Remove FunkySocialTab(.)com Browser Hijacker Effectively

by Berta Bilbao | August 9, 2016 | 0 Comments ad-supported application, browser extension, browser hijacker, redirects

Threat Summary FunkySocialTab(.)com – Distribution Methods FunkySocialTab(.)com – Overview FunkySocialTab(.)com – Privacy Policy Remove FunkySocialTab(.)com Completely from Your PC

FunkySocialTab(.)com is the primary online address for the browser hijacker of the same name. The hijacker can redirect you, especially when you try to do a search from its pages. Most of the time you will land on Yahoo’s search results page, but it’s possible to be that of another reputable search engine. Your searches will go via SafeFinder, which is again a browser hijacker program. FunkySocialTab(.)com can switch the homepage, new tab and the search engine of any browser you have. A related browser extension is also spread on the Web. To remove the hijacker and all of its files, you should read the article to the end.

Threat Summary

Name	FunkySocialTab(.)com
Type	Browser Hijacker, PUP
Short Description	All browsers on your computer could be affected. The hijacker redirects you and filters your searches.
Symptoms	Browser settings that can be changed are the homepage, search engine and new tab, and possibly – browser extensions. You might see sponsored content and advertisements.
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 FunkySocialTab(.)com.

FunkySocialTab(.)com – Distribution Methods

FunkySocialTab(.)com can have a few distribution methods. Third-party installers are mainly responsible for this hijacker to get on your PC. Software which is bundled or that is freeware can put the undesired program on your computer machine. Any freeware setup can have extra components for installation, by default. Your browser settings can be modified before you realize in what ways the hijacker messed with your browser and computer. To avoid such installations is doable if you find Custom or Advanced settings somewhere in the installation.

FunkySocialTab(.)com is distributed also via the Google Chrome’s Web Store page as seen in the above screenshot. From the first picture on top of the page it becomes apparent that an extension could be downloaded from the main domain of the unwanted program. The hijacker could use other methods to push its search engine to appear in your browser. One of the methods is through redirect links and advertisements on websites. Pop-ups, banners and more ads could be used to lure in unsuspecting users. The hijacker could distribute itself with the aid of websites which host redirects. Websites like these could be partnerned or affiliated with FunkySocialTab(.)com. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.

FunkySocialTab(.)com – Overview

FunkySocialTab(.)com is the official web domain of a browser hijacker bearing the same name. You can see how this online page looks like in the picture below:

The FunkySocialTab(.)com domain consists of a simple page with a picture of social buttons on the bottom of the page right below a big download button. Many features are listed and present the program as useful, but in the end, they are not special and can be done without the help of the program. If you have any software related to the hijacker already installed on your PC, you will see the sub-domain Search.funkysocialtab(.)com:

The above online page with the search engine bar will replace the new tab page, home page and search engine for all of your browsers. Your browsers’ preferences could be tampered with, as well. An extension could be added to the browsers, as well. That extension does the following:

Read and change your data on all funkysocialtab(.)com sites
Change your search settings to: search.funkysocialtab(.)com

Extensions and add-ons like that as well as additional components found on your PC, could all spread adverts and generate redirects. These redirects could land you on suspicious websites or ones delivering third party content. The owners of said pages could be partners or affiliates of FunkySocialTab(.)com.

In the image seen above, you can get an idea of what the search results of FunkySocialTab(.)com look. You get redirected to the search results page of a reputable search engine like Yahoo, as in this case. Other search engines are not excluded to appear in your search results, too. Browser hijackers use this as a common trick to fool people and get them to trust the program, so they can continue to use their search. But if you take a closer look, you will notice how the search results and queries will go through the following redirect:

FunkySocialTab(.)com can gather all sorts of information about you and how you browse the Internet from those searches you do and they also provide that information to servers of the other hijacker here on the above picture. You can read more about it in the article Safe Finder Removal Manual.

The search engines are connected in some way and are possible affiliates. All acquired information from your search queries can be collected by them. You should be wary with what information you ask for in the searches of these sites, especially if you disclose personal things. Read further, to see what data can be obtained from you by FunkySocialTab(.)com.

FunkySocialTab(.)com – Privacy Policy

The Privacy Policy of the FunkySocialTab(.)com site is present on the domain. Similar hijackers usually do not have a policy, and because the searches go through the Safe Finder site – its policy is certainly applied. Reading both policies unveils that both websites collect personally and non-personally identifying information. It is stated that all gathered information may be shared with third-parties.

You can view the Privacy Policy of both platforms down here:

STF-funkysocialtab-com-funky-social-tab-safefinder-safe-finder-privacy-policy-small

STF-funkysocialtab-com-funky-social-tab-privacy-policy-small

According to the FunkySocialTab policy, information which can be collected is:

IP address
Referral data
Browser type
Platform (OS) type
Other information

According to the policy of SafeFinder, the information which can be collected is:

Browser (type and language)
Operating System (type and language)
Your name and address
Geo location and IP address
Date and time of access
Your time zone
Advertisements viewed
Offers and services that interest you
Default search
VPN and Proxy services
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Interaction with social networks
Screen Resolution
Search quires and browsing history
Pages browsed and content viewed

By the simple usage of any services related to FunkySocialTab(.)com or Safe Finder, plus any applications tied to them, you automatically grant your consent for your data to be collected. In the policies, it is stated that cookies, web beacons, and pixel tags or similar technologies may be used for accumulating more data.

Remove FunkySocialTab(.)com Completely from Your PC

To remove FunkySocialTab(.)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.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

Guide 1: How to Remove FunkySocialTab(.)com from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of FunkySocialTab(.)com on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove FunkySocialTab(.)com in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase FunkySocialTab(.)com from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall FunkySocialTab(.)com from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove FunkySocialTab(.)com from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate FunkySocialTab(.)com from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable FunkySocialTab(.)com Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove FunkySocialTab(.)com from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove FunkySocialTab(.)com

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall FunkySocialTab(.)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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by FunkySocialTab(.)com on your computer.

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 FunkySocialTab(.)com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for FunkySocialTab(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of FunkySocialTab(.)com from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall FunkySocialTab(.)com and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to FunkySocialTab(.)com:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to FunkySocialTab(.)com. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. 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 FunkySocialTab(.)com. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 FunkySocialTab(.)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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as FunkySocialTab(.)com. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 FunkySocialTab(.)com files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as FunkySocialTab(.)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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for FunkySocialTab(.)com:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove FunkySocialTab(.)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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase FunkySocialTab(.)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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall FunkySocialTab(.)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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove FunkySocialTab(.)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 FunkySocialTab(.)com will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate FunkySocialTab(.)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.