How to remove Goals Tracker browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Goals Tracker?
During our evaluation of the Goals Tracker browser extension, we noticed its intent to promote a counterfeit search engine by tampering with web browser settings, a practice commonly referred to as browser hijacking. It is important to emphasize that browser hijackers, such as Goals Tracker, are usually promoted through questionable means.
Goals Tracker browser hijacker overview
Goals Tracker assumes control of the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page settings, replacing them with set.goalstracker.net. Consequently, when users try to initiate searches through their browser's search bar or open a new tab or homepage, they end up on set.goalstracker.net.
Set.goalstracker.net is categorized as a deceptive (fake) search engine primarily because of its misleading behavior, such as redirecting users to bing.com. When a user initiates a search on set.goalstracker.net, the search results are not generated by set.goalstracker.net. Instead, users are immediately redirected to bing.com, a reputable search engine owned by Microsoft.
Search engines like set.goalstracker.net are unreliable because they frequently pretend to be authentic and fully operational search tools, leading users to believe they provide distinctive features and services. Nevertheless, their primary purpose is to steer user searches toward other search engines (both reputable and shady ones) or websites.
Moreover, many fake search engines engage in unethical practices to generate income, including the collection and sale of user data without consent. This infringes on user privacy and raises significant concerns about data security. Given these reasons, it is important to exercise caution and skepticism when encountering search engines like set.goalstracker.net.
| Name | Goals Tracker |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Goals Tracker |
| Supposed Functionality | Improved browsing experience |
| Promoted URL | set.goalstracker.net |
| Detection Names (set.goalstracker.net) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (set.goalstracker.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. |
Conclusion
Browser hijackers are malicious software or extensions that forcibly alter a web browser's settings without the user's consent or awareness. They usually change the default search engine, homepage, and (or) new tab page, redirecting users to a specific site. These modifications can lead to a compromised browsing experience, unwanted ads, and privacy and security risks.
More examples of apps that promote fake search engines by hijacking browsers are Photon Search, Bazaar Virtual, and Finance Tab.
How did Goals Tracker install on my computer?
These extensions may be distributed through third-party websites or bundled with freeware or shareware applications that users willingly download. Users, in their rush to install a desired program, might overlook the bundled browser hijacker and inadvertently grant it permission to make changes to their browser settings.
Another technique involves enticing offers or clickbait, such as promising access to exclusive content, discounts, or prizes. Users may be lured into clicking on deceptive ads or links that lead to the hijacking of web browsers. Sometimes, users obtain browser hijackers via P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar channels.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Only download browser extensions, software, and applications from reputable sources like official app stores or the developers' websites. Avoid third-party websites and app stores or sources with a questionable reputation. Before downloading any software or extension, check user reviews and ratings to gauge its authenticity and quality.
During software installations, pay close attention to the installation process. Opt for custom or advanced installation settings to uncheck any additional software or extensions bundled with the desired program. Do not interact with pop-ups, ads, and similar content on dubious websites.
If your computer is already infected with Goals Tracker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Set.goalstracker.net redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by Goals Tracker browser hijacker:
Website promoting Goals Tracker 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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Quick menu:
- What is Goals Tracker?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Goals Tracker application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Goals Tracker browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove set.goalstracker.net homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove set.goalstracker.net redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Goals Tracker 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 set.goalstracker.net website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Goals Tracker browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Goals Tracker 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 "Goals Tracker" 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 "Goals Tracker", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.set.goalstracker.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 "set.goalstracker.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 set.goalstracker.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 "Goals Tracker", 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 "Goals Tracker", remove hxxp://set.goalstracker.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 set.goalstracker.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 set.goalstracker.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 set.goalstracker.net website?
Compelling users to utilize the set.goalstracker.net search engine is primarily intended to increase the website's traffic, which could potentially enhance its exposure and advertising earnings.
Is visiting set.goalstracker.net a threat to my privacy?
Yes, visiting set.goalstracker.net can pose a threat to your privacy. Fake or malicious search engines like set.goalstracker.net may collect your search queries and browsing data, potentially leading to unauthorized data collection and misuse.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Usually, browser hijackers are advertised and distributed through software bundles, online scams, free file-hosting websites, P2P networks, notifications from untrustworthy pages, and deceptive advertisements, among other methods.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Goals Tracker browser hijacker?
Manual removal is not always the best solution, particularly when dealing with multiple hijackers that can reinstall each other. In these situations, users may need to conduct simultaneous removal. Combo Cleaner scans computer systems and eradicates all browser-hijacking applications in one go.
Outstanding!
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