This article provides step-by-step removal for Chrome-tab.com. Follow the guide below to remove the redirect entirely from Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, Safari, and Windows system.
Chrome-tab.com is a website of unknown origin that affects commonly used browsers in an attempt to push its rogue search engine. Chrome-tab.com may be spread with the help of various shady techniques. In case of infection, you may see its main page set as a homepage, new tab page, and its search engine as a default one. Chrome-tab.com acts like a typical browser hijacker that may cause privacy issues and serve as a gate for severe malware infections.
Threat Summary
| Name | Chrome-tab.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The domain Chrome-tab.com can be set as homepage and new tab on each affected browser. A rogue search engine is set as default one. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of affected browsers can display the main page of Chrome-tab.com redirect. Many redirects and advertisements can occur during browsing sessions. |
| 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 Chrome-tab.com. |
Chrome-tab.com – Distribution Methods
Chrome-tab.com may be spread with the help of various shady techniques. Hackers often use compromised software installers to deliver the redirect unnoticeably on the system. The setups of various free apps provide additional potentially unwanted programs like Chrome-tab.com. Most of the times the installation of such other components happens by default. So if you follow the regular installation steps and just click the Next button, there is great chance to see Chrome-tab.com in your browser after you click the Finish button. To prevent the nasty redirect from infecting your system and browser always look for the Advanced or Custom install options. Once you find them make sure to review the information they provide. It should present all setup components and give you the opportunity to choose whether you want the additional ones or not.
Chrome-tab.com may slightly infect your system via different kinds of online advertisements – banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, new tab pages, sliders, links to sponsored content. The ads can be set to land you on a corrupted web page that downloads the redirect automatically. They may also be designed to install a suspicious browser extension or a toolbar that affect the browser with Chrome-tab.com.
Chrome-tab.com – More Details
Chrome-tab.com is a website of unknown origin that affects commonly used browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari) in attempt to push its rogue search engine. In case of infection, you may see its main page each time you open the browser as the redirect may modify homepage, the new tab page, and default search engine settings.
Currently the main page of Chrome-tab.com provides several elements. The primary elements are a search field and a few recommended links to popular social media channels and services below the field. The additional features include customizable clock and date form as well as options to change background wallpaper and preferred theme. Below you can see a picture of the redirect’s homepage:
It all seems alright, but there are some details about the redirect that can remain out of sight. First is the fact that Chrome-tab.com tracks all search queries you enter in its search filed as well as your browsing history and many other details which you can see in the next paragraph of the article.
The second thing is that the search engine provided by Chrome-tab.com is a rogue one as it does not have its own database to generate search results but redirects to Yahoo search instead.
Last but not least is the wave of annoying advertisements that the redirect may generate in your browser. They cannot remain unnoticed as you may see them all over your browser. Consequently, the browser’s performance may become sluggish while new pages may load slowly.
Even though you may think that Chrome-tab.com is a reliable website with a good reputation, the analysis of its behavior show that it acts like a typical browser hijacker that may cause privacy issues and serve as a gate for severe malware infections.
Chrome-tab.com – Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy is a page that notifies how Chrome-tab.com receives, collects and uses information from you as a user of its services. The section can be found in the bottom of Chrome-tab.com main page.
In accordance with the Chrome-tab.com’s policy, the website may obtain and record personal information that may directly or indirectly identify you such as:
- Your name
- Address
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Information you provided in public forums and/or social networks
- Information you provided us including your device identifier or IP address when you use the Site
As well as anonymous information that does not directly or indirectly identify you, like:
- The number of page views
- Link clicks
- Login times
- Your browser type and language
- Access times
- Software installed upon and/or devices connected to your computer and/or device, and the referring website address
In addition, the website owners allow third-parties, including authorized service providers, parent and subsidiary companies, affiliates, advertising companies, and ad networks, to display advertisements or place ad tags on or via Chrome-tab.com. These companies also use tracking technologies to collect information about your online behavior. The data can be then used to deliver you targeted advertisements.
In case that you do not agree with the collection of all personally and non-personally identifiable details mentioned above you need to remove the Chrome-tab.com redirect from the affected machine.
How to Remove Chrome-tab.com Redirect Effectively
The removal steps for Chrome-tab.com redirect are listed below. If you don’t feel quite comfortable with the manual removal approach you can choose the automatic. For maximum efficiency and the complete removal of Chrome-tab.com from affected browsers and Windows system it is good to fulfill all steps.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Chrome-tab.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Chrome-tab.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.com (Windows).
Get rid of Chrome-tab.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.com (Mac)
Remove Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.com will be removed.
Eliminate Chrome-tab.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".
Chrome-tab.com-FAQ
What Is Chrome-tab.com?
The Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.com Work?
Once installed, Chrome-tab.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.
Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.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 Chrome-tab.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.