search.protectedio is a browser hijacker that changes your personal browser’s settings. To remove search.protectedio from your browser I suggests MalwareBytes Anti-Malware. In addition, use the free utilities Junkware Removal Tool and AdwCleaner. Download these free tools from here http://www.myantispyware.com/download/
Run AdwCleaner. Without changing any options, press Scan to begin. Please be patient. When the program has completed its task, if threats are detected press Clean button to remove them.
Run JRT. You will see a black box – command Prompt. You will need to press any key to perform a system scan. The program will now perform a system scan to detect adware, malware PUPs and other junkware. Once this scan is completed, Junkware Removal Tool will automatically start a cleaning process.
Run “mbam-setup” to start the installation of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. It will open the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard. Follow the prompts. When the installation is done, click to “Scan now” to perform a system scan. When the scan has completed, click on the “Remove Selected” button.
Reset your browser’s settings.
Your computer should now be free of Search.protectedio hijacker.
