TheWeatherCenter(.)co is the main website spreading a browser hijacker which has the same name – The Weather Center. The SaferBrowser company has made this hijacker. That company has released lots of browser hijacker applications. The unwanted software will change the homepage, new tab, and search engine of your browsers. A toolbar related to the hijacker will be placed in your browsers, too. You could be redirected, and it is possible for a related browser extension to be installed. To remove this hijacker and all of its items, you should read this article till the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | TheWeatherCenter(.)co |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The hijacker will change the homepage, search engine and new tab setting of your browsers. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, search engine and new tab of your browsers will be changed to Query.theWeatherCenter(.)co. You can get redirected and see advertisements. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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TheWeatherCenter(.)co – Distribution
The Weather Center hijacker can distribute itself with third-party installations. These installations come from bundled packages and freeware, and without your knowledge, the hijacker can find its way to your PC. By default, such installations could be set to add extra components. Preventing similar programs with browser-hijacking capabilities to be installed on your computer, is doable when you find a Custom or an Advanced settings menu. There you should be able to deselect additional content from installing.
An extension connected to TheWeatherCenter(.)co can be found across the Internet and possibly on the Google Chrome web store, too. A direct download for the extension is available on websites like TheWeatherCenter(.)co, as you can see in the picture above. In this case it is in the form of a pop-up. The hijacker could also get distributed through advertisements or redirecting links. Browsers that can be affected are: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.
TheWeatherCenter(.)co – Information
TheWeatherCenter(.)co is the primary website for a browser hijacker that bears the name The Weather Center. The website claims that it can inform you about the weather with reports if you enter an address. But when you do that, it just shows you the current temperature and prompts you to install the hijacker from the newly-appeared pop-up window.
If the hijacker is present on your computer machine, it will spam you with countless redirects to its search engine. The undesired program will switch your browser settings, such as the new tab, homepage, and search engine. The software is made by a company called SaferBrowser.
This is how the application’s search engine looks like:
Add-ons and extensions could be placed in your browsers and change settings, like the homepage, new tab, the default search or even more. Additive components, plus such extensions, mainly come from bundled software and usually install without notifying you. Then you could become witness to the redirects they push when browsing. Not only that but information about you and your activity on the Web can be sent directly to servers of the TheWeatherCenter(.)co owners, affiliates, and partners.
The extension can do the following:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
If Query.theWeatherCenter(.)co is set in the browsers you have, you could see them perform slower. Your search queries will be filtered by the search engine of the hijacker and gather information about you and your PC. Sponsored content or targeted advertisements can show in the search results as it is shown in the screenshot below. The adverts may appear as in-text links, pop-unders, pop-ups and other ads.
From the above image, you can see how the results page of the Query.theWeatherCenter(.)co search engine looks. In actuality, you are redirected to a different search engine’s search results page. In this case, it is that of Yahoo but in the future, it can be that of another reputable search engine. All queries and searches you make from the modified search page will go through the hijacker, which will filter them. That information is sent to a server of the application owners. Just be careful with what you input in the search bars. Continue reading to know what specific information is gathered from you.
TheWeatherCenter(.)co – Privacy Policy
From the Privacy Policy of the TheWeatherCenter(.)co site it becomes clear that information, which is both personally and non-personally identifying can be collected. The SaferBrowser company has kept the same Policy for its applications since January 2015. The information, which is gathered can also be disclosed to third party partners or affiliates of the company.
The Policy states that the following information is collected:
- Search queries and all data you type in searches
- Search data and specifics of searches
- Country of residence, home address
- URLs and clicks
- IP address
- Browser (version and type)
- Name, education, interests
- Communications preferences
- Telephone number
- Operating System (plus other related data)
The policy can be viewed from the image below:
When you use any software or service associated with the TheWeatherCenter(.)co site, its owners state in the Privacy Policy that this is considered as your automatic approval for the collection of your information. The SaferBrowser company obtains data from you and your computer. Cookies used by its websites, along with other tracking technologies, like web beacons, can collect more information about your browsing activities. Be careful with what information you provide with your search queries.
Remove TheWeatherCenter(.)co Completely from Your PC
To remove TheWeatherCenter(.)co manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions given below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the browser hijacker entirely, you should search for and remove any leftover items with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software helps 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for TheWeatherCenter(.)co with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co (Windows).
Get rid of TheWeatherCenter(.)co from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co. 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as TheWeatherCenter(.)co, 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co (Mac)
Remove TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co will be removed.
Eliminate TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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".
TheWeatherCenter(.)co-FAQ
What Is TheWeatherCenter(.)co?
The TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co?
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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co?
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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co Work?
Once installed, TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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.
TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TheWeatherCenter(.)co 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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co?
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 TheWeatherCenter(.)co threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.