Removing software that generates redirects to chuck-norris-tab.com
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of website is chuck-norris-tab.com?
Chuck-norris-tab.com is the address of a fake search engine that we discovered while investigating a browser hijacker called – Chuck Norris Tab. This rogue software is endorsed as an extension providing Chuck Norris "facts". However, Chuck Norris Tab modifies browsers to promote (through redirects) the chuck-norris-tab.com site.
Chuck Norris Tab browser hijacker overview
Browser-hijacking software reassigns browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new browser tab/window URLs to the addresses of endorsed websites. Hence, users may be forced to visit the newly assigned site whenever they open a new browser tab/window or enter a search query into the URL bar.
Chuck Norris Tab operates in this manner, and its redirects land on chuck-norris-tab.com. Hijacker software usually promotes fake search engines, which cannot provide search results and redirect to legitimate Internet search websites. This also applies to chuck-norris-tab.com, which redirects to the Bing search engine (bing.com). Keep in mind that this webpage might land elsewhere, as factors like user geolocation may influence redirects.
Furthermore, browser hijackers commonly use persistence-ensuring techniques to complicate their removal and prevent users from restoring their browsers.
What is more, software within this classification usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of Chuck Norris Tab. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, browser cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like Chuck Norris Tab on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Name | Chuck Norris Tab |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Browser Extension(s) | Chuck Norris Tab |
Supposed Functionality | Providing Chuck Norris "facts" |
Promoted URL | chuck-norris-tab.com |
Detection Names (chuck-norris-tab.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address (chuck-norris-tab.com) | 104.21.64.127 |
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
Gym New Tab, Vids Tab, Are you bored?, and SuperCar New Tab are just some examples of browser hijackers we have analyzed recently.
Browser-hijacking software typically appears ordinary and offers useful features. However, the advertised functionalities are rarely operational, as their sole purpose is to trick users into downloading/installing the software.
It is noteworthy that even if a browser extension or an application works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Chuck Norris Tab install on my computer?
We obtained Chuck Norris Tab from its "official" promotional webpage. In addition to such legitimate-looking pages, browser hijackers are endorsed on scam sites.
Most users access these webpages through redirects caused by misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.
The bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute browser hijackers.
The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Browser-hijacking software is proliferated by intrusive adverts as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise vigilance while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., pornography, scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Chuck Norris Tab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Permissions asked by Chuck Norris Tab browser hijacker:
Website promoting Chuck Norris 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 Chuck Norris Tab?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Chuck Norris Tab browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove chuck-norris-tab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove chuck-norris-tab.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Chuck Norris 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.
Chuck Norris Tab 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 "Chuck Norris 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 "Chuck Norris Tab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.chuck-norris-tab.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 "chuck-norris-tab.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 chuck norris tab browser hijacker, 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 "Chuck Norris 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 "Chuck Norris Tab", remove hxxp://chuck-norris-tab.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 chuck norris tab browser hijacker 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 chuck norris tab browser hijacker, 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 chuck-norris-tab.com website?
Redirects to websites like chuck-norris-tab.com are caused because cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) generate revenue through them.
Is visiting chuck-norris-tab.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Webpages classed as fake search engines (e.g., chuck-norris-tab.com, etc.) usually collect information about their visitors. This data may then be sold to third-parties.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser-hijacking software is primarily proliferated via bundled installation setups, deceptive promotional webpages, 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 Chuck Norris Tab browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all browser-hijacking applications that are present. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective, particularly when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system. In these cases, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. Furthermore, browser-hijacking software might be capable of denying access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
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