Search.Funcybertabsearch(.)com is a search engine and primary web address for a browser hijacker. The main page is funcybertabsearch(.)com. Imali Media Ltd. is the company, which developed the unwanted program. All search queries go through SafeFinder – another hijacker.
The hijacker changes a browser’s homepage, search engine, and new tab and might even add a toolbar and a plugin to the browser. Adverts and targeted content can show up while browsing. To remove the hijacker and all tied files, you should read through the article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Funcybertabsearch(.)com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | All browsers on your computer could be affected. The hijacker can redirect you and filter each one of your search queries. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings that can be changed are the homepage, search engine and new tab, as well as browser plugins and a toolbar. You could see third party content and advertisements. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Funcybertabsearch(.)com. |
Funcybertabsearch(.)com – Methods of Distribution
Search.Funcybertabsearch(.)com uses a couple of distribution methods to show up in your browsers. The general method is via third-party installations. Bundled software, including free program installers, can get this hijacker on your computer. Freeware setups usually have additional content selected as a default installation setting. Various settings may be modified before you notice that the unwanted application is inside your computer. Avoiding such installations can be done if you find Custom or Advanced options in the setup to deselect components.
Funcybertabsearch(.)com can use other methods to distribute its search engine. Some of them include the use of adverts, like banners, pop-ups or more advertising content. The hijacker could be distributed with the aid of suspicious websites that host redirects. Websites like these might be partners or affiliates of Search.Funcybertabsearch(.)com. Browsers that can be affected are: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
Funcybertabsearch(.)com – A Closer Look
Search.Funcybertabsearch(.)com is the main web address and search engine for the browser hijacker named Fun Cyber Tab Search. The company which developed it is Imali Media Ltd. that is known for making other hijacker software, for instance – TvnewTabPlusSearch(.)com.
You can see how it looks like in the screenshot right here:
The Search.Funcybertabsearch(.)com page consists of a search bar, and a multitude of redirect links, some of which have the form of buttons. Most buttons redirect to popular online websites. This exact page will replace the search engine of your browsers, along with the new tab setting, and the home page. A toolbar will be present on the page.
In case any additional applications related to Funcybertabsearch(.)com enter your computer, like a browser plugin, for example, then you will notice more modifications made to your browsers. Such additional programs could easily install on your computer with the help of bundling setups. Plugins, extensions or add-ons can generate advertisements, show you additional third-party content or redirect you. The redirects could land you on web pages with a bad popularity. Those pages might be affiliated with Funcybertabsearch(.)com.
In the above image, you can see the search results of Search.Funcybertabsearch(.)com. Obviously, you get redirected to Yahoo, although redirects to other reputable search engines are possible. That is a way to try and trick you into trusting the hijacker. But if you look closely, you can see how with every search you do each query goes through the following redirect:
In that way, Search.Funcybertabsearch(.)com can acquire data from your searches using a server of Safe Finder.
The search engines are in some way connected and can send all information related to your search queries to each other, especially if they are affiliates. You should be wary around these search engine sites and not give personal details or any credentials. Also, on the Search.Funcybertabsearch(.)com page do not click on any of the buttons. From the toolbar you can be redirected to the ReImagePlus rogue security program, like the Plus Network browser hijacker does:
Microsoft does not support that rogue software like ReImage falsely claims.
If you are not careful you can also get into a redirect chain to AliBaba sites on the AliExpress network like the domain Livecheck(.)perfectsafeupdate(.)net did as well as other domains. Continue to read, to find out how much information can be collected from you by the hijacker software.
Funcybertabsearch(.)com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the Search.Funcybertabsearch(.)com is redirecting to the one of Imali Media Ltd. Note that the policy of Safe Finder can be applied additionally to the information collection. That is because both platforms state in their corresponding policies that your consent for automatic data collection is granted upon entering and using their websites. Search.Funcybertabsearch(.)com collects personally and non-personally identifying information. Third parties may also receive some of that information.
An image preview of the Privacy Policy of Imali Media:
Information collected by Imali Media from this hijacker, according to the Policy:
- Your IP (internet protocol) address
- The type of browser you use
- The time at which you visited the site
- Which pages you visited throughout the site
Information you provide that can be collected:
- Your name
- Your email address
- Country of origin
- Your nickname
- Telephone number
- Website
- Company
- Job title
If you download and install the plugin, this data is collected:
- Demographic information
- Your gender
- Your age
- Occupation
- Household income
- Zip code
- Your country
- Mobile telephone number
- Your E-mail address
Information is also gathered if you complete a questionnaire, subscription form or a contest entry form.
Automatic information collected from the plugin:
- Searches you perform using Imali Media domains
- The ways in which you use various features
- Pages you view on those domains
- Page view count
- Impressions and clicks
Automatic information collected from the site – when your web browser accesses the website or when you use the plugin. This information is collected with cookies.
And last, but not least – see what the policy says about linking to other sites:
Our Site includes links to other third party Web sites (such as Google, Facebook, Youtube etc.) whose privacy practices may differ from those of Browsing Product. Our service may also be linked to sites or services operated by the Browsing Product affiliates or third parties, and may carry advertisements or offer content, functionality, games, rewards programs, newsletters, contests or sweepstakes, or applications developed and maintained by third parties including, any online store.
The owners of Imali Media wash their hands by saying that any link, redirect or additional content you use as a result of their browser hijacker, do not apply Imali Media’s privacy policy but other ones and Imali is not responsible. So be careful with your every click when you use search engines, especially if they are from this company or other ones with a bad reputation. Know that the Safe Finder site will surely obtain similar information about you as well.
Remove Funcybertabsearch(.)com Completely from Your PC
To remove Search.Funcybertabsearch(.)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 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 Funcybertabsearch(.)com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Funcybertabsearch(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Funcybertabsearch(.)com 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 Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)com (Windows).
Get rid of Funcybertabsearch(.)com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)com (Mac)
Remove Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)com will be removed.
Eliminate Funcybertabsearch(.)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".
Funcybertabsearch(.)com-FAQ
What Is Funcybertabsearch(.)com?
The Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)com Work?
Once installed, Funcybertabsearch(.)com can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)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 Funcybertabsearch(.)com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.