How to remove Converter Tab browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Converter Tab?
An examination of Converter Tab showed that this app operates as a browser hijacker. It takes control over a web browser by changing its settings. The purpose of Converter Tab is to promote convertertab.com, which is a fake search engine. It is advisable for users to exercise caution and avoid applications that promote fake search engines while also tampering with their browsers.
Converter Tab browser hijacker overview
Converter Tab is a program that promotes a fake search engine called convertertab.com by making it the default search engine, new tab page, and homepage. Consequently, when users conduct searches, Converter Tab reroutes their queries through convertertab.com, which redirects users to bing.com, a legitimate search engine.
Fake search engines cannot be trusted for several reasons. First and foremost, they often provide unreliable search results, which can lead to misinformation or incomplete information for users. Additionally, these fake search engines are typically designed to track user data, including search queries and browsing habits, posing significant privacy risks.
Furthermore, fake search engines may display excessive ads and pop-ups or even promote malicious content, making the browsing experience frustrating and potentially dangerous. Lastly, fake search engines may be associated with deceptive or fraudulent activities, including phishing attempts or scams, making them a significant cybersecurity concern.
Removing browser hijackers and fake search engines can be a challenging process. These unwanted programs often embed themselves deeply within the browser or system, making manual removal difficult. Additionally, they may leave behind lingering files or configurations that require thorough cleaning, sometimes necessitating the use of specialized software to ensure complete elimination.
Thus, it is highly advisable to avoid downloading and adding Converter Tab to web browsers and utilizing convertertab.com.
Name | Converter Tab |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Browser Extension(s) | Converter Tab |
Supposed Functionality | Converter |
Promoted URL | convertertab.com |
Detection Names (convertertab.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address (convertertab.com) | 104.21.49.217 |
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 hijacker examples
In conclusion, Converter Tab is a program that raises significant concerns for users due to its browser hijacking behavior. By promoting a fake search engine and altering browser settings, it not only compromises the user's online experience but also raises privacy and security issues.
Users should exercise caution when encountering such applications and take immediate steps to safeguard their online security by eliminating Converter Tab and any associated components. Examples of other apps that can hijack browsers are Beautiful Beach Tab, Best Friend Backgrounds, and PoConvert.
How did Converter Tab infiltrated my computer?
Users can unintentionally fall victim to browser hijacking through methods such as downloading bundled software, deceptive websites, phishing emails, fake updates, clicking on misleading ads, weak passwords, unpatched software, and social engineering tactics.
The problem with bundled software arises when users are not adequately informed about what they are installing. Users may overlook or not fully understand the installation prompts, leading to unintentional installation of bundled software (e.g., browser hijackers).
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
To stay safe when downloading software, use trustworthy sources like official app stores and developer websites. Avoid untrusted sources such as third-party stores, torrent sites, and P2P networks. During installation, review options and uncheck boxes for additional software.
Be cautious of ads, links, and pop-ups on suspicious websites to prevent unintended installations and potential security risks. If your computer is already infected with Converter Tab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Convertertab.com redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by Converter 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:
▼ 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 Converter Tab?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Converter Tab application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Converter Tab browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove convertertab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove convertertab.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Converter 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 convertertab.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Converter Tab browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Converter Tab browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:
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 "Converter 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 "Converter Tab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.convertertab.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 "convertertab.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 convertertab.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 "Converter 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 "Converter Tab", remove hxxp://convertertab.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 convertertab.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 convertertab.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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on convertertab.com 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 visit convertertab.com website?
The purpose of forcing users to visit specific websites like convertertab.com is typically driven by financial gain, data collection, or malicious activities.
Is visiting convertertab.com a threat to my privacy?
Websites like convertertab.com may collect data about your browsing habits, IP address, location, and other information. This data can be used for various purposes, including targeted advertising or potentially more malicious activities.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
A browser hijacker likely infiltrated your computer when downloading (and installing) bundled software, visiting suspicious websites, clicking on misleading ads or links, or falling victim to social engineering techniques.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Converter Tab browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner can scan your computer and remove added/installed browser-hijacking applications. Manual removal may not always be sufficient, especially when multiple browser hijackers are present, so it is crucial to remove all of them simultaneously for a complete solution.
▼ Show Discussion