Removing pick dark browser hijacker and its redirects to getsins.com
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is pick dark?
Our researchers discovered the pick dark browser extension during a routine inspection of deceptive download pages. This piece of software promises to enable dark mode for simple design websites. However, we determined that pick dark operates as a browser hijacker and promotes the getsins.com fake search engine.
Pick dark browser hijacker overview
Browser hijackers promote illegitimate search engines through modifications to browser settings. This software assigns fraudulent search engine addresses as browsers' default, as well as their homepage and new tab/window URLs. However, after analyzing pick dark - we found that it does not consistently alter browser settings (i.e., in some cases, it does and in others - it does not).
Browser-hijacking software affected browsers cause redirects to their search engines (e.g., getsins.com) - when a new browser tab/window is opened or a search query is typed into the URL bar.
Fake search engines cannot provide search results, so they usually redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other genuine ones. In the case of getsins.com, it redirects to the websearches.club fraudulent search engine. While websearches.club can generate search results, they are inaccurate and may endorse unreliable/malicious material. However, getsins.com might redirect elsewhere, as this can depend on various factors (e.g., user geolocation, etc.).
Furthermore, browser hijackers typically use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from restoring their browsers.
What is more, pick dark has data tracking abilities. Browser-hijacking software can target URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of pick dark or similar software on systems can result in serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | pick dark |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | pick dark |
| Supposed Functionality | Dark mode for simple websites |
| Promoted URL | getsins.com |
| Detection Names (getsins.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Browser hijacker examples
We have analyzed thousands of browser hijackers; Data Shield for Chrome, Plus Darker, and Forest Start Tabs are just a few examples. This software looks legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, despite how good the features may sound - they are rarely operational.
How did pick dark install on my computer?
We obtained pick dark via a deceptive download page. Sites of this kind are usually accessed unintentionally. Most users enter them through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, sites that use rogue advertising networks, or installed adware.
Intrusive adverts are also used to distribute browser-hijacking software. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Additionally, browser hijackers are spread using the "bundling" marketing tactic - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing, as fraudulent and malicious content tends to look innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements appear harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such ads and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with pick dark, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Deceptive website promoting the pick dark browser hijacker:
Appearance of getsins.com redirecting to the websearches.club fake search engine (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is pick dark?
- STEP 1. Uninstall pick dark application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove pick dark browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove getsins.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove getsins.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Pick dark browser hijacker removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications (for example, "pick dark"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the getsins.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Pick dark browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "pick dark" and other recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "pick dark", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.getsins.com) below the “Open a specific or set of pages” option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select “Remove”.
Change your default search engine:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for "getsins.com", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Remove from list".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the getsins.com redirect, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions" and remove "pick dark", as well as all other recently installed browser plug-ins.
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Options", in the opened window disable "pick dark", remove hxxp://getsins.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type about:config and press Enter.
Click "I'll be careful, I promise!".
In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled"
Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with getsins.com redirect removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.
In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage and new tab settings:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".
Change your default Internet search engine:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon 
near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the getsins.com redirect, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit getsins.com website?
Cyber criminals (i.e., the developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) generate revenue through these redirects.
Is visiting getsins.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Websites like getsins.com typically collect information about their visitors.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are primarily distributed through software bundling, misleading promotional webpages, freeware and third-party download sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, intrusive advertisements, spam browser notifications, fake updates, and online scams.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove pick dark browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed browser-hijacking apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal might not be effective when multiple browser hijackers are present on the system. In such cases, when one browser hijacker is removed - the others might re-install it. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be unmodifiable with this software installed. Therefore, it is crucial to remove browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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