Removal instructions for the Globe Earth browser hijacker

What is Globe Earth?

Globe Earth is a rogue browser extension that our researchers discovered while looking through suspicious websites. The promotional material states that this extension displays Google Earth images on new browser windows and tabs. However, our analysis revealed that this piece of software operates as a browser hijacker.

Globe Earth browser hijacker overview

Browser hijackers reset the URLs of browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tabs/windows - to the websites they promote. Typically, this software reassigns said settings to the addresses of fake search engines. However, while Globe Earth makes these modifications - it does not promote an illegitimate search engine.

Hence, with this extension installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - result in redirects to the genuine Bing search engine (bing.com).

In cases where browser hijackers promote fake search engines - due to their inability to provide search results, they tend to redirect to legitimate ones (e.g., Bing, Yahoo, Google, etc.). Note that what browser-hijacking software promotes or where the redirects land may vary, potentially due to factors like user geolocation.

Furthermore, Globe Earth employs persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from restoring their browsers.

What is more, this browser extension spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like Globe Earth on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Globe Earth
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s)	Globe Earth
Supposed Functionality	Displaying Google Earth images on new browser tabs/windows.
Promoted URL	bing.com
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Browser hijacker examples

We have analyzed thousands of browser hijackers; FindIt-All, Trippy Circles, 3D Tree, Planty-Search, Interesting Facts - are merely some examples.

Browser-hijacking software usually appears ordinary, harmless, and useful. However, it rarely operates as promised. Even if a browser hijacker's features do work - that is not an indicator of the software's legitimacy.

How did Globe Earth install on my computer?

We acquired Globe Earth from its "official" promotional webpage. In addition to such sites, browser hijackers are endorsed on scam pages. Users typically enter these websites via redirects caused by pages that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.

Browser hijackers are proliferated using "bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements spread browser-hijacking software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

We strongly recommend researching software products prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, and use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of all supplements.

We advise being cautious while browsing since fraudulent and malicious material usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads look harmless yet redirect to questionable/suspect sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience ads/redirects of this type, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Globe Earth, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Screenshot of the permissions asked by Globe Earth browser hijacker:

Screenshots of Globe Earth browser hijacker's "official" promotional website:

Appearance of Globe Earth browser hijacker causing a redirect to the legitimate Bing 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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is Globe Earth?
• STEP 1. Uninstall Globe Earth application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove Globe Earth browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove bing.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove redirects from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Globe Earth 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, "Globe Earth"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the bing.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Globe Earth 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 "Globe Earth" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "Globe Earth", look for the promoted URL (hxxp://www.bing.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 "bing.com", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the globe earth 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 extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Globe Earth", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "Globe Earth", remove hxxp://bing.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 "Accept the Risk and Continue".

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 globe earth 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 globe earth 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 specific website?

Cyber criminals (i.e., developers of browser hijackers) generate revenue through redirects. If the redirect is to a legitimate page, the criminals could profit because they're abusing the site's affiliate programs in order to acquire commissions fraudulently.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser hijackers are primarily distributed via deceptive promotional webpages, bundled software installers, freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks (e.g., Torrent clients, Gnutella, etc.), online scams, spam browser notifications, and intrusive ads.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Globe Earth browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected browser-hijacking applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective when multiple browser hijackers are present. In such cases, after one is removed - the others may simply re-install it. Furthermore, browser-hijacking software can render removal-related settings unmodifiable and/or undo user-made changes. Hence, it is essential to remove browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.

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