Remove WebStatSearch browser hijacker

WebStatSearch is a browser hijacker that will set odsrchrdr.com as your homepage/new tabs. If this site is loading every time you open your browser and you cannot make changes to settings, your computer has a browser hijacker installed. While it’s not a serious infection that can cause serious damage to your device, it’s not something you should keep installed either, as it will be very annoying. The site promoted by the browser hijacker has a search box, but the search engine does not work. Instead, all searches will be redirected to either Yahoo or Google, making the WebStatSearch completely useless to you. The sooner you remove WebStatSearch hijacker, the quicker you can go back to regular browsing.

 

 

Because browser hijackers make changes to a browser’s settings, they are quite noticeable infection. After all, it’s difficult not to notice a completely different site loading as the homepage, and searches going through a different search engine. These obvious changes allow users to get rid of hijackers quicker because even if they do not connect the symptoms with a browser hijacker, they will at least know something is not right and research a solution.

While a hijacker’s presence is usually very obvious, they install using deceptive methods without users noticing. Users either install browser hijackers via free software bundling or when they encounter them disguised as seemingly-useful extensions. The WebStatSearch browser hijacker may be advertised as an extension/program that may somehow improve the browsing experience, but it will do the opposite. It will set odsrchrdr.com as the homepage/new tabs, and change your default search engine. These changes may affect all popular browsers, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. You will also not be able to undo these setting changes as long as the hijacker remains installed.

One thing worth mentioning about browser hijackers is that they have intrusive data collection practices. Thus, in addition to making unwanted changes to your browser’s settings, WebStatSearch will also track your browsing and collect certain information. Specifically, it may collect your visited sites, search queries, and IP address. This information may also be shared with third parties, likely for advertising purposes.

There is no reason to put up with an extension like WebStatSearch and its unacceptable behaviour. The sooner you delete WebStatSearch, the quicker your browser will go back to normal. We strongly recommend you use an anti-malware program like WiperSoft for this. The program is particularly effective against infections like this. Once the hijacker has been removed, you will be able to change your browser’s settings like normal.

How to avoid installing a browser hijacker

Users typically pick up browser hijackers either by installing free programs that have junk like hijackers attached to them or by downloading programs without researching them. Often, third-party download sites have a lot of adware and browser hijackers disguised as useful programs. A quick search can help verify a program’s authenticity. For example, if you were to research the WebStatSearch extension, you would find multiple sources categorizing it as a hijacker. If you don’t want to fill your computer with junk programs, it’s important to research programs before installation every time.

Software bundling is the primary method used to spread unwanted applications like adware and browser hijackers. These unwanted programs are included as optional offers with popular free programs. These offers are set to automatically install. Even though these offers are technically optional, users must manually deselect them to avoid installation. This process can be challenging because the option to decline these offers is often hidden in settings that many users simply do not check. As a result, software bundling has become a controversial method, leading many anti-virus programs to flag programs that use it as a potential threat.

To prevent adware and browser hijackers from infecting your computer, always be cautious when installing free programs and select the correct settings. Installation windows typically suggest using Default settings, which will automatically install all the additional offers. Instead, opt for Advanced (Custom) settings, which provide the option to review and uncheck these offers. Taking a moment to deselect unwanted offers during installation can save you significant time and trouble, as you won’t have to remove fully installed adware and hijackers later on.

Even if some offers seem beneficial initially, it’s best not to allow any of them to install. Genuine programs usually don’t rely on software bundling. It’s much easier to uncheck a few boxes during setup than to deal with the hassle of managing fully installed browser hijackers or adware later.

How to remove WebStatSearch browser hijacker

It’s not difficult to remove WebStatSearch browser hijacker, and we recommend using anti-malware software WiperSoft. If you try to delete WebStatSearch manually, it would require more effort and time. Once the hijacker has been deleted, you will be able to change your browser’s settings like normal.