How to remove webbearsearch.com and Web Bear Search
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is webbearsearch.com?
Our team has inspected webbearsearch.com and found that it is a fake search engine. This fake search engine is promoted via a browser hijacker, an extension known as Web Bear Search. It is highly recommended to avoid visiting/using search engines like webbearsearch.com, especially those promoted via browser hijackers.
Webbearsearch.com and Web Bear Search browser hijacker overview
During our examination, we have found that webbearsearch.com does not generate results. It redirects users to bing.com, a legitimate search engine. Users are forced to visit webbearsearch.com when their browsers are hijacked by Web Bear Search. This extension hijacks browsers by making webbearsearch.com the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page.
Fake search engines like webbearsearch.com should not be used because they often lead users to other (unreliable) search engines that display manipulated or irrelevant search results, leading users to potentially harmful websites. Trusting results provided by dubious engines may lead to scams, sites hosting malicious apps, and other fraudulent pages.
Additionally, fake search engines can compromise user privacy by collecting and misusing personal data. Usually, search engines of this type gather browsing-related data, such as search queries and visited websites. However, sometimes, they may be capable of accessing more sensitive details.
Thus, it is recommended to remove webbearsearch.com or any other fake search engine from affected browsers. It is worth noting that removing browser hijackers often requires using specialized security software.
| Name | Web Bear Search |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Web Bear Search |
| Supposed Functionality | Improved browsing experience |
| Promoted URL | webbearsearch.com |
| Detection Names (webbearsearch.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (webbearsearch.com) | 104.26.1.217 |
| 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, browser hijackers pose a threat to both user privacy and security by altering browser settings without consent and redirecting traffic to potentially harmful websites. Users should avoid adding/installing such apps and use reputable search engines like Google.
Some examples of apps that function like Web Bear Search are FIIND, SeekFast, and FindClix.
How did Web Bear Search install on my computer?
A big part of browser hijackers is distributed by including them in installers of shady or free programs. During installations, users may overlook the provided settings (e.g., "Advanced or "Custom") mentioning included browser hijackers and agree to add/install them alongside the desired programs.
Other distribution channels include deceptive advertisements and pop-ups, third-party app stores, unofficial websites, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, etc. Typically, browser hijackers are disguised as legitimate tools to trick users into downloading and adding/installing them.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Download software from official websites (or app stores). It is not safe to use other sources, like third-party app stores, P2P networks, and unofficial sites. During installations, check the installer for unwanted offers and deselect them. Do not click pop-ups, intrusive ads, download buttons, etc., displayed on questionable pages.
Do not allow suspicious sites to send notifications. Regularly update all programs and the operating system, and scan your computer for threats. Also, use reputable security software for protection. If your computer is already infected with Web Bear Search, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Webbearsearch.com redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by Web Bear Search 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 Web Bear Search?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Web Bear Search application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Web Bear Search browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove webbearsearch.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove webbearsearch.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Web Bear Search 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 webbearsearch.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Web Bear Search browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Web Bear Search 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 "Web Bear Search" 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 "Web Bear Search", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.webbearsearch.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 "webbearsearch.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 web bear search 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 "Web Bear Search", 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 "Web Bear Search", remove hxxp://webbearsearch.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 web bear search 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 web bear search 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 visit webbearsearch.com website?
The purpose of redirecting users to webbearsearch.com is to increase traffic to the site. This higher traffic can be utilized to earn revenue.
Is visiting webbearsearch.com a threat to my privacy?
Yes, visiting webbearsearch.com can compromise your privacy. Fake search engines like this one often track your online activities without your permission. They may gather information such as your search history, websites you visit, and even personal details.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are commonly installed (or added) through bundled software installations, deceptive online ads, unofficial app stores or pages, third-party downloaders, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Web Bear Search browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning your computer and removing browser hijackers. It is important to note that manual removal might not be effective when dealing with multiple browser hijackers (these extensions may be designed to reinstall one another). Combo Cleaner can remove all browser hijackers at once.
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