World Clock takes over the browser by changing the homepage and new tab address
World Clock is a browser hijacker that modifies the browser's default settings. While this may not appear to be a big deal, such applications can cause a lot of problems. To begin with, users are forced to use only certain channels for browsing, which raises numerous privacy and security concerns.
The following feature is that web-based applications can track users' browsing habits. Some hijackers can also increase the amount of commercial content displayed, such as pop-ups, banners, surveys, and redirects. Crooks can make money from your clicks and data. Furthermore, they may be utilizing rogue advertising networks that place advertisements that lead to dangerous websites.
Security experts advise clearing cookies and cache on a regular basis. Cookies[1] can store information such as your IP address, geolocation, websites visited, links clicked, and items purchased online. This information can then be sold to the same ad networks or other third parties. A maintenance tool like FortectIntego can help by automating the cookie removal process.
The name of the plugin implies that it should display different time zone clocks. However, the risks outshine the benefits. We strongly advise you to read this guide to learn more about browser hijackers and how to remove them.
| NAME | World Clock |
| TYPE | Browser hijacker; potentially unwanted program |
| SYMPTOMS | The main settings of the browser get changed, like the homepage, new tab address, and search engine |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites, deceptive ads, software bundling |
| DANGERS | The extension may lead to dangerous websites; display misinformation, and inaccurate search results; track browsing, and collect data |
| ELIMINATION | Remove the extension by going to your browser settings |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to fix any remaining damage and optimize the machine |
Distribution methods
You may be wondering how this application got onto your computer. Some users may have willingly installed it, believing they were getting a useful tool. Fraudsters frequently create separate promotional websites for plugins such as World Clock. They write about all of the missing features and try to persuade people to download the app.
They may also use social engineering techniques,[2] claiming that if users do not download the extension, their Internet access will be blocked or their system will crash. You should never believe messages that attempt to scare you into installing software.
Such promotional pages are disseminated as widely as possible on the Internet. As a result, you should avoid visiting websites that appear suspicious, clicking on random links, and visiting websites that engage in illegal activities. If a new tab appears after clicking a button, close it and do not interact with the page.
Some browser hijackers can also bypass the rigorous review process used by official web stores. You should always conduct research before downloading digital tools from anywhere. Examine the reviews, ratings, and number of users. Choose add-ons with a lot of feedback and thousands of users.
Remove the bogus extension
You can remove browser add-ons by going to your settings. Find the list of extensions installed in your browser and remove the World Clock plugin. We show how to do that in the guide below:
Google Chrome
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Safari
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Potentially unwanted programs should be eliminated
Occasionally, simply removing the extension is ineffective, and users continue to experience unwanted symptoms. In that case, you'll need to scan your machine for adware, which is a program that runs in the background and generates commercial content. If you have been infected, simply removing the add-on will not suffice. The settings will continue to change until you completely remove it from your machine.
One of the most common ways PUAs spread is via freeware installation sites. Software bundling[3] is a very effective technique because most people rush through the installation process and skip all of the steps. To avoid this in the future, it is critical to be present during the installation:
- Always choose “Custom” or “Advanced” installation methods
- Read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use to find out what information will be collected and what the application will be allowed to do in your system
- The most important part is to check the file list and untick the boxes next to any items that you think are suspicious or unrelated
Because crooks frequently disguise it as a “useful” tool, the program causing the erratic behavior could have any name or icon. If you are unsure what to do and do not want to risk deleting the wrong files, we recommend using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, remove it, and prevent future infections by warning you before a PUP can make any changes. If you still prefer manual removal, we have instructions for both Windows and Mac machines:
Windows 10/8:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Mac:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
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