Removing ZenFocusZone browser hijacker and the redirects it generates

What kind of software is ZenFocusZone?

Our research team found the ZenFocusZone browser extension while reviewing suspicious websites. This piece of software alters browser settings in order to promote (through redirects) the zenfocuszone.com fake search engine. Due to this behavior, ZenFocusZone is categorized as a browser hijacker.

ZenFocusZone browser hijacker overview

Browser-hijacking software assigns the addresses of promoted websites as browsers' default search engines, homepages, and new tab/window URLs. Therefore, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries entered into the URL bar – result in redirects to the endorsed webpage. In the case of ZenFocusZone, it is zenfocuszone.com.

It is pertinent to mention that browser hijackers often use persistence-ensuring mechanisms, such as denying access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes – to prevent browser restoration.

Fake search engines typically cannot provide search results, so they land on genuine Internet search websites. Zenfocuszone.com redirects to the Bing search engine (bing.com). It is noteworthy that this page could land elsewhere, as factors like user geolocation may influence redirects.

Software within this classification usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of ZenFocusZone. Data of interest can include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, browser-hijacking software like ZenFocusZone may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	ZenFocusZone
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s)	ZenFocusZone
Promoted URL	zenfocuszone.com
Detection Names (zenfocuszone.com)	N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (zenfocuszone.com)	104.21.20.235
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Browser hijacker examples

We have examined countless browser hijackers; B - Vegan, Sun-Rise, Sport Post, and News Express Pro are just a few examples.

While this software tends to appear legitimate and useful, it seldom works as advertised. Typically, the promised features are only a lure to entice users into downloading/installing the extension or app.

However, it must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did ZenFocusZone install on my computer?

We obtained ZenFocusZone from a deceptive page. Browser hijackers are promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Users mainly access such pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.

Additionally, browser-hijacking software can be bundled with regular programs. The threat of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Intrusive adverts spread browser hijackers as well. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. We recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary applications, extensions, features, and so on.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, despite their ordinary/harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspect apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ZenFocusZone, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Appearance of zenfocuszone.com redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):

Permissions asked by ZenFocusZone browser hijacker:

Website promoting ZenFocusZone 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 ZenFocusZone?
• STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove ZenFocusZone browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove zenfocuszone.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove zenfocuszone.com redirect from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

ZenFocusZone 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.

ZenFocusZone browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove ZenFocusZone 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 "ZenFocusZone" 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 "ZenFocusZone", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.zenfocuszone.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 "zenfocuszone.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 zenfocuszone.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 "ZenFocusZone", 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 "ZenFocusZone", remove hxxp://zenfocuszone.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 zenfocuszone.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 zenfocuszone.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 zenfocuszone.com website?

The motivation behind developing software that generates rogue redirects is financial gain. In other words, cyber criminals profit through redirects to websites like zenfocuszone.com.

Is visiting zenfocuszone.com a threat to my privacy?

Most likely, yes. Sites like zenfocuszone.com usually gather (and sell) visitor data.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser hijackers are primarily distributed via bundled installers, deceptive promotional webpages, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive adverts.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove ZenFocusZone browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all browser-hijacking applications detected. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In cases where multiple browser hijackers are present, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be inaccessible with browser-hijacking software installed. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.

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