Removing Nature Start browser hijacker and the redirects it generates
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is Nature Start?
While investigating suspicious webpages, our researchers found one endorsing the Nature Start browser extension. It promises to display relaxing nature-themed browser wallpapers.
After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is a browser hijacker. This extension makes alterations to browser settings in order to promote (through redirects) the nature-start.com illegitimate search engine.
Nature Start browser hijacker overview
On our test machine, Nature Start made modifications to the browser's homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window. Whenever we opened a new browser tab/window or entered a search query into the URL bar – it resulted in redirects to the nature-start.com site.
In most cases, fake search engines cannot generate search results, so they lead to genuine Internet search websites. At the time of research, nature-start.com redirected to the Google search engine (google.com). It is pertinent to mention that this site could lead elsewhere (to other legitimate or fake search engines), as factors like user geolocation may impact redirects.
Browser-hijacking software often uses persistence-ensuring techniques, such as preventing access to removal-related settings and/or undoing user-made changes – to complicate its removal.
Like most browser hijackers, Nature Start spies on users' browsing activity. Data of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, software like Nature Start may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Nature Start |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Nature Start |
| Supposed Functionality | Nature-themed browser wallpapers |
| Promoted URL | nature-start.com |
| Detection Names (nature-start.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (nature-start.com) | 104.21.26.248 |
| 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
We have examined countless browser hijackers; Rain or Shine, Abstract Start Page, Wikiped Today, Cute Goats Tab, Extreme Sports Wallpapers – are merely some of our latest finds.
Software within this classification usually appears genuine and harmless. It also offers a broad range of "handy" functionalities, which are rarely operational. It must be mentioned that functional features are not a definitive indicator of a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did Nature Start install on my computer?
We obtained Nature Start from its "official" download webpage. Aside from such pages, browser hijackers are often promoted on deceptive/scam sites. Most visitors to these webpages access them via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to proliferate browser-hijacking software.
The risk of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels, such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party sources. The danger is increased by treating installation processes with negligence, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.
Intrusive ads spread browser hijackers as well. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look legitimate and innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Nature Start, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of nature-start.com redirecting to the Google search engine (GIF):
Permissions asked by Nature Start browser hijacker:
Website promoting Nature Start 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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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 Nature Start?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Nature Start browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove nature-start.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove nature-start.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Nature Start 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.
Nature Start 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 "Nature Start" 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 "Nature Start", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.nature-start.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 "nature-start.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 nature-start.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 "Nature Start", 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 "Nature Start", remove hxxp://nature-start.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 nature-start.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 nature-start.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 to visit nature-start.com website?
Cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) generate revenue through redirects to websites like nature-start.com.
Is visiting nature-start.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Pages classed as fake search engines usually collect information about their visitors. This data can then be sold to third-parties.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
The most commonly used distribution techniques include: bundled installers, online scams, deceptive promotional pages, freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Nature Start browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all browser-hijacking applications installed. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In cases where multiple browser hijackers are present, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. What is more, browser-hijacking software may be capable of denying access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
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