WebStarts.biz is the online domain for a browser hijacker redirect. This hijacker is closely associated with the Plus! Network and can redirect you from the primary web page, search bars or buttons. Every search that you do lands you on the Plus! Network search results page. WebStarts.biz can switch the new tab, homepage and search engine of whatever browser you have. Some browser extension might be installed, too. To remove this hijacker and all its files, you should read the article in full.
Threat Summary
| Name | WebStarts.biz |
| 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 WebStarts.biz. |
WebStarts.biz – Distribution Methods
The WebStarts.biz hijacker might use various methods for distribution. Тhird-party installer setups form the most popular such method. The unwanted software could invade your computer system without you being aware of it. Bundled programs or freeware can put the hijacker in your computer machine. Setups such as that might be configured by default to install extra content. Different settings could be replaced in your browsers and computer before you realize. Preventing these types of installations from altering settings is doable if you find Custom or Advanced settings in the setup.
WebStarts.biz might use more methods to distribute its search engine to your browser applications. Adverts tied to it can be generated across websites in the shape of banners, pop-ups and similar ad types. This hijacker could be delivered with the help of websites which seem suspicious and host links that redirect. Websites like those could be affiliated or in a partnership with WebStarts.biz. The following browsers might be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
WebStarts.biz – More Information
WebStarts.biz is the online domain of a browser hijacker. It will redirect you to the search results page of the Plus! Network browser hijacker. The redirects could occur just by browsing the Internet and from the search page, search bars or buttons. You can view how the primary Web domain of the browser hijacker looks like from down here:
The page located at https://webstarts.biz/ which is displayed above consists of just a search bar, a few buttons put under it. Those buttons redirect to one of the most famous marketing platforms and social media services. The buttons could lead to sponsored content where the URL of the official platform is modified. The WebStarts.biz web page replaces the default search engine for your browser programs, including their new tab and home page settings. Preferences of some browsers could also be changed. An extension related to the hijacker might be installed, as well.
In case you have any application connected to WebStarts.biz which resides on your computer device or browser software, you will eventually see your settings changed. Such applications usually enter your computer through bundled programs. Extensions, plugins, or add-ons, alongside more such components, might generate advertisements and use more redirect links. All redirects can land you on a suspicious website that is unknown to you or one that hosts sponsored content. Owners of such third-party websites might be in partnership with WebStarts.biz.
From the picture shown above, you can view the search results page of WebStarts.biz. You should notice that you are redirected to the search results of the Plus! Network. That does not automatically exclude other platforms of the same cloth from appearing, too. WebStarts.biz gathers information from you along with your browsing activity, such as the search queries you make. Every little piece of information is sent to servers of the Plus! Network browser hijacker.
Being affiliated or partnered up, both of the search engines are somehow connected. All information acquired from your searches will be delivered the owners of the website. Be extra careful when clicking on links, and message boxes and with your searches. Do not provide information if you are using this search engine as a default one. Refrain from using search bars to enter personal information, like credential details, for example. Read below to see what information can be collected from you by WebStarts.biz.
WebStarts.biz – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the WebStarts.biz website is hidden or non-existent, and so only the policy of Plus Network will be active. That is so because that platform also filters your search queries. The policy on that page is so short that you can view it without scrolling. When you read it, you will find out that you are not required to provide any information to use the website. Regardless, the platform will collect information from you. No depth is provided about what information exactly will be collected. Third parties which are partners or somehow affiliated with the Plus! Network will have full access to most of the data which is gathered.
You can see the Privacy Policy page right here in the image:
Using the WebStarts.biz website will be considered as your consent to the collecting of information. That also applies to using services, and applications related to the hijacker. The collected information is personally identifiable, and you are unaware what exactly might be acquired. Do not provide any information which is personally identifying you. The Privacy Policy continues to say that the page will get updated if some change happens. Browser cookies, plus more tracking technologies are used in the gathering of the information as well.
Remove WebStarts.biz Fully
To remove WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for WebStarts.biz with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz (Windows).
Get rid of WebStarts.biz from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz. 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 WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as WebStarts.biz, 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 WebStarts.biz (Mac)
Remove WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz will be removed.
Eliminate WebStarts.biz 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".
WebStarts.biz-FAQ
What Is WebStarts.biz?
The WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz?
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 WebStarts.biz?
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 WebStarts.biz Work?
Once installed, WebStarts.biz 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.
WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WebStarts.biz 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 WebStarts.biz?
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 WebStarts.biz threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.