How to remove Unitab World Clock browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Unitab World Clock?
Our discovery revealed that the Unitab World Clock is a browser extension that takes control of web browsers (hijacks them) to promote search.unitab.me. This website is a fake search engine that does not produce its own search results. Browser hijackers are commonly downloaded and installed by users unknowingly.
Unitab World Clock browser hijacker overview
The Unitab World Clock endorses a fake search engine that displays Yahoo-generated results (search.unitab.me redirects to search.yahoo.com). This application sets search.unitab.me as the default homepage, search engine, and new tab page, and restricts users from removing it from these settings as long as it is present.
While yahoo.com is a reliable search engine, dubious search engines such as search.unitab.me can yield misleading results and redirect users to potentially hazardous pages or show results from untrustworthy search engines.
Furthermore, fake search engines can be used to collect user data and track online activity, which can compromise user privacy and lead to targeted advertising. As a result, it is not advisable to depend on fake search engines, particularly those that are promoted through apps like Nature Unitab World Clock.
Name | Unitab World Clock |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Browser Extension(s) | Unitab World Clock |
Supposed Functionality | Quick access to top sports sites for live scores, latest news, and updates |
Promoted URL | search.unitab.me |
Detection Names (search.unitab.me) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address (search.unitab.me) | 44.242.131.97 |
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 hijackers in general
Browser hijackers are unwanted software programs that modify browser settings without the user's consent and (or knowledge), often by changing the default search engine, homepage, or new tab page. These programs can redirect users to fraudulent websites or display unwanted advertisements, compromising user privacy and security.
Examples of browser-hijacking apps are Sports Madness, Cosmica, and RichExts.
How did Unitab World Clock install on my computer?
Fake installers, deceptive pages, misleading ads, and software bundles are common methods through which browser hijackers are distributed. In the case of software bundles, browser hijackers are often distributed through installers that present them as optional installations.
In the latter case, users inadvertently allow browser hijackers to take control of their browsers by completing installations without adjusting settings such as "Advanced," "Custom," or similar options.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Download and install software from reputable sources only (such as official websites and verified stores). Be cautious when clicking on ads or links, and always read the fine print before accepting any installation agreements. Regularly update antivirus software and run scans to detect and remove potentially harmful programs.
Be mindful of browser settings and promptly remove any unknown or suspicious extensions or add-ons. If your computer is already infected with Unitab World Clock, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Search.unitab.me redirects to search.yahoo.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by Unitab World Clock browser hijacker:
Website promoting Unitab World Clock browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Unitab World Clock?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Unitab World Clock application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Unitab World Clock browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove search.unitab.me homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove search.unitab.me redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Unitab 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.unitab.me website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Unitab World Clock 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 "Unitab 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 "Unitab World Clock", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.unitab.me) 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.unitab.me", 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.unitab.me 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 "Unitab 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 "Unitab World Clock", remove hxxp://search.unitab.me 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.unitab.me 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.unitab.me 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.unitab.me website?
The creators of search.unitab.me use the tactic of browser hijacking to force users into visiting their website to increase the website's traffic and generate greater revenue.
Is visiting search.unitab.me a threat to my privacy?
Your privacy may be at risk if you visit websites like search.unitab.me, as such sites tend to collect various types of information about their visitors.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are distributed in various ways. For example, they are bundled with software, camouflaged as authentic browser extensions or add-ons, or acquired through malicious ads, pop-ups, and phishing emails.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Unitab World Clock browser hijacker?
If there are multiple hijackers that can reinstall each other, manual removal may not suffice, necessitating the simultaneous removal of all the hijackers. With the help of Combo Cleaner, you can scan your computer for browser hijackers and remove them all.
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