Do you know what SearchBits is?
SearchBits is a potentially unwanted program that often comes bundled with other freeware applications. Since it tends to come in bundles, the chances are that users who install SearchBits are not aware of this Chrome extension. They are more focused on the programs they initially wanted to download, and they didn’t notice this app at all. Luckily, you can remove SearchBits without too much difficulty. It would also be a good idea to scan your computer with a licensed antispyware tool that would help you detect more potential threats.
The thing with such apps like SearchBits is that they are not malicious infections. In some cases, users might think that they were infected by browser hijackers because this extension performs certain browser settings modifications. However, that is very far from the truth. You see a browser hijacker does not ask you for a permission to land, so to speak. But these extensions will always inform you about the oncoming changes, even if you do not notice the message. Also, SearchBits and other similar apps have official sources as well. For instance, it is possible to find this extension on the Chrome Web Store, and from that, we can see that it is not a malicious infection.
At the same time, the official sites are not the only distribution sources. As mentioned in the beginning, SearchBits can come bundled with other apps. For instance, we know that it might come bundled with CryptoHub, and if you use this application for cryptocurrency trading, you might have the extension on your browser already. The bottom line is that users have to remain careful when they download and install freeware applications. There might be additional apps and features included, some of which no one wants or needs. While most of the time it is rather easy to remove potentially unwanted programs, no one should ever take their chances.
SearchBits screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
So, what happens when SearchBits gets added to the Chrome browser? Right before the installation, this extension asks for permission to change your search settings to blpsearch.com. If you miss this notification, you will be surprised to see that all of your web searches get redirected to a modified Yahoo! Search page. It might seem that this extension does that behind your back, but you AGREED to it even if you were not aware of that.
What’s with the redirections? Well, the extension says that it’s there to help you “quickly search the web from your Chrome address bar.” And this application should help you find the most relevant search results. But the question is whether you really need a third-party app to filter your search queries. It is very likely that you can achieve the same functionality with your web browser alone. And by employing something SearchBits you only indirectly expose yourself to potentially harmful third-party content.
Does SearchBits really want to expose you to something harmful? Absolutely not. Browser extensions are there to just make money for their developers. Since they are not monetized, they try to make profit through other means. Those means are third-party content advertising. Since SearchBits can display all sorts of content to you through its modified search bar, it could be used by unreliable third parties to promote their dangerous content. And such extensions do not and cannot review the content they promote. Hence, if you click an outgoing link delivered by SearchBits, you need to understand that you will have no one else but yourself to blame if anything happens.
Avoid that by removing SearchBits today. The official website for this extension says that you can remove it from the Extensions menu. However, it would be better to simply reset your browser because it’s not clear just how many unwanted apps are installed. You would also delete all the tracking cookies if you were to reset your browser. Finally, after manual SearchBits removal, you can scan your system with a licensed antispyware tool. A full system scan will help you determine whether you have potentially harmful programs running, and it will also help you remove those programs. Do not hesitate to invest in a powerful security application because your system’s security should be one of your top priorities!
How to Remove SearchBits
- Launch the Chrome browser.
- Press Alt+F and click Settings.
- Scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Press Reset settings on the confirmation pop-up.
In non-techie terms:
SearchBits will change your search engine settings on your browser because this extension says it can provide you with really good search results. However, if you never wanted to have this app on-board, why keep it? When a program comes uninvited, you should not tolerate it. Please remove SearchBits today, and then make sure that you stay away from anything that might be associated with freeware and potentially unwanted software distribution in the future.