Removal instructions for "A cool tab" browser hijacker

What kind of software is "A cool tab"?

Upon inspection of a browser extension called "A cool tab", we determined that it is a browser hijacker. The extension modifies browser settings to generate redirects that land on the search.mycooltab.com fake search engine.

A cool tab browser hijacker overview

Typically, browser-hijacking software makes changes to browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tabs/windows. A cool tab modifies browsers in this manner as well. Hence, having this extension installed means that users may be forced to visit search.mycooltab.com whenever they open a new browser tab/window or enter a search query into the URL bar.

Illegitimate search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to genuine Internet search websites. At the time of research, search.mycooltab.com led users to the Bing search engine (bing.com). Keep in mind that this webpage could land elsewhere, as factors like user geolocation might influence redirects.

It is pertinent to mention that browser hijackers commonly use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from recovering their browsers.

Furthermore, it is standard for software within this classification to have data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of A cool tab.

Browser hijackers can seek the following data: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. This vulnerable data can then be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like A cool tab on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	A cool tab
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s)	A cool tab
Promoted URL	search.mycooltab.com
Detection Names (search.mycooltab.com)	N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (search.mycooltab.com)	104.21.17.122
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 and fake search engine examples

We have investigated thousands of browser hijackers and fake search engines; nhereugo.com, maxask.com, and FIIND are but a few of our latest articles. This software and the sites it endorses usually appear legitimate and useful. They can offer a wide variety of functionalities, which are rarely operational – as their sole purpose is to serve as bait.

However, remember that even if an application/extension or a website operates as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove legitimacy or safety.

How did A cool tab install on my computer?

Browser hijackers are endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites (that use scare tactics or other lures). Most visitors access these webpages via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware.

Additionally, browser-hijacking software can be bundled with regular programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Furthermore, browser hijackers are spread by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

Caution is key to computer safety. Therefore, always research software before downloading or purchasing. Download only from official and verified channels. When installing, read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, and so on.

Be vigilant when browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

Permissions asked by A cool 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:
▼ 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 A cool tab?
• STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove A cool tab browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove search.mycooltab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove search.mycooltab.com redirect from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

A cool 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.

A cool tab browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove A cool tab 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 "A cool 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 "A cool tab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.mycooltab.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 "search.mycooltab.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 search.mycooltab.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 "A cool 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 "A cool tab", remove hxxp://search.mycooltab.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 search.mycooltab.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 search.mycooltab.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 search.mycooltab.com website?

Cyber criminals (e.g., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines, etc.) generate revenue through redirects to webpages like search.mycooltab.com.

Is visiting search.mycooltab.com a threat to my privacy?

Pages classed as fake search engines (e.g., search.mycooltab.com, etc.) usually collect information about their visitors. The data may then be sold to third-parties. Hence, visiting such sites does pose privacy threats.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

The most widespread distribution methods include: bundled installation setups, deceptive promotional webpages, freeware and free file-hosting websites, online scams, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, intrusive ads, and spam browser notifications.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove A cool tab browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all browser-hijacking apps that are installed. Remember that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective, especially when multiple browser hijackers are present. In these instances, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. What is more, with browser-hijacking software installed – removal-related settings might be unmodifiable. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.

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