How to remove Pure MathCalc Hub browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Pure MathCalc Hub?
Upon evaluation, it was determined that the Pure MathCalc Hub application functions as a browser hijacker, compelling users to utilize a counterfeit search engine. This software achieves browser hijacking by altering browser settings. It is advisable to promptly remove browser extensions like Pure MathCalc Hub to mitigate potential risks.
Pure MathCalc Hub browser hijacker overview
Once Pure MathCalc Hub is added to a browser, it replaces the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page with search.calculator-tool.online. Thus, users are directed to this website whenever they open the affected browser or enter search queries. However, despite appearing as a separate search engine, using search.calculator-tool.online ultimately redirects users to bing.com.
Because search.calculator-tool.online lacks the capability to generate search results independently, it is classified as a fake search engine. Fake search engines pose risks as they may compromise user privacy and security. Despite redirecting users to reputable search providers like Bing or Google, these engines may collect user search queries and browsing data.
Malicious actors may sell or share this data with third parties, exacerbating the risk of exploitation and misuse. Also, fake search engines often display deceptive advertisements or sponsored links, which can mislead users into visiting unreliable pages. This increases the risk of encountering malware or becoming a victim of online scams.
Overall, the lack of transparency, potential for data misuse, and heightened risk of encountering harmful content make fake search engines untrustworthy and unsafe for users to use.
Name | Pure MathCalc Hub |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Browser Extension(s) | Pure MathCalc Hub |
Supposed Functionality | Elevated browsing experience |
Promoted URL | search.calculator-tool.online |
Detection Names (search.calculator-tool.online) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address (search.calculator-tool.online) | 88.198.23.190 |
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 summary, fake search engines and browser hijackers present various risks to online safety and privacy. Users must identify and avoid deceptive tools like search.calculator-tool.online and Pure MathCalc Hub to safeguard themselves against scams and security breaches. More examples of browser hijackers promoting fake search engines are A Quote A Day, Currency Converter Tab, and Snow New Tab.
How did Pure MathCalc Hub install on my computer?
Browser hijackers are frequently installed by users unknowingly as part of bundled software packages. These packages often include browser hijackers as additional offers, which users may inadvertently agree to during the installation process if they overlook or rush through the setup steps.
Moreover, users can also fall victim to browser hijackers through deceptive advertisements or pop-ups, such as fake notifications or warnings, which trick them into clicking and triggering automatic downloads and installations of the hijacking software onto their devices.
Additionally, browser hijackers may be unwittingly added or installed through downloads from third-party app stores, peer-to-peer networks, dubious pages, and other unreliable sources.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
To minimize the risk of inadvertently installing unwanted apps, stick to downloading software from reputable sources like official app stores and trusted websites. During installations, use "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings to prevent the installation of bundled apps that may be included in installers.
Additionally, exercise caution when encountering ads, pop-ups, and similar elements during internet browsing to avoid inadvertently triggering unexpected installations. Ensure your operating system, web browsers, and security software are regularly updated, and consider using a reliable security tool to conduct periodic system scans for added protection against potential threats.
If your computer is already infected with Pure MathCalc Hub, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Search.calculator-tool.online redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by Pure MathCalc Hub browser hijacker:
Website promoting Pure MathCalc Hub 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 Pure MathCalc Hub?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Pure MathCalc Hub application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Pure MathCalc Hub browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove search.calculator-tool.online homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove search.calculator-tool.online redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Pure MathCalc Hub 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 search.calculator-tool.online website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Pure MathCalc Hub browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Pure MathCalc Hub 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 "Pure MathCalc Hub" 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 "Pure MathCalc Hub", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.calculator-tool.online) 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 "search.calculator-tool.online", 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 search.calculator-tool.online 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 "Pure MathCalc Hub", 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 "Pure MathCalc Hub", remove hxxp://search.calculator-tool.online 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 search.calculator-tool.online 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 search.calculator-tool.online 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:
If you have additional information on search.calculator-tool.online redirect or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users visit search.calculator-tool.online website?
The purpose of forcing users to visit a website like search.calculator-tool.online, which is a fake search engine, is likely to exploit the traffic for monetization purposes through various means.
Is visiting search.calculator-tool.online a threat to my privacy?
Visiting search.calculator-tool.online may threaten your privacy due to potential data collection, malware risks, phishing scams, and invasive ads.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers typically infiltrate browsers through deceptive software installations bundled with other programs or browser extensions, unreliable advertisements, third-party app stores or downloaders, shady pages, and similar channels.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Pure MathCalc Hub browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner can scan your computer and get rid of any browser-hijacking apps. Manually removing them might not work well, especially if there are multiple hijackers capable of reinstalling each other. In such cases, they must be removed all at once.
▼ Show Discussion