Windows 10: ***URL link removed for security reasons*** redirect

I have Windows 11 and I use Firefox browser. About a month ago, I started getting redirected to ***URL link removed for security reasons*** when I click on some store links that show up on a Google search such as Etsy, Kohls, etc. I don't get redirected when I use Edge.I went on line and tried a few malware removal programs. The first one I tried was SpyHunter5. It found a couple of things that are shown in the attached picture. SpyHunter5 deleted them but when I restarted my computer, I could connect to Firefox but couldn't go anywhere. None of my bookmarks worked and when I typed

:)

 

Redirect

See if these guides help:

• How To Remove Browser Redirect Virus from Chrome, Firefox, IE & Edge
• How to Remove Adware from a PC

In addition I suggest reading:

How to tighten security and increase privacy on your browser - Malwarebytes Labs | Malwarebytes
Labs

and

Answers to common security questions - Best Practices

which

• includes Resources to protect your browser, privacy & help prevent browser pop-up ads and scams

Hope this helps.

 

Google redirection localhost.world

Guys, here is the solution, found in post #49.
Please perform the steps indicated and advise if that resolves things for you as well.

Many thanks to @moraleja39 for the investigative work!

 

Redirecting website

Hi Pancho,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I understand your inconvenience. Don’t worry. We will assist to resolve this issue.

It can be extremely frustrating if you are trying to visit a Web page but are automatically redirected to another. This tactic is sometimes used to as a way to direct your attention to an advertisement. Other times, a hacker may be trying to install
spyware or malware on your computer.

It seems that your computer is infected by virus and malware. I would suggest you to run Full Virus Scan using
Windows Defender.

Turn Windows Security on or off



Also if you are using Internet Explorer, I suggest you to follow the below steps and check if it helps.



Step 1: Open the Internet Explorer browser and click on the "Tools" menu at the top of the page.



Step 2: Click on "Internet Options," then click the "Security" tab. In the "Security Level for this Zone" box, use the slider to set the security to "High." This stops Internet Explorer from using ActiveX, preventing Web
pages from redirecting you to others. Although this stops the redirecting action, legitimate websites may not load properly, or at all. Some functions on websites become disabled, such as links to other websites, video or PDF files. This method is extreme,
but it stops redirects while you scan the computer for viruses.



Step 3: Click on "Trusted Sites." Add any websites that you go to frequently and that you trust. These websites will behave as normal, without restrictions.



Step 4: Run anti-spyware or anti-malware software on your computer (see Resources). Redirects are often causes by a virus, which software can find and eliminate. If any viruses are found and deleted, this is likely to
end the redirects you are experiencing.



Step 5: Go back to the "Internet Options" window, and set the security slider back to its initial position. If the anti-spyware program eliminated the source of the redirects, your browser now behaves normally.



Try the above step and let us know if it helps. For further assistance feel free to post your queries in Microsoft forums. We will be glad to assist you.



Thank You.