What is Lax Search extension?

Lax Search extension (Lax Search 4.1.1), a pervasive browser hijacker, poses a significant threat to internet users by altering browser settings without permission and redirecting to unwanted websites. This malicious software is known for its ability to impact major browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari, leading to a frustrating and potentially harmful online experience.

What is a Browser Hijacker?

Browser hijackers are types of unwanted software that modify internet browser settings without the user’s consent to inject unwanted advertising, redirect to specific websites, and collect personal data. Typically, these hijackers are used for generating revenue through ad placement, redirecting traffic to certain websites, and harvesting user data for marketing purposes.

Characteristics of Lax Search Extension

The Lax Search extension exemplifies the typical behavior of browser hijackers. Here are some of its key characteristics and actions:

•  Upon installation, Lax Search alters your deafult homepage or search engine settings, forcing the browser to launch specific, advertiser-approved pages that often contain a high volume of ads or questionable content.
•  It redirects users to third-party websites like Webvalid.co.in, which not only disrupts the browsing experience but also increases the risk of further malware infections as these sites might not be secure.
•  The hijacker consumes system resources, leading to slower computer and browser performance. Users may notice significant lag when opening or closing tabs, and an overall sluggish response from their browsers.
•  Lax Search tracks browsing activities, recording URLs visited, search queries, and sometimes even personal and sensitive information. This data can be sold to third parties or used to target users with more personalized and invasive advertising.

The Intent Behind Lax Search

The design of Lax Search is primarily focused on generating revenue for its creators. Through the process of ad generation and forced site redirections, developers profit off each click or visit made to these sponsored locations. This commercial motive often aligns with the interests of cybercriminals, who seek to exploit such software for more sinister purposes, such as fraud and identity theft.

Impact on User Experience and Security

The presence of Lax Search on a computer is more than just a nuisance; it is a serious threat to both privacy and security. The hijacker’s ability to redirect to potentially malicious websites increases the likelihood of further malware infections. Additionally, the incessant display of unwanted advertisements not only disrupts normal browsing but also poses risks if those ads lead to harmful sites such as Sync Search.

---

---

Lax Search extension Removal Steps

Remove Lax Search extension from Windows

Remove Lax Search extension from Mac

---

Lax Search extension Removal Steps for Windows

Step 1 – Terminate Malicious Processes

• Open Task Manager: Simultaneously press Ctrl + Shift + Esc. This brings up the Task Manager.
• Identify Suspicious Processes: Look for processes with odd names, high resource usage, or no description.
• End Suspicious Processes: Right-click the suspect process and choose End Task. Exercise caution to avoid stopping essential system processes.

---

Step 2 – Uninstall Malicious Programs from Windows

Windows 10/11:

• Access Settings: Click Start, then the settings icon (looks like a gear).
• Go to Apps: Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps.
• Find and Uninstall: Scroll to find any unfamiliar or suspicious programs, click on them, and press Uninstall. Follow prompts to remove the program.

Windows 7:

• Open Control Panel: Click Start > Control Panel.
• Programs and Features: Select Programs > Uninstall a program.
• Uninstall: Look for any programs you don’t recognize. Click on them and then on Uninstall. Follow through the uninstallation steps.

---

Step 3 – Remove Malicious Extensions from Web Browser

Google Chrome:

• Extension Settings: Open Chrome, click the three vertical dots > More tools > Extensions.
• Review Extensions: Identify any you didn’t install or that seem out of place.
• Remove: Click Remove to delete suspicious extensions.

Microsoft Edge:

• Open Extensions: In Edge, click the three dots > Extensions > Manage extensions
• Find and Eliminate: Locate any unknown or unnecessary extensions. Click Remove to erase them.

Mozilla Firefox:

• Access Add-ons: Open Firefox, click the three horizontal bars > Add-ons and themes > Extensions.
• Inspect and Remove: Find any extensions that weren’t installed by you or look suspicious. Click Remove to delete them.

---

Step 4 – Use SpyHunter Anti-Malware to remove any malware and threats from Windows

To get rid of Lax Search extension and any possible infections may deeply hide in your computer (e.g. Malware, Adware, Trojan, Browser Hijacker or Ransomware), in this step we will we will install SpyHunter Anti-malware to scan the infected system.

SpyHunter is a reputable and professional Anti-malware application designed to scan for, identify, remove, and block malware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and other threats. It is capable of keeping your PC Clean and Protected. Follow steps below to scan your computer:

Download SpyHunter for Windows by Clicking Here:

Download SpyHunter For Windows (Free Trial)

*The SpyHunter Trial version includes, for one device, a one-time 7-day Trial period for SpyHunter 5 Pro (Windows) or SpyHunter for Mac. * Check Terms & Conditions of SpyHunter Free Trial Offer , EULA and Privacy/Cookie Policy.

Install SpyHunter:

Once downloaded, Double-click “SpyHunter-Installer.exe” start the installation process.

(Note – Sometimes web browser may warn that “This type of file can harm your computer…” .Do not worry, such warning may appear when user download EXE file. Just free to click “Keep” to allow it.)

 

Then Follow the prompts on the screen, agreeing to the terms and choosing your preferred installation options. And complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.

