How to remove Traveling Tab browser hijacker

What kind of application is Traveling Tab?

Following an analysis of Traveling Tab, it has been determined that this browser extension's objective is to modify web browser settings to promote a specific search engine. Such browser extensions exhibiting these characteristics are referred to as browser hijackers. Users frequently install browser-hijacking applications without full awareness of their underlying functionality.

Traveling Tab browser hijacker overview

Traveling Tab is a browser extension that, upon closer examination, reveals its primary purpose: to alter web browser settings to promote the search engine bing.com. This extension forcibly sets bing.com as the default search engine and homepage, effectively steering users towards this search engine whenever they open their browsers or conduct online searches.

While bing.com is a legitimate and widely used search engine, the practice of forcefully changing these settings without user consent or knowledge raises concerns about user autonomy and the integrity of their browsing experience.

Also, it is common for browser hijackers to collect user data, such as browsing habits, search queries, and personal information, often without consent. This invasion of privacy raises significant concerns about data security and confidentiality. Sometimes, browser hijackers can lead users to malicious websites and expose them to various types of malware.

Furthermore, browser hijackers like Traveling Tab can slow down the performance of web browsers, making them sluggish and unresponsive. This can frustrate users and hinder their productivity. Thus, it is highly advisable to remove such apps from browsers, especially when they promote fake search engines (like superstar3.io, smartshopsearch.com, and others).

Threat Summary:

Name	Traveling Tab
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s)	Traveling Tab
Supposed Functionality	Customized homepage
Promoted URL	bing.com
Affected Browser Settings	Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine
Symptoms	Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Conclusion

In summary, browser hijackers are a type of unwanted software that can negatively impact users by altering browser settings, invading privacy, exposing them to unreliable websites, and impeding browser performance. It is crucial to take preventive measures to avoid these unwanted extensions and promptly remove them if detected.

More examples of apps designed to hijack browsers are TimeNow, PhotosFox, and key pro.

How did Traveling Tab install on my computer?

Users can inadvertently introduce browser hijackers into their browsers when they install software from unreliable sources. Often, these hijackers are bundled with seemingly legitimate applications and become integrated into users' browsers when installation settings (like "Advanced" or "Custom") are not adjusted.

Engaging with malicious links, web pages, or pop-up ads is another avenue through which browser hijackers can infiltrate. Either way, most users add browser hijackers without realizing the consequences.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

Practicing caution during software downloads and installations, particularly from unofficial sources, is paramount. It is advisable to read user reviews attentively and maintain vigilance throughout the installation process. Whenever possible, select the "Advanced" or "Custom" settings to decline any unwanted apps (e.g., browser hijackers).

Furthermore, it is recommended to steer clear of suspicious advertisements, pop-ups, or web links while browsing, as they can potentially result in browser hijacking. Additionally, it is advised to avoid granting permissions for dubious websites to display notifications.

If your computer is already infected with Traveling Tab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Traveling Tab promotes bing.com (GIF):

Permissions asked by Traveling Tab browser hijacker:

Website promoting Traveling Tab browser hijacker:

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is Traveling Tab?
• STEP 1. Uninstall Traveling Tab application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove Traveling Tab browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove bing.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove bing.com redirect from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Traveling Tab browser hijacker removal:

Windows 11 users:

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the bing.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Traveling Tab browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove browser redirects:

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Traveling Tab" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "Traveling Tab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.bing.com) below the "Open a specific or set of pages" option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Remove".

Change your default search engine:

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for "bing.com", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the traveling tab redirect, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon  (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Traveling Tab", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "Traveling Tab", remove hxxp://bing.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter. Click "Accept the Risk and Continue".

In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the button.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with traveling tab redirect removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.

Select Troubleshooting Information.

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...

In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.

In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.

In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.

Change your homepage and new tab settings:

Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".

Change your default Internet search engine:

To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon near it and select "Disable".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the traveling tab redirect, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

• If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on traveling tab redirect or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of forcing users visit a fake search engine?

In most cases, website traffic and revenue have a direct proportional relationship. As the number of visitors to a website increases, so does the potential for revenue generation.

Is visiting a fake search engine a threat to my privacy?

Visiting a fake search engine can indeed pose a threat to your privacy. These fraudulent search engines often track your search queries, browsing habits, and other online activities, which can lead to the unauthorized collection of your personal information.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

A browser hijacker might have entered your computer through deceptive tactics, typically as part of bundled software downloads. In these cases, users often unknowingly install/add the hijacker when they neglect to adjust installation settings. Alternatively, engaging with compromised or malicious links found in emails, websites, or pop-up ads can also result in browser hijacking occurrences.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Traveling Tab browser hijacker?

Combo Cleaner can scan for and remove browser hijackers. Manual removal without security software is not recommended, especially when multiple hijackers are involved. These hijackers might reinstall each other, and some settings may remain unmodifiable. To ensure complete removal, users should eliminate all browser hijackers simultaneously.

▼ Show Discussion