What Is Safebrowse.io?
A browser hijacker associated with a particular webpage called Safebrowse.io has been the reason for many user reports regarding their browsers. Users affected by it see the following message:
“Hold On!
We blocked access to
This site might compromise your device or contain dangerous content.
To avoid these risks, close this window and skip this site.
proceed anyway”
Apparently, this message appears to be triggered by XFINITY Advanced Security, and since it also blocks legitimate sites, it can be considered a false positive. However, Safebrowse.io can be really annoying and difficult to remove, acting like a browser hijacker.
This questionable software may set the Safebrowse.io webpage as your default home page, search page and new tab on your web browsers [Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.]. Since some of those web links could be dangerous and lead to risky websites, this software has been classified as potentially unwanted, and its removal is strongly recommended.
Safebrowse.io Summary
| Name | Safebrowse.io |
| Type | Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your machine. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Safebrowse.io – How Did You Get It?
Just like other browser hijackers that have been associated with Safebrowse.io, this one may also use the same strategies of spreading. While this program may act like legitimate software that is added to the setup of third party applications for free, it is nothing like that.
Usually, such programs tend to appear useful and helpful. They are often advertised in the Custom or Advanced setup options of an app setup or the EULA agreements there that nobody usually reads. This is the main strategy that is used to spread unwanted applications like the one that is causing Safebrowse.io to appear on your computer.
Safebrowse.io – What Does It Do?
After being installed on your PC this software attacks your windows registry editor and tempers with the registry keys and subkeys, adding values in them, that may change different settings of Windows.
After doing so, so Safebrowse.io may begin to interfere with your web browsers. This is characterised by changing settings of your web browser and asking for permission to add suspicious extensions that may read and change information on all of the websites you visit in order to display different types of advertisements.
The ads that may be shown by this nasty software could be of the following types:
- Ad-supported search results.
- Pop-ups.
- Banners.
- Push Notifications.
- Redirects.
- Others.
Furthermore, the ads shown by the webpage Safebrowse.io could begin to use different tracking objects on your computer without you realizing it. These trackers could be cookies, pixels, tags, and other such technologies that may obtain the following information from your web browsers:
- Online search history.
- Session data.
- Online clicks.
- Browsing history.
Is Safebrowse.io a Virus?
No, Safebrowse.io is not a virus. It has been categorised to be a browser hijacker which could have some dangerous elements that are associated with this nasty software, though. The app that may be shown may not only slow down your computer but they may also redirect you to risky websites such as:
- Scam websites.
- Sites that are aimed at stealing your information.
- Malicious sites that may infect your computer with malware.
Is Safebrowse.io Dangerous?
The website may push ads on your browser that lead to unsafe websites, which lack appropriate HTTPS encryption, making them a risk for your computer.
How to Protect My Computer from Safebrowse.io?
As annoying a PUP or adware that causes intrusive redirects to Captchafair.top can be, its installation can be avoided easily by building user vigilance. Here are a few easy steps you can take to avoid installing PUPs and becoming a victim of unwanted redirects:
- Don’t download programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites and other unreliable sources.
- Opt-out of the setting hidden in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections when you’re installing a program. You can deselect most PUPs from there.
- Avoid installing programs you don’t need.
- Keep an eye out for any excessive or unusual Internet advertising. These ads can be brought on by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read the terms and conditions of use when you install any programs.
- Check your installed software regularly and uninstall any applications you do not want or need.
- Install an anti-malware program that also has the ability to detect and remove potentially unwanted programs.
How to Remove Safebrowse.io from Your Computer
Because this software could set up different types of objects or modify settings without your permission, we strongly recommend that you follow the guide below. The guide can assist you in fully getting rid of this program from your computer.
But for maximum effectiveness, we strongly recommend that you scan your computer with advanced anti-malware software. Such professional software has the capability of removing various online threats that may endanger your computer and your information, and also protect you against such threats in the future.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
Follow Me:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Safebrowse.io from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Safebrowse.io with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io (Windows).
Get rid of Safebrowse.io from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io. 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 Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Safebrowse.io, 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 Safebrowse.io (Mac)
Remove Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io will be removed.
Eliminate Safebrowse.io 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".
Safebrowse.io-FAQ
What Is Safebrowse.io?
The Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io?
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 Safebrowse.io?
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 Safebrowse.io Work?
Once installed, Safebrowse.io 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.
Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Safebrowse.io 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 Safebrowse.io?
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 Safebrowse.io threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
Your advise is WRONG. This hijack showed up on Chrome broweser. and when checking extensions, it is NOT THERER. . .
Thanks for nothiing
Hello, this is because these programs are generally created to stay hidden and this is why removing them takes some experience. If the steps to remove this risky software for Google Chrome do not seem to work out for you, or the steps for other browsers or Mac or Windows steps above, in general, do not help you, you are welcome to download anti-malware software. Such a program will automatically scan your device and find where is the nasty adware is hiding and make sure to delete it. It is often that the creators of these adware apps make changes to them and make them hidden so that you can’t remove them so it takes some professional software to detect and remove them. Let me know if this helps or if you have any other questions, okay?