FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Removal instructions for the PoConvert browser hijacker

Also Known As: finddbest.co redirect
Damage level: Medium

What kind of software is PoConvert?

Our research team discovered the PoConvert browser extension while investigating dubious websites. It is endorsed as a tool for easy image and video file format conversion. After analyzing this extension, we determined that it is a browser hijacker. PoConvert makes changes to browsers in order to promote the finddbest.co illegitimate search engine.

finddbest.co browser hijacker

PoConvert browser hijacker overview

On our test machine, PoConvert altered the browser's default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URL. Therefore, whenever we entered a search query into the URL bar or opened a new browser tab/window – it resulted in redirects to the finddbest.co website.

Fake search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they lead to legitimate Internet search sites. At the time of research, finddbest.co redirected to the Bing search engine (bing.com). It must be mentioned that this webpage could lead elsewhere, as factors like user geolocation may determine redirects.

It is worth mentioning that browser-hijacking software often uses persistence-ensuring mechanisms to complicate its removal and prevent users from recovering their browsers.

Furthermore, this software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to PoConvert. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like PoConvert on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name PoConvert
Threat Type Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s) PoConvert
Supposed Functionality File format conversion tool
Promoted URL finddbest.co
Detection Names (finddbest.co) N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (finddbest.co) 104.21.15.201
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.
▼ 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.

Browser hijacker examples

AskusdailyLiterature News on New TabAnimated BG, and ZenSearch are just some examples of browser hijackers that we have investigated recently.

Browser-hijacking software tends to look legitimate and harmless. It entices users into download/installation by offering a wide variety of "handy" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did PoConvert install on my computer?

We obtained PoConvert from its "official" promotional page. In addition to such sites, browser hijackers are commonly endorsed on scam pages. Most users enter these webpages via redirects generated by websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.

The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute browser-hijacking software.

The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.). That risk is compounded by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.

Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate browser hijackers. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

We highly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look legitimate/innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PoConvert, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Permissions asked by PoConvert browser hijacker:

PoConvert browser hijacker asking for permissions

Website promoting PoConvert browser hijacker:

Website used to promote PoConvert browser hijacker

Appearance of finddbest.co redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):

PoConvert browser hijacker redirecting to Bing (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:
▼ 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:

PoConvert browser hijacker removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

Browser-hijacking application uninstall via Control Panel

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.

PoConvert browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove PoConvert browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing finddbest.co related Google Chrome extensions

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "PoConvert" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing finddbest.co from Google Chrome homepage

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "PoConvert", 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:

Removing finddbest.co from Google Chrome default search engine

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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 Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing finddbest.co related Mozilla Firefox extensions

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "PoConvert", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing finddbest.co from Mozilla Firefox homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "PoConvert", remove hxxp://finddbest.co and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Removing finddbest.co from Mozilla Firefox 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 Mozilla Firefox switch about:config entry button 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, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...

removing browser hijacker from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 3 - changing homepage

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.

removing browser hijackers from safari step 4 - changing the default Internet search engine

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 2

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 3

To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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 Microsoft Edge (Chromium) 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 Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of browser hijackers while downloading free software sampleA 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.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on finddbest.co redirect or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of forcing users to visit finddbest.co website?

Redirects to webpages like finddbest.co are generated because cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) profit through them.

Is visiting finddbest.co a threat to my privacy?

To a certain extent, yes. Websites classified as fake search engines (e.g., finddbest.co, etc.) typically collect information about their visitors. This data can then be sold to third-parties.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser-hijacking software is primarily proliferated via bundled installers, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove PoConvert browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all detected browser-hijacking apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In cases where multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. What is more, browser-hijacking software might deny access to removal-related settings and/or undo user-made changes. Therefore, browser hijackers must be eliminated thoroughly and all at once.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
finddbest.co redirect QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of finddbest.co redirect on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.