How to Remove Poshukach Browser Hijacker: Complete Removal Guide

Poshukach.com is a deceptive browser hijacker that modifies browser settings to redirect search queries through its own search engine. Once installed, it changes your browser’s homepage, default search engine, and new tab settings without proper consent. This article provides a comprehensive guide to detecting and completely removing the Poshukach hijacker from all affected browsers and devices.

What is Poshukach Hijacker?

Poshukach is a browser hijacker that presents itself as a legitimate search engine but actually manipulates search results to generate advertising revenue through redirects. When a system is infected, users will notice their homepage has been changed to Poshukach.com, and all search queries are redirected through this suspicious search engine regardless of the browser used.

This hijacker is particularly concerning because it:

• Collects browsing data and search history
• Generates revenue through manipulated search results and advertisements
• May redirect to potentially dangerous websites
• Often arrives bundled with other potentially unwanted applications (PUAs)
• Creates registry modifications to maintain persistence
• Installs browser extensions that are difficult to remove

How Does Poshukach Hijacker Infect Your System?

Understanding the infection methods helps prevent future infections. Poshukach typically infiltrates systems through:

1. Bundled Software: Poshukach is commonly distributed through free software installers where it’s hidden in custom/advanced installation options
2. Deceptive Download Buttons: Fake download buttons on file-sharing or streaming sites may install the hijacker
3. Misleading Advertisements: Pop-up ads claiming you need to update your browser or plugins
4. Malicious Browser Extensions: Extensions that appear useful but contain hidden hijacker functionality
5. Fake Flash Player Updates: Prompts to update Adobe Flash Player (which is discontinued) that install Poshukach

Signs of Poshukach Infection

If your system is infected with the Poshukach browser hijacker, you’ll notice these symptoms:

• Homepage changed to Poshukach.com without your permission
• Default search engine switched to Poshukach
• New browser tabs opening to Poshukach.com
• Excessive redirects when clicking search results
• Unusual browser extensions you don’t remember installing
• Increased number of advertisements and pop-ups
• Slower browser performance
• Search results that appear manipulated or irrelevant

Complete Poshukach Removal Guide for Windows

Follow these comprehensive steps to completely remove Poshukach from your Windows system:

Step 1: Terminate Related Processes

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager
2. Click the Processes tab
3. Look for suspicious processes related to Poshukach (they may have random names or contain “poshukach” in their name)
4. Select each suspicious process and click End Task

Step 2: Uninstall Suspicious Applications

1. Open the Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu)
2. Select Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program
3. Look for recently installed suspicious applications or any programs containing “Poshukach,” “Search Assistant,” or “Search Enhancement”
4. Select each suspicious application and click Uninstall
5. Follow the uninstallation prompts to complete the process

Step 3: Remove Poshukach from Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome
2. Click the three dots menu in the top-right corner
3. Select Settings
4. Go to Search engine in the left menu
5. Change the default search engine to your preferred option (Google, Bing, etc.)
6. Next, go to On startup in the left menu
7. Select “Open the New Tab page” or set a specific page other than Poshukach
8. Then go to Extensions in the left menu (or enter chrome://extensions/ in the address bar)
9. Remove any suspicious extensions, especially those you didn’t intentionally install
10. Finally, go to Reset and clean up in the left menu
11. Click Restore settings to their original defaults
12. Confirm by clicking Reset settings

Step 4: Remove Poshukach from Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Mozilla Firefox
2. Click the three horizontal lines menu in the top-right corner
3. Select Options or Preferences
4. Go to Home in the left menu
5. Under “New Windows and Tabs,” change the homepage setting from Poshukach to your preferred page
6. Go to Search in the left menu
7. Change the default search engine to your preferred option
8. Next, go to Add-ons and themes from the menu (or enter about:addons in the address bar)
9. Select Extensions
10. Remove any suspicious extensions
11. Finally, go to Help from the menu (the question mark icon)
12. Select Troubleshooting Information
13. Click the Refresh Firefox button in the top-right corner of the page that opens
14. Confirm by clicking Refresh Firefox

Step 5: Remove Poshukach from Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge
2. Click the three dots menu in the top-right corner
3. Select Settings
4. Go to Start, home, and new tabs in the left menu
5. Change the homepage and new tab page settings to remove Poshukach
6. Go to Privacy, search, and services in the left menu
7. Scroll down to Services and click Address bar and search
8. Change the search engine used in the address bar
9. Next, go to Extensions from the menu (or enter edge://extensions/ in the address bar)
10. Remove any suspicious extensions
11. Finally, go to Reset settings in the left menu
12. Click Restore settings to their default values
13. Confirm by clicking Reset

Step 6: Clean the Registry (Advanced Users)

Warning: Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can cause serious problems. Only perform these steps if you’re comfortable with Registry editing.

