Istartsurf.com Virus – How To Remove Istartsurf Browser Redirect

What is Istartsurf.com redirect?

Istartsurf.com redirect is a browser hijacker, which installs on your PC through other freeware software’s with an end-goal to authorize the installation of adware, a malicious program, without the user’s permission. In addition, Istartsurf.com redirect will also change the homepage and search engine of your web browser to "http://www.istartsurf.com/?type=hp&ts=&from=tugs&uid=."

Can adware corrupt your personal data?

No, an adware will not cause any harm to your files or operating system. Although, it will certainly annoy you with frequent notifications and ad popups. Never forget it is a malicious program, and the longer it stays on a computer, the more it weakens the firewall of the computer making way for another malware.

That’s not it once your computer is infected with adware, it gains access to your computers IP-address, location, browser type, Operating System details, etc.

Also Read: WinYahoo – Guide To Remove Pup.Optional.WinYahoo Adware

Why do you end up on http://Istartsurf.com?

This redirect to the target portal or website is caused by the browser hijacker, this is one of its many symptoms. If you look closely at the address bar you will find that your default search engine has changed, although it would look like the default search engine.

Targeted Web Browser:

1. Google Chrome.
2. Mozilla Firefox.
3. Safari.
4. Internet Explorer.

How and to what extent does the Istartsurf.com hijacker infect a computer?

1. Social Clickjacking: Creators of such infections use online media such as Social Network and tempting advertisements to provoke or let us say in fooling the users to click on the ads, i.e., Update your flash player or win an iPhone.
2. Spam emails: These hijackers can get into your computer through malicious email attachments and download links present the body of the mail. This emails usually appear to be from a reputed organization, i.e., Banks and insurance companies.
3. It can infect the computer through infected websites or malevolent websites.
4. It can also trick you by fake security alert or system updates.
5. Torrents & P2P File Sharing: Torrents and files shared on P2P networks have a high probability of being a carrier to such infections.
6. It can also infect the computer through portable storage devices like USB stick, portable hard drive or through a disk.
7. Bundling: The quickest and the most relaxed way of infecting a user’s PC with any malware is through freeware software’s, and in this case the user is equally responsible for authorizing the installation of such malicious program without reading the terms and conditions. Unfortunately, some freeware programs do not uncover that a malicious program will also be installed with it.

 Common symptoms of Istartsurf.com search redirect:

1. Unstable behavior of the browser, frequent crashes.
2. Default search engine and home page of your web browser will be changed to “http://www.istartsurf.com/?type=hp&ts=&from=tugs&uid=."
3. Your web browsers are now equipped with all new add-ons toolbars and extensions.
4. Poor system performance, slow response time as the advertisement would pop out of nowhere, this will result in slow internet speed.
5. Slow internet browsing speed or internet would stop unexpectedly.
6. The operating system would crash now and then, or computer would boot up for no reason.
7. Ads pop up even when the browser is not open.
8. New tabs open in browser to display ads or search results would always end up with displaying advertisement banners.

While installing a freeware software or a freeware game make sure you go through the license agreement section and read all the terms and conditions. And If reading the complete terms and condition is too much then while installing the freeware application if the installation offers you “custom and automatic installation”, it is always recommended that you go with the custom process as this would disclose the other programs that might get installed along with it. If you see any additional addons or toolbars checked, then remember to uncheck them this would avoid the installation of browser hijacker and adware.

Also Read: What Is Adware.Linkury.M? How To Remove Adware.Linkury.M Virus

Tips to Prevent Istartsurf.com from Infecting Your System: