How to remove the Spice browser hijacker and the redirects it generates
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is "Spice"?
Our researchers discovered the Spice browser extension during a routine inspection of untrustworthy websites. This extension is endorsed as a quick-access tool for recipes, dietary recommendations, best-rated restaurants, and other food-related content.
Our analysis of Spice revealed that it operates as a browser hijacker, i.e., makes changes to browser settings in order to promote the finddbest.co fake search engine.
Spice browser hijacker overview
After Spice was installed on our test machine, it assigned finddbest.co as the browser's default search engine, homepage, and new browser tab/window URL. Hence, when we opened a new browser tab/window or entered a search query into the URL bar – it resulted in a redirect to the finddbest.co site.
Fake search engines rarely have the ability to generate search results, so they redirect to legitimate Internet search websites. This is true of finddbest.co; it redirected to the Bing search engine (bing.com) at the time of research. However, this website might land elsewhere since factors like user geolocation can impact redirects.
It is noteworthy that browser-hijacking software often uses persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from recovering their browsers, and Spice is not an exception to this.
Furthermore, this browser extension likely spies on users' browsing activity. Target data may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of browser-hijacking software like Spice on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Spice |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Spice |
| Supposed Functionality | Quick-access to food and cooking related content. |
| Promoted URL | finddbest.co |
| Detection Names (finddbest.co) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (finddbest.co) | 216.239.36.21 |
| 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). |
| 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
Plant Planet, Lady Like, Virtual Zone, Rapid Search, and Homerun Extension are merely some examples of browser hijackers that we have inspected recently.
This software usually appears legitimate and offers various handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as promised – that is not a guarantee of its legitimacy or safety.
How did Spice install on my computer?
We obtained Spice from its "official" promotional webpage. Aside from such sites, browser hijackers are endorsed on scam pages. Users typically access these deceptive webpages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to distribute browser-hijacking software.
The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts proliferate browser hijackers as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Spice, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Permissions asked by Spice browser hijacker:
Website promoting Spice browser hijacker:
Appearance of finddbest.co redirecting to the 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:
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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 Spice?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Spice browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove finddbest.co homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove finddbest.co redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Spice 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, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Spice 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 "Spice" 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 "Spice", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.finddbest.co) 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 "finddbest.co", 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 finddbest.co 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 "Spice", 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 "Spice", remove hxxp://finddbest.co 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 finddbest.co 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 finddbest.co 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 finddbest.co website?
Redirects to websites like finddbest.co are caused because cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) generate revenue through them.
Is visiting finddbest.co a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Sites like finddbest.co typically collect visitor data with the goal of selling it to third-parties.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are primarily distributed via bundled installers, deceptive promotional pages, freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, online scams, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Spice browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all the browser-hijacking applications present. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective, especially when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system. In these cases, after one is removed – the others might reinstall it. Furthermore, browser-hijacking software may deny access to removal-related settings and/or undo user-made changes. Therefore, browser hijackers must be eliminated thoroughly and all at once.
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