Run SpyHunter:

After installation, launch SpyHunter from your desktop or the Start menu.

On the first run, SpyHunter may need to download updates. Allow it to do so to ensure it can detect the latest threats.

Scan for Malware:

Once updated, click on the “Start Scan Now” button to begin the malware detection process.

SpyHunter will scan your system for all types of malware, including viruses, trojans, ransomware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

Review Scan Results:

After the scan completes, review the threats detected by SpyHunter. It provides detailed information about each threat, including its location and type.

Take Action:

To remove the detected malware and other threats, follow SpyHunter’s recommendations.

You need to register and activate SpyHunter remove the malicious files detected. You can activate the 7-Day Free Trail first if you do not consider purchasing the full version of SpyHunter now.

---

(Optional) Step 5 –  Reset Web Browser to Eliminate Malware Traces and Avoid Re-infection

If you activate SpyHunter, it will help remove traces of any hijacker or adware from web browsers. That will make sure that same or similar malware won’t infect your computer again.

If you do not want to activate SpyHunter, you need to manaully reset web browsers. Follow steps here:

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome Settings: Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser window, then select “Settings”.
2. Advanced Settings: Scroll down and click on “Advanced” to expand the advanced settings options.
3. Reset and Clean Up: Find the “Reset and clean up” section, then click on “Restore settings to their original defaults”.
4. Confirm Reset: A dialog box will appear, warning you that your settings will be reset. Click on “Reset settings” to confirm.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Settings: Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser window, then select “Settings”.
2. Reset Settings: On the left sidebar, click on “Reset settings”.
3. Restore Settings to Their Default Values: Click on “Restore settings to their original defaults”.
4. Confirm Reset: A confirmation dialog will appear. Click on “Reset” to confirm.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Menu: Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner of the browser, then select “Help” (represented by a question mark or the word “Help”).
2. Troubleshooting Information: In the Help menu, click on “Troubleshooting Information”. You can also type about:support in the address bar and press Enter to go directly to this page.
3. Refresh Firefox: On the Troubleshooting Information page, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button.
4. Confirm Refresh: A confirmation window will appear. Click on “Refresh Firefox” to proceed.

---

---

Lax Search extension Removal Steps for Mac

Step 1 – Delete Malicious Apps from Mac

1. Open the Finder: Click on the Finder icon in your dock to open a new Finder window.
2. Navigate to Applications: In the Finder sidebar, click on “Applications” to view all installed applications on your Mac.
3. Identify and Select Malicious Apps: Look through your applications for any that you did not intentionally download, that you do not recognize, or that seem suspicious.
4. Drag to Trash: Click and drag the malicious app to the Trash icon in the dock. Alternatively, you can right-click (or control-click) on the app and select “Move to Trash.”
5. Empty Trash: Right-click on the Trash icon in the dock and select “Empty Trash” to permanently delete the app from your Mac.

---

Step 2 – Remove Malicious Files from Mac

1. Use Spotlight Search: Press Command + Space to open Spotlight search, and enter the name of any known malicious files or folders you wish to find.

2. Check Common Locations: Manually check common locations where malware might hide, such as /Library/LaunchAgents/, ~/Library/Application Support, ~/Library/LaunchAgents , and /Library/LaunchDaemons. Use Finder’s “Go to Folder” (Shift + Command + G) to navigate directly to these paths.

3. Delete Suspicious Files: If you find any files or folders that you identify as malicious or don’t recognize, drag them to the Trash. Be cautious not to delete system files or legitimate documents.

4. Empty Trash: After moving the malicious files to the Trash, empty the Trash to permanently remove them from your Mac.

---

Step 3 – Uninstall Malicious Web Browser Extensions from Mac

Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper right corner to access the menu.
2. Select More Tools > Extensions.
3. Look for any extensions you didn’t install yourself or that seem suspicious.
4. Click Remove next to the malicious extension to delete it.

Safari:

1. Open Safari and select Safari > Preferences in the menu bar.
2. Click on the Extensions tab.
3. Select the extension you want to remove and click Uninstall.

Firefox:

1. Open Firefox and click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner to open the menu.
2. Click Add-ons and Themes > Extensions.
3. Find and click Remove on any extension that looks unfamiliar or suspicious.

---

Step 4 – Use SpyHunter Anti-malware for Mac to Re-check Computer

In this step we will use SpyHunter to scan your Mac to detect and remove tracks of Lax Search extension and any possible threats . 

Download SpyHunter for Mac by Clicking Here:

Download SpyHunter For Mac (Free Trial)

*The SpyHunter Trial version includes, for one device, a one-time 7-day Trial period for SpyHunter 5 Pro (Windows) or SpyHunter for Mac. * Check Terms & Conditions of SpyHunter Free Trial Offer , EULA and Privacy/Cookie Policy.

Install SpyHunter for Mac and Scan for Malware 

Once downloaded, Double-click “SpyHunter-Installer.dmg” start the installation process.

Then Follow the prompts on the screen, agreeing to the terms and choosing your preferred installation options. And complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.

To remove the detected malware and other threats, follow SpyHunter’s recommendations.

You need to register and activate SpyHunter remove the malicious files detected. You can activate the 7-Day Free Trail first if you do not consider purchasing the full version of SpyHunter now.

---