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How to remove Space Spiders browser hijacker

Also Known As: search.spacespiders.net redirect
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is Space Spiders?

Our team examined Space Spiders and found that it hijacks a web browser by changing some of its settings to search.spacespiders.net - it promotes a fake search engine. It is common for browser hijackers to be promoted using shady methods. Thus, users often add browser hijackers to their browsers inadvertently.

search.spacespiders.net browser hijacker

Space Spiders browser hijacker overview

Space Spiders hijacks web browsers by setting search.spacespiders.net as the default search engine, new tab page, and homepage. It compels users to utilize search.spacespiders.net, which redirects search queries to the legitimate search engine, bing.com. However, due to search.spacespiders.net being a fake search engine, it should not be trusted.

Fake search engines often lack the reliable and comprehensive search results provided by legitimate search engines. They can display manipulated search results, leading users to unreliable or potentially harmful websites. Also, fake search engines and browser hijackers may track and collect users' browsing habits, search queries, and other personal information.

Trusting fake search engines and browser hijackers can expose users to various risks, including compromised privacy, security vulnerabilities, malware infections, and unreliable search results. Thus, it is advisable not to use Space Spiders and search.spacespiders.net.

Threat Summary:
Name Space Spiders
Threat Type Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s) Space Spiders
Supposed Functionality Improved browsing experience
Promoted URL search.spacespiders.net
Detection Names (search.spacespiders.net) N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (search.spacespiders.net) 3.225.140.174
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.
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Browser hijackers in general

Browser hijackers are unwanted apps that modify web browser settings without the user's consent or knowledge. They can change the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page, redirect searches, display unwanted ads, and track users' browsing activities.

They can pose risks to privacy, security, and user experience by manipulating search results, collecting personal information, and exposing users to malware. Examples of other apps categorized as browser hijackers are Calendar New Tab, Quotes Srch Tab, and Lookup for Wikipedia.

How did Space Spiders install on my computer?

Typically, users inadvertently add or install browser hijackers by downloading software from untrustworthy or malicious sources, interacting with deceptive advertisements or pop-ups, or accepting bundled software installations without carefully reviewing the terms and conditions.

In the latter case, users agree to add or install browser hijackers when they leave available settings (like "Custom" or "Advanced") available in certain installers unchanged.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

Obtain software from official websites or reputable app stores to reduce the risk of bundled browser hijackers. Avoid clicking on suspicious or deceptive ads and pop-ups. During software installation, opt for custom or advanced settings to deselect any unwanted software or browser modifications that may be bundled with the desired program.

Avoid agreeing to receive notifications from suspicious web pages. If your computer is already infected with Space Spiders, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Search.spacespiders.net redirects to bing.com (GIF):

Search.spacespiders.net redirects to bing.com

Permissions asked by Space Spiders browser hijacker:

Space Spiders browser hijacker asking for permissions

Website promoting Space Spiders browser hijacker:

Website used to promote Space Spiders 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:

Space Spiders browser hijacker removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

search.spacespiders.net browser hijacker uninstall via Control Panel

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 search.spacespiders.net website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Space Spiders browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove Space Spiders browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing search.spacespiders.net related Google Chrome extensions

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

Change your homepage:

Removing search.spacespiders.net from Google Chrome homepage

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "Space Spiders", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.spacespiders.net) 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:

Removing search.spacespiders.net from Google Chrome default search engine

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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 "search.spacespiders.net", 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 search.spacespiders.net redirect, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

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

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

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

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing search.spacespiders.net related Mozilla Firefox extensions

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

Change your homepage:

Removing search.spacespiders.net from Mozilla Firefox homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "Space Spiders", remove hxxp://search.spacespiders.net and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Removing search.spacespiders.net from Mozilla Firefox 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 Mozilla Firefox switch about:config entry button button.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with search.spacespiders.net redirect removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

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

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

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

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

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

removing browser hijacker from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 3 - changing homepage

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.

removing browser hijackers from safari step 4 - changing the default Internet search engine

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...

resetting safari step 1

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

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 2

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 3

To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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 Microsoft Edge (Chromium) puzzle icon near it and select "Disable".

Optional method:

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

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

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

Summary:

declining installation of browser hijackers while downloading free software sampleA 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 search.spacespiders.net website?

The purpose of forcing users to visit the search.spacespiders.net website is to manipulate their browsing experience and potentially generate revenue. By setting search.spacespiders.net as the default search engine, new tab page, and homepage, the operators behind the website aim to redirect users' search queries and generate traffic to search.spacespiders.net

Is visiting search.spacespiders.net a threat to my privacy?

Yes, visiting search.spacespiders.net can pose a threat to your privacy. Fake search engines like search.spacespiders.net are often designed to collect user data and track browsing activities.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

A browser hijacker can infiltrate your computer through various means, such as being bundled with freeware or shareware that you downloaded and installed. It can also be introduced through deceptive advertisements, compromised websites, or by clicking on malicious links or attachments in emails.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Space Spiders browser hijacker?

Combo Cleaner can scan your computer and effectively remove existing browser-hijacking applications. However, it is important to note that manual removal may not always be completely effective, especially in cases where multiple browser hijackers are present and they can reinstall one another. Consequently, it becomes necessary to remove all of them simultaneously to ensure complete removal.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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