Footybase.com is the domain of a browser hijacker, which can be generated by the Climbon.top/search.php redirect. Settings which this hijacker can alter are the homepage, search engine and new tab of nearly every browser you use. All search queries you make will be filtered and be sent to servers connected to the hijacker. You will experience advertising and redirect links while you browse. To remove this browser hijacker, you should read the article to the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | Footybase.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Browser programs on your computer device could be affected. The hijacker redirects you and displays sponsored advertising content. |
| Symptoms | The start page, search engine and new tab setting will be altered. You will get redirected from the search results every time you do a search or open a new tab window. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Footybase.com. |
Footybase.com – Distribution Methods
Footybase.com can be distributed in various methods. One of them is through third-party installer setups of bundled applications or freeware. These setups could have been set to put additional content on your PC, by default. Without you knowing, the hijacker can alter settings on browsers before you notice it. Preventing such setups from installing undesirable application can be done if you find Custom or Advanced options. There, you should be able to deselect the additional content.
Another distribution methods might utilize an add-on of some sort, and place it in your browser applications. Banners, pop-unders, pop-ups and more advertisement types can spread the hijacker redirect and be a viable distribution method. The redirect is distributed with multiple redirect links of other websites, such as Climbon.top/search.php. Such websites are either run by the same owners or partnered up with Footybase.com. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
Footybase.com – More About It
Footybase.com is the primary landing page for a hijacker redirect and search engine. The page Footybase.com/search.php will be put as your default home page, new tab window and search engine. You can view that page from the picture shown down below:
The Footybase.com search page is made of a pure white background, a search bar with a logo and a banner space for advertisements under it. You can see the scam from the name of the new tab that says “Google Search” and that the logo is made to look like the one of Google. That page will change your default homepage, search engine, and new tab setting of any browser programs you are running on your computer device. The design of the page looks exactly like the MyLucky123.com hijacker.
The hijacker could change entries in the Windows registry to make the redirect appear on each start of the Google Chrome browser:
→HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Policies\Google\Chrome\HomepageLocation
and
→HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Policies\Google\Chrome\RestoreOnStartupURLs\1
In the screenshot underneath the paragraph, you can see how a search results page of Footybase.com looks. You get redirected to Google’s Custom Search results. That is made to trick people into trusting the hijacker redirect, as though it is a legitimate Google service or Google affiliate. Advertisements and sponsored contents show inside the search results as shown in the picture below.
You know you are trying to get scammed when you are offered tickets to a “Live” show of a dead artist. That’s just not right.
Your search queries will be filtered by the Footybase.com search engine. Before redirecting you to the Google service, every piece of information you provide from the search bar will be sent directly to servers of the hijacker. That information is going to be stored there for an unknown period. Be on alert if you are still using that search – it will intrude your privacy space and track browsing activity.
Be very careful with what information you give out to this service. Refrain from providing any account data, credential details, banking or personal information. In-text and redirect links can be generated when you are surfing the Internet. Information could also be gathered from the website when you use cookies. Read further to see what the Footybase.com website does to gather information from you.
The Privacy Policy of the Footybase.com is nowhere to be found. Instead, there are browser cookies which can accumulate data obtained from your searches and interaction with the website and redirects.
You can see how many cookies are injected to your PC, in the image below:
Usually, by only visiting such websites, browser cookies are placed on your computer system and begin obtaining statistical data. Like, how much time you stay on the page, what time you have accessed the page, what your hardware and software are, what is your preferred language, what is the browser in use, etc. Cookies can also gather personal details about you from your searches and interactions with advertisements and text links. So, be wary and do not use such shady services.
If you do not approve of how your privacy is being intruded, then you should remove the browser hijacker redirect and all of its related components from your computer device.
Remove Footybase.com Completely
To remove Footybase.com 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 its redirects completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Footybase.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Footybase.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Footybase.com and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
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 Footybase.com 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 Footybase.com 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 Footybase.com (Windows).
Get rid of Footybase.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Footybase.com 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 Footybase.com. 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 Footybase.com 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 Footybase.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Footybase.com, 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 Footybase.com (Mac)
Remove Footybase.com 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 Footybase.com 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 Footybase.com 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 Footybase.com 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 Footybase.com will be removed.
Eliminate Footybase.com 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".
Footybase.com-FAQ
What Is Footybase.com?
The Footybase.com 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 Footybase.com?
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 Footybase.com?
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 Footybase.com Work?
Once installed, Footybase.com 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.
Footybase.com 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 Footybase.com 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 Footybase.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Footybase.com 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 Footybase.com?
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 Footybase.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.