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Removing the "AI Tab Optimizer Plus" malicious browser extension

Also Known As: AI Tab Optimizer Plus unwanted extension
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of software is AI Tab Optimizer Plus?

AI Tab Optimizer Plus is a malicious browser extension endorsed as an AI-based tab optimization tool. Instead, this rogue software spies on users' browsing activity and collects sensitive data.

AI Tab Optimizer Plus had been an operational extension titled "Tabs To The Front" that was sold by its developer. The new owners updated it, and the extension lost its original functionality and gained data-tracking abilities.

AI Tab Optimizer Plus browser extension

AI Tab Optimizer Plus browser extension overview

AI Tab Optimizer Plus has been observed being promoted on the Chrome Web Store. However, as mentioned in the introduction, this extension may appear on Chrome browsers if the user had installed the "Tabs To The Front" extension at some point.

"Tabs To The Front" was a piece of legitimate software that switched to a new tab once it was opened (rather than remaining on the original tab). However, the genuine browser extension was sold by its developer, and the new owners modified it.

The update renamed "Tabs To The Front" to "AI Tab Optimizer Plus", and its tab-switching functionality was removed. In its place, the extension had data-tracking abilities added.

"AI Tab Optimizer Plus" can monitor browsing activity for visits to certain websites and interactions (unspecified in the code). Hence, when a user accesses a site of interest and performs a specific action (e.g., presses a button, etc.) – the extension starts gathering information. What data this software seeks is currently unknown.

Generally, malicious extensions target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like AI Tab Optimizer Plus on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name AI Tab Optimizer Plus unwanted extension
Threat Type Malicious Extension, Unwanted Extension
Browser Extension(s) AI Tab Optimizer Plus
Distribution Methods Stealthy updates, dubious websites, malicious installers, deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads.
Additional Information Legitimate "Tabs To The Front" extension was sold, and the new developers modified it to "AI Tab Optimizer Plus". They removed the original tab-switching functionality and added data-tracking abilities.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
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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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.

Malicious browser extension examples

Page-error.com official extensionfake Save to Google DriveprofilingTimePassengerPigeon, and MagnaEngine are just some examples of malicious extensions we have investigated recently. Rogue browser extensions most commonly operate as either adware or browser hijackers.

Users are typically lured into downloading/installing by promises of various handy functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. It must be stressed that functional features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did AI Tab Optimizer Plus install on my computer?

At the time of research , AI Tab Optimizer Plus was available on the Chrome Web Store. Yet this extension could been installed on Google Chrome as "Tabs To The Front". This browser extension was a legitimate and operational tool. However, Tabs To The Front extension's initial functionality was exchanged for data-tracking – following its sale.

It is possible that AI Tab Optimizer Plus is promoted used other methods as well. Malicious extensions can have "official" promotional webpages, and they are endorsed on scam sites. These pages are mainly accessed via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive advertisements, misspelled URLs, and installed adware.

The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate such extensions.

Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources – poses a threat of bundled content infiltrating the device. This risk is further compounded by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Intrusive adverts spread unwanted software as well. Some of the ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of unwanted software?

We advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., pornography, dating, scam-promoting, gambling, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AI Tab Optimizer Plus, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this rogue software.

Screenshot of the permissions requested by AI Tab Optimizer Plus:

AI Tab Optimizer Plus extension asking for permissions

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:

Unwanted software 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.

Unwanted app uninstall via Control Panel

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

After uninstalling the unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing unwanted extensions from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "AI Tab Optimizer Plus" and all other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing unwanted extensions from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ai tab optimizer plus unwanted extension, 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing unwanted extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 1

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 suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing unwanted extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ai tab optimizer plus unwanted extension 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 adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

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

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

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 adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ai tab optimizer plus unwanted extension, 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 adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ai tab optimizer plus unwanted extension or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can AI Tab Optimizer Plus cause?

AI Tab Optimizer Plus is considered a privacy threat; thus, it carries risks of severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. However, this browser extension could possess other harmful capabilities associated with system infection threats.

What does AI Tab Optimizer Plus do?

AI Tab Optimizer Plus has data-tracking functionalities; it seeks specific data from particular websites (no details on its targets are currently unavailable). In general, malicious extensions collect browsing histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable data, credit card numbers, and other vulnerable information.

How did AI Tab Optimizer Plus infiltrate my computer?

If you have "Tabs To The Front" installed on your browser, it would be the origin of AI Tab Optimizer Plus. Tabs To The Front was sold; the new owners eliminated its original functionality and added malicious features. However, AI Tab Optimizer Plus could have infiltrated your device through other means, e.g., bundled installers, freeware or third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, online scams, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove rogue software?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed unwanted/malicious software. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate undesirable software thoroughly.

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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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About PCrisk

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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.

QR Code
AI Tab Optimizer Plus unwanted extension QR code
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