Clarity Tab browser hijacker (Tutorial) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge

What is Clarity Tab browser hijacker?

Clarity Tab is a potentially unwanted application that spies on your browsing habits

Clarity Tab browser hijacker is a malicious software that covertly takes over web browsers, threatening online security. It’s a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that changes settings like the homepage, search engine, and new tab page, redirecting users to shady sites. It targets Chrome, Firefox, and Edge users, from casual browsers to professionals.

It spreads through deceptive tactics like bundling with free software, hiding in installers as an “optional” add-on. Other methods include malicious ads, fake updates, and compromised websites. Once active, it disrupts browsing with redirects, ads, and may even track user data for profit.

Though it seems like a minor nuisance, Clarity Tab can slow systems and expose users to more malware. Affected users face persistent redirects and altered settings that resist quick fixes. We’ll explain how to deal with this problem if it’s affecting you in later sections.

How browser hijackers spread and what can you do to avoid them?

Clarity Tab browser hijacker relies on stealthy tactics to infiltrate systems, taking advantage of user oversight. It commonly spreads through software bundling, where it’s tucked into free programs from unverified websites—like media players, PDF tools, or game mods. During installation, it’s presented as an optional add-on, often overlooked by users who skip through prompts without deselecting it. Beyond bundling, it uses other sneaky methods to slip onto devices.

Here’s a rundown of its main distribution channels:

• Malicious ads (malvertising). Clicking pop-ups or banners on questionable sites can trigger automatic downloads of Clarity Tab.
• Fake software updates. It disguises itself as urgent updates for browsers or plugins like Flash, deceiving users into installing it.
• Compromised websites. Visiting hacked or shady pages can silently deploy the hijacker through drive-by downloads.

To steer clear of it moving forward, stick to trusted sources for downloads and choose custom installation to catch hidden extras. Keep your browser and antivirus software up to date to block new threats. Avoid suspicious ads or unsolicited update prompts – always verify updates through official sites. These habits can help you dodge Clarity Tab and similar browser hijackers.

Allegedly helpful functionality

Browser hijackers like Clarity Tab often cloak themselves as helpful tools to trick users into installing them. Clarity Tab, for instance, markets itself as a convenient way to add widgets and personalize the browsing experience, promising features like quick-access tools or a customized new tab page.

On the surface, it appears benign and even useful, appealing to users who want to tweak their browser without suspecting any ulterior motives. This deceptive presentation is a hallmark of how hijackers gain a foothold, relying on trust rather than force.

Beneath the facade, however, Clarity Tab’s true purpose is far less user-friendly. Its primary goal is to generate revenue by bombarding users with ads – think pop-ups, banners, and redirected search results loaded with sponsored content. These ads aren’t just annoying; they’re the hijacker’s bread and butter, earning money for its creators with every click or impression. While not outright malicious, this sneaky shift from promised utility to ad-driven agenda catches users off guard, turning a supposed enhancement into a persistent nuisance.

The deception doesn’t always stop at ads, either. Clarity Tab may also quietly collect user data (like browsing habits, search terms, or visited sites) to fine-tune its ad delivery or share with third parties for profit. This isn’t about destroying your system but about exploiting your activity, all while maintaining the illusion of being a handy tool. It’s a classic bait-and-switch: you sign up for customization, but end up with a browser tailored for someone else’s gain.

Remove the unwanted app

Removing Clarity Tab starts with targeting its core presence as a browser extension, since that’s how it typically embeds itself. You’ll need to head into your browser’s settings – whether it’s Chrome, Firefox, or Edge – and manually uninstall it from the extensions or add-ons menu.

This process is straightforward but requires checking each browser if you use multiple, as hijackers like Clarity Tab can latch onto all of them. Clearing out related changes, like resetting your homepage or search engine, is also key to reclaiming control.

Even after removing the extension, a deeper check is smart due to how Clarity Tab spreads. Since it often comes bundled with other software or drives users to sketchy sites, lingering traces or additional unwanted programs could remain.

Running a scan with trusted security tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or another reputable antivirus can catch anything missed, ensuring your system’s clean. It’s a precaution worth taking to avoid surprises from sneaky extras you didn’t know were there.

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.

Mozilla Firefox

• Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the window's top-right).
• Select Add-ons.
• Here, select the unwanted plugin and click Remove.

MS Edge (Chromium)

• Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
• Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.

Safari

• Click Safari > Preferences…
• In the new window, pick Extensions.
• Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.

Internet Explorer

• Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
• Pick Manage Add-ons.
• You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

After removing Clarity Tab, cleaning your browser cache is a recommended step to erase any lingering traces the hijacker might have left behind. Cached data (cookies, site files, or stored settings) can sometimes retain ad scripts or tracking elements tied to the hijacker’s activity, even after the extension is gone.

Clearing it out ensures your browser starts fresh, free from potential redirects or pop-ups that could sneak back in, while also boosting performance bogged down by cluttered data.

For a quick and thorough cleanup, using a tool like FortectIntego can automate the process, wiping caches across your browser with minimal effort. It’s a hassle-free way to tackle everything at once, especially if you’re not keen on digging through settings. If you prefer more control, a manual method works just as well – details for that are provided below. Either way, this final sweep helps lock down your browsing experience post-hijacker.

Google Chrome

• Click on Menu and pick Settings.
• Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
• Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
• Click Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

• Click Menu and pick Options.
• Go to Privacy & Security section.
• Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
• Click on Clear Data…
• Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content, and press Clear.

MS Edge (Chromium)

• Click on Menu and go to Settings.
• Select Privacy and services.
• Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
• Under Time range, pick All time.
• Select Clear now.

Safari

• Click Safari > Clear History…
• From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
• Confirm with Clear History.

Internet Explorer

• Click on the Gear icon > Internet options and select the Advanced tab.
• Select Reset.
• In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.