How to remove Oceans - New Tab browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Oceans - New Tab?
After analyzing the Oceans - New Tab browser extension, we discovered that it seizes control of a web browser by modifying its settings. The objective of these modifications is to promote a fake search engine known as oceansnewtab.com. Therefore, we have categorized Oceans - New Tab as a browser hijacker.
Oceans - New Tab browser hijacker overview
Oceans - New Tab browser extension manipulates web browser settings, making oceansnewtab.com the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. Consequently, users are forced to visit/use a fake search engine that displays results sourced from Bing (oceansnewtab.com redirects users to bing.com).
Although Bing's search results are legitimate, it is important to note that using shady and fake search engines can result in visiting dubious sites, promoting scams, potentially harmful applications, and more.
Moreover, browser hijackers such as Oceans - New Tab can collect various types of information from the hijacked browser, including browsing history, search queries, geolocation, operating system and browser version, and other data.
In some cases, sensitive information such as login credentials and credit card details can also be compromised. Therefore, it is recommended to remove browser hijackers as soon as possible to prevent data theft and other security issues.
| Name | Oceans - New Tab |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Improved browsing experience |
| Supposed Functionality | Oceans - New Tab |
| Promoted URL | oceansnewtab.com |
| Detection Names (oceansnewtab.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (oceansnewtab.com) | 74.208.54.228 |
| 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. |
More about browser hijackers
Browser hijackers can be designed to prevent users from altering the affected settings by locking them or making them inaccessible. It is often done by modifying system settings and registry entries, installing additional software to reinforce the hijack, or using advanced techniques to evade detection and removal.
More examples of browser hijackers are eBook Search, CovidDash, and Yearn New Tab.
How did Oceans - New Tab install on my computer?
Users can have their browsers hijacked by inadvertently installing malware-infected software or browser extensions. It can happen when users download software or extensions from untrustworthy sources, such as torrent or free software download websites.
Sometimes, browser hijackers are bundled with legitimate software, and users may inadvertently install them when installing the intended software.
Additionally, users may be tricked into installing browser hijackers through social engineering tactics, such as fake alerts or pop-up ads that claim that a computer is infected and require immediate action.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Be careful when downloading and installing free software. Always download from trusted sources and read the terms and conditions before installing. Make sure to regularly update your browser and security software. Avoid clicking on suspicious pop-ups or ads. Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software.
Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources or links that look suspicious. If your computer is already infected with Oceans - New Tab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Oceansnewtab.com redirects to bing.com (GIF)
Permissions asked by Oceans - New Tab browser hijacker:
Deceptive website promoting Oceans - New 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is Oceans - New Tab?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Oceans - New Tab application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Oceans - New Tab browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove oceansnewtab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove oceansnewtab.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Oceans - New 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 oceansnewtab.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Oceans - New 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 "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Oceans - New 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 "Oceans - New Tab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.oceansnewtab.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 "oceansnewtab.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 oceansnewtab.com 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 "Oceans - New 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 "Oceans - New Tab", remove hxxp://oceansnewtab.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 oceansnewtab.com 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 oceansnewtab.com 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users visit oceansnewtab.com website?
The purpose of forcing users to visit oceansnewtab.com is to generate web traffic and revenue for the creators of the browser hijacker. The website may display advertisements, sponsored links, or affiliate marketing offers, which generate income for the hijacker's creators.
Is visiting oceansnewtab.com a threat to my privacy?
Visiting oceansnewtab.com itself may not pose an immediate threat to your privacy. However, shady search engines may lead to untrustworthy sites. Additionally, some browser hijackers, including Oceans - New Tab, can collect various types of data from the hijacked browser.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Users can unintentionally download and install browser hijackers by clicking on malicious links, downloading infected or bundled software, or using other unreliable sources to download apps and files.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Oceans - New Tab browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner can scan and remove browser-hijacking applications on your computer. It is worth noting that manual removal may not be effective in cases where multiple hijackers are present and designed to reinstall one another.
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