Search.gomaps.co Removal Guide

Do you know what Search.gomaps.co is?

We would like to inform you about a new browser hijacker named Search.gomaps.co that you can get accidentally by clicking pop-up advertisements provided by ad-supported software. You ought to remove it from your PC as soon as the opportunity arises not only because it is set to replace your web browser’s homepage and new tab page, but also collect information about you and your browsing habits and display promotional links in its search results. Indeed, it is made to look and work like a search engine, but its real purpose is to redirect web traffic and generate income from commercial advertisements.

Unfortunately, Search.gomaps.co is nothing more than a browser hijacker developed by the infamous SaferBrowser, a malware developer that is set out to make your browsing experience less safe. This developer has also created Search.mynewswire.co, Search.searchlen.com, Search.yourweatherhub.com, and many more hijackers in an effort to maximize its profits. Evidently, this so-called “search engine” comes from a shady background and its distribution are also as shady as they can get.

Our malware analysts have discovered that this hijacker comes with a browser extension named Go Maps New Tab (name used in Chrome,) but the names are slightly different for each web browser. Take note that this extension is compatible with Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Its setup has been signed by Sail Machine, an elusive company that we think does not exist. Go Maps New Tab’s objective is to manage the browser hijacking process even though it is promoted as an application that can give you free driving directions. This claim is false because all it does is add links to Google, Bing, and Yahoo maps on your web browser.Search.gomaps.co Removal GuideSearch.gomaps.co screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions

Go Maps New Tab can be downloaded from http://gomaps.co/maps?. This distribution channel is legitimate as the setup informs you about everything that the extension will do once it is installed on your web browser. However, our researchers have classified it as a browser hijacker because it is also distributed via pop-up advertisements shown by adware-type software. In this case, the setup does not warn you about the changes made to your browser’s homepage and new tab page settings.

Once on your computer, Search.gomaps.co will be the search engine to go to when you want to search for something online. Now, it is configured to redirect the search queries you enter to a custom Yahoo search engine. We say that it is custom because Search.gomaps.co modifies its search results and inserts additional promotional links in its search results. The problem, however, is that the origins of the additional links are unknown. Therefore, you cannot know whether the links are safe to click. We fear that, like its predecessors, this browser hijacker can promote links that redirect to shady websites that feature malware downloads.

We also want to point out that this browser hijacker is set to collect information about you and your browsing habits. Researchers have found that it can obtain your IP address and, by extension, your approximate location. Furthermore, it will gather information such as your ISP, browser type, hardware, entered search queries, browsing history, advertisements clicked, and so on. All of this information is used to “improve the provided services” while in reality, it is used to present more relevant ads that help the developers make more money.

In summary, Search.gomaps.co is a fake search engine that is set to hijack your web browser and change the homepage address and new tab page address. Its developers want you to use it and view the promotional links that generate them income. However, since they come from unknown sources, some of them may be of malicious nature and given that Search.gomaps.co is set the homepage and new tab page without your consent, you might want to remove it.

Uninstall the malicious program from Control Panel

Windows XP

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Click Control Panel and select Add or Remove Programs.
  3. Find the program and highlight it.
  4. Click the Remove button.

Windows Vista and 7

  1. Press Windows+R keys.
  2. Type Control Panel and click OK.
  3. Go to Uninstall a program.
  4. Find the program and highlight it.
  5. Click the Uninstall button.

Windows 8 and 8.1

  1. Open the Charm bar.
  2. Click Settings and select Control Panel.
  3. Open Uninstall a program.
  4. Find the program and highlight it.
  5. Click the Uninstall button.

Windows 10

  1. Right-click the Start menu.
  2. Go to Programs and Features.
  3. Find the program and highlight it.
  4. Click the Uninstall button.

Remove the browser extension

Google Chrome

  1. Launch the browser.
  2. Press Alt+F.
  3. Select More tools.
  4. Click Extensions.
  5. Locate the extension.
  6. Click Remove.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Launch the browser.
  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+A.
  3. Choose Extensions.
  4. Locate the unwanted extension.
  5. Click Remove.

In non-techie terms:

Search.gomaps.co is a fake search engine whose goal is to become your browser’s homepage and new tab page address. It is distributed in a malicious manner, so you it will outright hijack your browser’s settings. Then, it will subject you to questionable promotional links that can jeopardize your computer’s security. We encourage you to delete to keep your computer safe and secure.