if it was hijacker by virus

1. Press on menu icon and click Settings.
2. Look for the “Open a specific page” or “Set Pages” under “On start up” option and click on Set pages.
3. In another window remove malicious search sites and enter the one that you want to use as your homepage.
4. Under the Search section choose Manage Search engines. When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search websites. You should leave only Google or your preferred search name.
   

Reset your browser

1. If the browser still does not work the way you prefer, you can reset its settings.
2. Open menu and navigate to Settings.
3. Press Reset button at the end of the page.
4. Tap Reset button one more time in the confirmation box.
5. If you cannot reset the settings, purchase a legitimate anti-malware and scan your PC.

Remove Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search from Mozilla Firefox

1. In the top right corner of the screen, press menu and choose Add-ons (or tap Ctrl+Shift+A simultaneously).
2. Move to Extensions and Add-ons list and uninstall all suspicious and unknown entries.

Change Mozilla Firefox homepage if it was changed by virus:

1. Tap on the menu (top right corner), choose Options.
2. On General tab delete malicious URL and enter preferable website or click Restore to default.
3. Press OK to save these changes.

Reset your browser

1. Open the menu and tap Help button.
2. Select Troubleshooting Information.
3. Press Refresh Firefox.
4. In the confirmation box, click Refresh Firefox once more.
5. If you are unable to reset Mozilla Firefox, scan your entire computer with a trustworthy anti-malware.

Uninstall Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search from Safari (Mac OS X)

1. Access the menu.
2. Pick Preferences.
3. Go to the Extensions Tab.
4. Tap the Uninstall button next to the undesirable Privacy Guardian by Secure Shell Search and get rid of all the other unknown entries as well. If you are unsure whether the extension is reliable or not, simply uncheck the Enable box in order to disable it temporarily.
5. Restart Safari.

Reset your browser

1. Tap the menu icon and choose Reset Safari.
2. Pick the options which you want to reset (often all of them are preselected) and press Reset.
3. If you cannot reset the browser, scan your whole PC with an authentic malware removal software.