How to remove Fast Cars Tab browser hijacker from a browser
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Fast Cars Tab?
During our investigation of the Fast Cars Tab extension, we discovered that it seizes control of web browsers by making changes to their settings. The primary objective of this browser-hijacking extension is to endorse a deceptive search engine known as fastcarstab.com. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the Fast Cars Tab may gather various user data.
Fast Cars Tab browser hijacker overview
During our analysis, it came to light that the Fast Cars Tab application hijacks web browsers by modifying the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. It changes these settings to fastcarstab.com, which redirects users to bing.com - it shows results generated by Bing.
Even though bing.com is a legitimate search engine, fastcarstab.com should not be trusted. Unreliable search engines can manipulate the search results to include sponsored or malicious links. They may inject ads, promote low-quality websites, or alter the ranking of search results to deceive users.
This undermines the reliability and accuracy of the search results, making it risky to trust the information these search engines provide. Users may end up visiting malicious websites, falling victim to scams, or having their privacy compromised.
It is important to mention that fake search engines can potentially collect a wide range of data from users. This can include their search queries, browsing history, IP addresses, geolocation information, device information, and even personal information entered into search forms.
Name | Fast Cars Tab |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Browser Extension(s) | Fast Cars Tab |
Supposed Functionality | Improved browsing experience |
Promoted URL | fastcarstab.com |
Detection Names (fastcarstab.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address (fastcarstab.com) | 104.21.63.199 |
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 browser hijackers
It is worth noting that browser hijackers have the capability to restrict users from modifying their default search engine, homepage, and other settings, creating challenges or limitations when trying to switch back to a trusted search engine. Moreover, the creators of browser hijackers often employ deceptive techniques as a means of distribution.
More examples of browser-hijacking apps are Gastronomy Tab, Personalized Background, and Car Tab.
How did Fast Cars Tab install on my computer?
Users can unintentionally add or install browser hijackers through various methods. Common sources include downloading and installing software from untrusted or unofficial sources, clicking on malicious advertisements or misleading links, accepting bundled software during installations without careful review, or installing browser extensions or plugins from unverified or suspicious sources.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Download and install software from official and trusted sources, and carefully review the installation process, paying attention to any additional components or bundled software. Be cautious when clicking on suspicious advertisements or misleading links, and exercise discretion when installing browser extensions or plugins.
Regularly update your antivirus and anti-malware software, as they can help detect and prevent browser hijackers. If your computer is already infected with Fast Cars Tab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Fastcarstab.com redirects to bing.com (GIF)
Permissions asked by Fast Cars Tab browser hijacker:
Website promoting Fast Cars Tab 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 Fast Cars Tab?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Fast Cars Tab application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Fast Cars Tab browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove fastcarstab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove fastcarstab.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Fast Cars Tab 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 fastcarstab.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Fast Cars Tab 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 "Fast Cars Tab" 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 "Fast Cars Tab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.fastcarstab.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 "fastcarstab.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 fastcarstab.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 "Fast Cars Tab", 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 "Fast Cars Tab", remove hxxp://fastcarstab.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 fastcarstab.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 fastcarstab.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 fastcarstab.com website?
The primary motives behind the creation of fake search engines such as fastcarstab.com are typically centered around two goals: generating revenue through advertising and collecting personal information from users. Thus, the creators of fastcarstab.com aim to increase website traffic.
Is visiting fastcarstab.com a threat to my privacy?
Visiting fastcarstab.com can indeed pose a threat to your privacy. Fake search engines like find.hsrcnav.com have the ability to collect and track sensitive information such as your search queries, browsing history, and other personal data. This data can be used for various purposes, including targeted advertising, unauthorized profiling, or even identity theft.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers often find their way into users' computers through bundled software downloads, where the hijacker is included as an extra component alongside legitimate software. They can also be distributed through deceptive advertisements, malicious websites, or spam emails that trick users into clicking on links or downloading files.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Fast Cars Tab browser hijacker?
If multiple browser hijackers are present and capable of reinstalling each other, manual removal alone may not be effective. Combo Cleaner provides a reliable solution by scanning your computer, detecting all browser-hijacking applications, and efficiently eliminating them.
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