Removal instructions for the Glacier Tab browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Glacier Tab?
Glacier Tab is a browser extension promising to display high-definition (based on the software's name, likely glacier-themed) wallpapers. After analyzing this extension, we determined that it is a browser hijacker. Glacier Tab makes alterations to browser settings in order to endorse (via redirects) the glaciertab.com website.
Glacier Tab browser hijacker overview
On our testing system, Glacier Tab assigned glaciertab.com as the browser's homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URL. Hence, when we opened a new browser tab/window or entered a search query into the URL bar – it resulted in redirects to the glaciertab.com website.
In most cases, illegitimate search engines cannot provide search results, so they redirect to genuine ones. At the time of research, glaciertab.com redirected to the Google search engine (google.com). Keep in mind that this site might lead elsewhere since factors like user geolocation may impact redirects.
Browser-hijacking software commonly employs persistence-ensuring mechanisms to prevent browser recovery. What is more, Glacier Tab has data-tracking abilities.
Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like Glacier Tab on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial issues, and even identity theft.
| Name | Glacier Tab |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Glacier Tab |
| Supposed Functionality | High-definition browser wallpapers |
| Promoted URL | glaciertab.com |
| Detection Names (glaciertab.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (glaciertab.com) | 104.26.15.98 |
| 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 analyzed thousands of browser hijackers; Forest Wallpapers, Horizon Timez, and Everywhere Weather are merely a few examples. Browser-hijacking software seldom looks suspicious. It typically appears legitimate and offers handy functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Glacier Tab install on my computer?
Browser-hijacking software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users mainly enter these webpages through redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
Additionally, browser hijackers can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate browser hijackers as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installation without user consent.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
It is important to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look legitimate – but redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Glacier Tab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of glaciertab.com redirecting to the Google search engine (GIF):
Permissions asked by Glacier 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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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 Glacier Tab?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Glacier Tab browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove glaciertab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove glaciertab.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Glacier 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, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Glacier Tab browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Glacier 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 "Glacier 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 "Glacier Tab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.glaciertab.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 "glaciertab.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 glaciertab.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 "Glacier 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 "Glacier Tab", remove hxxp://glaciertab.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 glaciertab.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 glaciertab.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:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit glaciertab.com website?
Redirects to sites like glaciertab.com are generated because cyber criminals (e.g., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines, etc.) profit through them.
Is visiting glaciertab.com a threat to my privacy?
To a certain extent, yes. Websites like glaciertab.com tend to collect (and sell) visitor data.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are mainly spread via bundled installers, deceptive promotional pages, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive ads.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Glacier Tab browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed browser-hijacking apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In cases where multiple browser hijackers are present, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. What is more, removal-related settings might be unmodifiable with this software installed. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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