iStream.link is unreliable search tool that falls under the classification of browser hijackers. It was noticed that the application enters user’s computer with a browser extension that changes default preferences, e.g. homepage, search engine, or new tab page. Before you use iStream.link, you should know what could be the consequences. During our research, we found out that the search engine might display more than just search results. Among them, there could be commercial ads, sponsored links, and other suspicious content that belongs to third parties. The main risk is that some of the ads could lead you to web pages with malicious content. Thus, there is a possibility the user could accidentally infect the system. Naturally, we would advise you to delete the browser hijacker before anything bad happens. That is why we placed removal instructions below that would help you eliminate it faster.
We can confirm that the browser hijacker is compatible with Google Chrome, and its users can find the extensions download link on the Chrome Web Store. This add-on that replaces your browser settings is called iStream.link Media Search. It might be possible that it could work on other browsers too, e.g. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Also, it could be distributed through other channels as well. For instance, the program's creators could spread it via malicious or unreliable file-sharing web pages.
To be more precise, the browser hijacker could travel with bundled installers. If you do not expect any additional software on the setup wizard, it is easy to overlook it. On the other hand, in some cases, it is difficult to understand if the bundled application is optional or not. Especially, for users who do not read all terms on the installation wizard. If you do not want this to happen again, we would advise you to pay more attention from where you download installers and to the applications’ publishers.
The appearance of the browser hijacker might leave you no other choice but to use iStream.link. We do not say that all of the provided links in the search results could be harmful. However, you might notice third-party advertising among the results. For example, it could show you ads that promote different browser hijackers, potentially unwanted programs, adware, and so on. In the worst case scenario, the ads could redirect you to web pages that contain Trojans, viruses, and other dangerous malware. Thus, by using the program users might risk the system’s security or expose it to malicious software.
The good news is, we can offer you a couple of ways to eliminate iStream.link. Firstly, you can get rid of it manually by deleting the hijacker’s extension from affected browser. Then all you have to do is reset the browser, and the application should trouble you no more. The other way to deal with this threat is to download a reliable security tool and delete the software with it. Launch the antimalware software, scan the system and erase all detections while clicking the removal button. Lastly, should you need some help or have any questions related to the browser hijacker, do not hesitate to contact us either via social media or by leaving a comment here.
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Internet Explorer
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Internet Explorer