How to remove BestWallpaper NewTab browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is BestWallpaper NewTab?
BestWallpaper NewTab is a browser extension operating as a browser hijacker. We have discovered that the purpose of BestWallpaper NewTab is to promote a fake search engine. Also, this browser hijacker may collect information. Therefore, users with browsers hijacked by BestWallpaper NewTab should remove this app as soon as possible.
BestWallpaper NewTab browser hijacker overview
BestWallpaper NewTab hijacks a web browser by changing the following settings: the homepage, default search engine, and new tab page. It replaces their addresses with bestwpnewtab.com, a fake search engine that shows results from Bing. Bestwpnewtab.com redirects users to bing.com (a legitimate search engine) via another shady site, thecfone.com.
Users should avoid trusting or using fake search engines due to several significant risks. These deceptive search engines often prioritize sponsored or malicious content, leading to unreliable search results. This can expose users to potentially harmful websites, phishing scams, or malicious downloads.
Additionally, fake search engines (and browser hijackers) may track and collect users' search queries and personal information, compromising privacy and potentially leading to identity theft or unauthorized use of data. In order to ensure a secure and trustworthy online experience, it is crucial to stick to reputable search engines with a proven track record for privacy and security.
Name | BestWallpaper NewTab |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Browser Extension(s) | BestWallpaper NewTab Extension |
Supposed Functionality | Improved browsing experience |
Promoted URL | bestwpnewtab.com |
Detection Names (bestwpnewtab.com) | Bfore.Ai PreCrime (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address (bestwpnewtab.com) | 172.67.130.244 |
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
In conclusion, the presence of browser hijackers can compromise the integrity of search results, leading users to potentially harmful websites and exposing them to phishing scams or malicious downloads. Furthermore, the unauthorized tracking of user activities and the collection of personal information by fake search engines (and browser hijackers) raise significant privacy concerns.
There are numerous examples of browser-hijacking apps. Some of them are Scenic Tab, Findmovie, and MyWorldClock.
How did BestWallpaper NewTab install on my computer?
It is common for free applications to come bundled with browser hijackers, and users inadvertently agree to install or add these additional components during the software installation process. It usually happens when users rush through installation steps without carefully reviewing the available settings or ticked checkboxes.
In other cases, users add browser hijackers when trusting downloads from P2P networks, unofficial pages, third-party app stores, and similar sources. Clicking unreliable ads can also lead to browser hijacking.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Download software exclusively from reliable and official platforms (official pages and app stores). Steer clear of third-party app stores, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, etc. Read reviews before downloading and adding or installing apps. Be wary of clicking on suspicious links or ads, especially those promising free downloads or claiming to improve system performance.
Pay close attention during software installations. Select the custom or advanced installation option to deselect unwanted apps and uncheck any boxes related to additional, unwanted software. Periodically review and remove any browser extensions or add-ons that are unnecessary or unfamiliar.
If your computer is already infected with BestWallpaper NewTab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Bestwpnewtab.com redirects to bing.com via thecfone.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by BestWallpaper NewTab browser hijacker:
Website promoting BestWallpaper NewTab browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is BestWallpaper NewTab?
- STEP 1. Uninstall BestWallpaper NewTab application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove BestWallpaper NewTab browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove bestwpnewtab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove bestwpnewtab.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
BestWallpaper NewTab 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 bestwpnewtab.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
BestWallpaper NewTab 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 "BestWallpaper NewTab Extension" 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 "BestWallpaper NewTab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.bestwpnewtab.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 "bestwpnewtab.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 bestwpnewtab.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 "BestWallpaper NewTab", 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 "BestWallpaper NewTab", remove hxxp://bestwpnewtab.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 bestwpnewtab.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 bestwpnewtab.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 visit bestwpnewtab.com website?
Compelling users to visit the fraudulent search engine (bestwpnewtab.com) is linked to an ulterior motive of artificially increasing page traffic. This heightened traffic can be manipulated to give a false impression of popularity or legitimacy, opening the door to various potential uses.
Is visiting bestwpnewtab.com a threat to my privacy?
Indeed, accessing and using bestwpnewtab.com presents a potential privacy threat, as the website may be crafted to gather sensitive information without your explicit consent.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Users unknowingly introduce browser hijackers to their browsers when they download and install ostensibly legitimate software bundled with these browser-hijacking apps. Furthermore, engaging with malicious links and deceptive ads and downloading files from untrustworthy sources are other potential avenues through which browser hijackers can infiltrate a user's system.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove BestWallpaper NewTab browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner is designed to scan and eliminate browser-hijacking apps from computers. For a thorough solution, it is advisable to remove all identified browser hijackers at once. Utilizing specialized software ensures the successful elimination of persistent browser hijackers, providing a more effective and comprehensive resolution.
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