How to remove Gradient Blobs browser hijacker

What kind of application is Gradient Blobs?

In our investigation of Gradient Blobs, we discovered that this extension operates as a browser hijacker. Our findings revealed that its primary aim is to endorse search.gradientblobs.net, a deceptive search engine. Gradient Blobs accomplishes this by altering the settings of a web browser.

Gradient Blobs browser hijacker overview

Gradient Blobs hijacks web browsers by changing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page settings, replacing them with search.gradientblobs.net. When users conduct a search, search.gradientblobs.net redirects them to bing.com (it shows results generated by a trustworthy search engine). Thus, search.gradientblobs.net is a fake search engine.

Using fake search engines is unsafe because they often lead users to malicious websites that pose significant risks. These search engines may redirect users to phishing sites, where their sensitive information, like login credentials, financial details, or personal data, can be stolen. Additionally, fake search engines may promote sites designed to distribute malware.

It is also important to be aware that fake search engines may monitor users' search activities and gather their browsing data, jeopardizing their privacy and potentially subjecting them to targeted advertising and online surveillance. As a result, it is strongly recommended to refrain from trusting search engines like search.gradientblobs.net or any applications that endorse them, such as Gradient Blobs.

Threat Summary:

Name	Gradient Blobs
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s)	Gradient Blobs
Supposed Functionality	Customized new tab page
Promoted URL	search.gradientblobs.net
Detection Names (search.gradientblobs.net)	Avira (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (search.gradientblobs.net)	3.225.140.174
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.

More about browser hijackers

Eliminating browser hijackers can prove challenging as they tend to persistently alter browser settings and embed themselves deeply into the system. Their integration makes them resistant to standard uninstallation methods, and they may even employ tactics like self-reinstallation or modifying system files to resist removal.

More examples of apps that hijack web browsers are Retro Sunset, Perfect New Tab, and AerospaceSearchTab.

How did Gradient Blobs install on my computer?

Users may unknowingly install or add browser hijackers by accepting misleading browser extensions or add-ons during software installations. Typically, programs bundled with browser hijackers have "Custom", "Advanced", or similar options in their installers that can be used to decline unwanted offers.

Clicking on malicious links or ads on dubious websites can also lead to the installation of hijackers. In other cases, browsers get hijacked via fake software updates, apps downloaded from third-party stores, and similar sources.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

Download software from reputable sources and official websites (or verified stores) to minimize the risk of bundled browser hijackers. Be cautious when clicking on links or ads, especially on suspicious websites. Regularly review and uninstall/remove unnecessary browser extensions or add-ons, especially if they were installed without your knowledge.

Do not allow dubious web pages to deliver notifications. Read reviews before downloading applications. If your computer is already infected with Gradient Blobs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Search.gradientblobs.net redirects to bing.com (GIF):

Permissions asked by Gradient Blobs browser hijacker:

Website promoting Gradient Blobs 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:
▼ 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 Gradient Blobs?
• STEP 1. Uninstall Gradient Blobs application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove Gradient Blobs browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove search.gradientblobs.net homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove search.gradientblobs.net redirect from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Gradient Blobs 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.gradientblobs.net website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Gradient Blobs 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Gradient Blobs" 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 "Gradient Blobs", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.gradientblobs.net) 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.gradientblobs.net", 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.gradientblobs.net 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 "Gradient Blobs", 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 "Gradient Blobs", remove hxxp://search.gradientblobs.net 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.gradientblobs.net 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.gradientblobs.net 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.gradientblobs.net website?

The purpose of forcing users to visit the search.gradientblobs.net website is likely to increase traffic to the search engine, generate ad revenue, or potentially deliver malicious content.

Is visiting search.gradientblobs.net a threat to my privacy?

Visiting search.gradientblobs.net itself may not necessarily be a direct threat to your privacy. However, it is essential to approach such websites with caution, especially if you were redirected to them without your consent. They can be designed to gather various information about users.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser hijackers can infiltrate computers through diverse means, such as software bundles, downloads from untrustworthy websites, misleading ads, and links present on questionable web pages, among other channels.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Gradient Blobs browser hijacker?

In specific cases, manual removal might not suffice, especially when facing multiple browser hijackers that are designed to reinstall one another. To achieve comprehensive elimination, it becomes crucial to remove all browser hijackers simultaneously. Combo Cleaner can remove all browser-hijacking applications from your computer or browser, ensuring a thorough cleanup.

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