How to eliminate World Clock browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is World Clock?
During our inspection of World Clock, we found that the purpose of this app is to hijack a web browser by changing its settings. World Clock is a browser hijacker that promotes a fake search engine (search.world-clock-tab.com). It is worth noting that a big part of apps of this type is promoted and distributed using deceptive methods.
World Clock browser hijacker overview
World Clock is an app that claims to be a convenient tool for tracking time zones and world clock information. As we mentioned in the introduction, this app has been found to be a browser hijacker that changes the settings of a user's web browser to promote a fake search engine.
World Clock promotes search.world-clock-tab.com by making it the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. When a user performs a search using search.world-clock-tab.com, the search query is sent to Bing's search engine (search.world-clock-tab.com redirects to bing.com).
The fact that search.world-clock-tab.com shows Bing results may give the impression of legitimacy, but it is important to remember that it is a fake search engine. Search engines like search.world-clock-tab.com can display sponsored search results and redirect users to other websites for advertising purposes.
Another important detail about fake search engines and browser hijackers is that they can collect a wide range of user data. For instance, browsing history, search queries, personal information, system information, etc. The data collected by browser hijackers and fake search engines can be used for various malicious purposes.
| Name | World Clock |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | World Clock |
| Supposed Functionality | Tool for tracking time zones and world clock information |
| Promoted URL | search.world-clock-tab.com |
| Detection Names (search.world-clock-tab.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (search.world-clock-tab.com) | 54.68.145.24 |
| 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. |
More about World Clock and similar apps
What is particularly concerning about apps like World Clock is that they are often distributed using deception. In other words, users may be tricked into downloading and installing such apps without realizing the full extent of their capabilities.
This is a common tactic employed by developers of rogue applications, as it allows them to infiltrate a large number of devices without arousing suspicion. Sports Engine, Flash-Search, and Nature Wallpapers are examples of other apps that function similarly to World Clock.
How did World Clock install on my computer?
Users inadvertently add or install browser hijackers by obtaining software from untrustworthy or unfamiliar sources or by clicking on suspicious ads or links that execute specific scripts. Accepting additional offers during software installation without carefully reviewing the provided settings may also result in browser hijacker installation.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
It is advisable to obtain software exclusively from official web pages and trusted app stores. Before downloading any app, it is recommended to read reviews to verify its credibility. It is best to avoid downloading software from P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and dubious websites.
It is important not to click on ads that are displayed on suspicious websites or allow such sites to show notifications. During software installation, users should exercise caution and deselect any undesired applications or optional installations before proceeding with the installation process.
If your computer is already infected with World Clock, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Search.world-clock-tab.com redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by World Clock browser hijacker:
Website promoting World Clock browser hijacker:
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 World Clock?
- STEP 1. Uninstall World Clock application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove World Clock browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove search.world-clock-tab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove search.world-clock-tab.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
World Clock 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, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the search.world-clock-tab.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
World Clock browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove World Clock browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:
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 "World Clock" 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 "World Clock", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.world-clock-tab.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 "search.world-clock-tab.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 search.world-clock-tab.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 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 "World Clock", 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 "World Clock", remove hxxp://search.world-clock-tab.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 search.world-clock-tab.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 search.world-clock-tab.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 visit search.world-clock-tab.com website?
The earnings of the developers behind search.world-clock-tab.com escalate with the increase in the website's visitor count.
Is visiting search.world-clock-tab.com a threat to my privacy?
By visiting search.world-clock-tab.com, your privacy may be compromised since it is a fake search engine that could potentially collect your personal information, search history, browsing patterns, and other data without your awareness or authorization.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are commonly propagated through various methods, such as software bundling, fake software updates, and disreputable websites. Moreover, users may unintentionally download and install browser hijackers while installing free software or clicking on links from unfamiliar sources.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove World Clock browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner has the ability to scan your computer and remove any browser-hijacking applications. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that manual removal may not always be effective. Eliminating multiple browser hijackers can be a daunting task, particularly when they have the capability to reinstall themselves.
Outstanding!
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