1. Press Windows+R to open the Run dialog
2. Type regedit and press Enter
3. In Registry Editor, search for “poshukach” and delete any related entries
4. Also check these locations for suspicious entries:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
5. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer

Removing Poshukach from Android Devices

If your Android device is affected by Poshukach redirects, follow these steps to remove it:

Step 1: Check for Suspicious Apps

1. Go to Settings on your Android device
2. Select Apps or Applications
3. Review the list of installed applications
4. Look for recently installed suspicious apps, especially browser add-ons, search tools, or optimization utilities
5. Tap on any suspicious app and select Uninstall

Step 2: Clear Browser Data on Android

For Chrome on Android:

1. Open Chrome
2. Tap the three dots menu in the top-right corner
3. Select Settings
4. Go to Search engine
5. Change the search engine to your preferred option
6. Return to Settings and tap Privacy and security
7. Select Clear browsing data
8. Check all boxes and tap Clear data

For Samsung Internet on Android:

1. Open Samsung Internet
2. Tap the three lines menu at the bottom
3. Select Settings
4. Tap Homepage and change it if set to Poshukach
5. Go to Search engine and select your preferred option
6. Go back to Settings and tap Privacy and security
7. Select Delete browsing data
8. Check all boxes and tap Delete

Step 3: Reset App Preferences (Optional)

1. Go to Settings on your Android device
2. Select Apps or Applications
3. Tap the three dots or menu icon
4. Select Reset app preferences or Reset application preferences
5. Confirm the reset

Automated Removal Using Trojan Killer

For a more automated and thorough removal of the Poshukach browser hijacker and any other hidden malware components, we recommend using Trojan Killer:

1. Download Trojan Killer and install it on your system
2. Run a full system scan to detect all Poshukach components and related threats
3. Allow the software to quarantine or remove all detected threats
4. Use the built-in browser cleanup tool to fix browser settings compromised by Poshukach
5. Restart your computer to complete the removal process

Preventing Future Browser Hijacking Infections

To protect your system from browser hijackers like Poshukach in the future, follow these prevention tips:

• Download software only from official sources: Avoid third-party download sites
• Pay attention during installation: Always choose Custom/Advanced installation and uncheck any pre-selected additional software
• Keep your browsers updated: Regularly update all browsers to their latest versions
• Install a reliable security solution: Use real-time protection software that can detect PUAs and browser hijackers
• Be cautious with browser extensions: Only install extensions from official stores after checking reviews and permissions
• Regularly check browser settings: Periodically review your homepage and search engine settings
• Use ad-blockers: Consider using ad-blocking extensions to prevent malicious ads

Similar Threats to Watch Out For

Poshukach is just one of many browser hijackers currently circulating. Be aware of these similar threats:

• Blackname.biz: A notification spam hijacker with similar behavior
• Qone8: Another browser hijacker that changes search settings
• WorldSearchPro: Redirects searches to show ads and collect data
• Clarity Tab: Hijacks new tabs with unwanted content
• Yahoo Redirect Virus: Forces redirects to Yahoo search results
• Bing.com Redirect: Persistently redirects searches to Bing

Conclusion

The Poshukach browser hijacker, while not as harmful as some malware, represents a significant privacy concern and degrades your browsing experience. By following the removal steps in this guide, you can eliminate this unwanted program from your system and restore your browser settings to normal.

Remember that prevention is always better than cure – be vigilant when installing new software, keep your system updated, and consider using a reputable security solution like Trojan Killer to protect against browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted applications.

If you’re interested in learning more about protecting your system from similar threats, check our comprehensive malware removal guide and spyware removal guide.