Web-start.org is an online domain of a browser hijacker redirect. The hijacker is affiliated with the Plus! Network and can redirect you from the main web page, search bars, and buttons. Every search that you make can land you on the Plus! Network’s search results. Web-start.org can alter the new tab, homepage and search engine of any browser you use. A browser extension could be installed, as well. To remove this hijacker and all files tied to it, you should read the whole article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Web-start.org |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | All browsers on your computer might be affected. The hijacker will redirect you and filter all of your searches. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which can be modified are the homepage, search engine and new tab. A browser extension could be added. You can see sponsored content and targeted advertising in the search results. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Web-start.org. |
Web-start.org – Distribution Ways
The Web-start.org hijacker could use different ways for distributing itself. A common one is with third-party installation setups. The unwanted program could intrude your computer machine without you knowing it. Bundled programs and freeware can put the hijacker in your computer that way. Setups like that could be set by default to install extra components. Various settings in your browsers and PC could be replaced. Avoiding these types of installations from changing settings is manageable if you find Custom or Advanced options inside the setup.
Web-start.org might use more distribution ways to deliver its search engine to your browser programs. Advertisements related to it can be generated on websites in the form of banners, pop-ups and similar advert types. This hijacker might be distributed through websites that seem suspicious or host links which can redirect you. Websites like these could be affiliated or partnered up somehow with Web-start.org. The following browsers might be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
Web-start.org – Detailed Information
Web-start.org is the primary domain of a browser hijacker redirect. It will land you to the search results of the Plus Network browser hijacker. The redirects can become a reality from browsing the Internet or from the search bars or home page buttons. You can see the homepage of the browser hijacker from the below picture:
The page seen at https://Web-start.org/, that is displayed just above, is comprised of a search bar and some buttons underneath it. All buttons will redirect you to either a famous market platform or a social media service. The buttons can lead to sponsored pages with modified URLs of the official platform. The Web-start.org online page switches the default search engine of your browser applications, plus their new tab and home page window. An extension tied to the hijacker could be installed, too.
If you have any application that is connected to Web-start.org on your computer system or browsers, you will encounter changed settings sooner or later. These applications more often than not invade your PC through bundled apps. Extensions, plugins, and add-ons, including similar content, could all generate advertisements and redirecting links. The redirects can send you to suspicious websites of unknown origins or such that host sponsored contents. Third-party website owners could be in a partnership with Web-start.org.
From the screenshot seen above, you can view the search results page of Web-start.org. You should be aware that you will be redirected to the search results page of the Plus! Network. That does not mean that similar platforms cannot appear in its place, as well. Web-start.org collects information from you, including your browsing activity and the search queries you make. All information is sent to servers of the Plus! Network browser hijacker.
Both of the search engines are tied to each other, be it by being affiliates or partners. The information which is acquired from the searches you do will be sent to the owners of both websites. Be careful of clicking links and message boxes, as well as with your searches. Refrain from giving information when not needed, especially inside this search engine. Do not use its search bars to enter any personal information, such as credential data and banking details. Read down to see what information could be obtained from you by Web-start.org.
Web-start.org – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the Web-start.org website is either well-hidden or does not exist at all. The only policy that can be applied to it is that of the Plus Network. This is because that same platform filters your search queries, as well. That policy is so short that you can view the whole of it without scrolling. After you read it, you will see that you are not required to give out any information to use the website. In spite of that, the platform will still collect information about you. Details are lacking about what information exactly will be gathered from your online activity. Third parties which are partners or in any way affiliated with the Plus! Network will have unlimited access to the data which is collected.
You can see the Privacy Policy in the following image:
By using the Web-start.org website you give your consent for the collecting of personal information – at least, according to the Policy. That rule applies to using services, and applications tied to the hijacker, as well. The information which is obtained is personally identifiable, and you do not exactly know what could be acquired. Refrain from providing any information that is personal. The Privacy Policy states that its page will be updated if changes occur. Browser cookies and more tracking technologies are utilized in the information’s acquirement process, as well.
Remove Web-start.org Efficiently
To remove Web-start.org manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the hijacker and all of its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer safe in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Web-start.org from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Web-start.org with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Web-start.org and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Web-start.org on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Web-start.org there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Web-start.org (Windows).
Get rid of Web-start.org from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Web-start.org and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Web-start.org. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Web-start.org via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Web-start.org files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Web-start.org, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Web-start.org (Mac)
Remove Web-start.org from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Web-start.org from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Web-start.org from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Web-start.org from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Web-start.org will be removed.
Eliminate Web-start.org from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Web-start.org-FAQ
What Is Web-start.org?
The Web-start.org threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Web-start.org?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Web-start.org?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Web-start.org Work?
Once installed, Web-start.org can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Web-start.org can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Web-start.org Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Web-start.org Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Web-start.org how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Web-start.org?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Web-start.org threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.