Skip to content
  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Sep 2020

How to remove Kibo Web

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Lucia Danes · Virus researcher

Kibo Web – yet another app that hijacks your searches

Kibo Web

Kibo Web is a potentially unwanted application that might be installed behind users' backs, as it usually spreads via software bundle packages or fake updates. Once installed, it would change the settings of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, MS Edge, or another browser secretly and redirect all searches via tailsearch.com, my-search.com, and a few other domains, finally lading on Bing search.

While the search provider is legitimate, users will notice multiple sponsored links presented at the top. These are designed to generate revenue for the Kibo Web browser hijacker developers. Besides dealing with intrusive ads, infected users will also be subjected to information tracking practices that could lead to serious privacy issues.

Name Kibo Web 
Type Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
IP address 104.27.146.124 
Distribution Software bundle packages, deceptive ads, fake update prompts
Symptoms Unknown extension or application is installed on the system; homepage and new tab address are set to something else; a customized search engine is appended to the homepage; search results are filled with sponsored links and ads
Risks Installation of other potentially unwanted programs, privacy risks due to information gathering practices, financial losses
Removal You can uninstall potentially unwanted programs by following the manual guide below or by scanning the computer with powerful anti-malware
Optional steps Computer infections can cause significant damage to system files or disrupt normal settings. To revert these changes and remediate the OS, perform a full system scan with FortectIntego repair software

There are thousands of browser hijackers that spread around via various means, including legitimate channels such as the Chrome web store. Examples of such potentially unwanted programs include Charmsearching, HDSportSearchs, FlixSearchMy Mail Finder, and many others.

Thee is a fundamental difference between the above-mentioned browser hijackers and Kibo Web – the latter attempts to imitate Google or another provider that was originally chosen by users. This way, they are less likely yo notice the significant differences that are usually caused by a PUP of this type.

However, to notice the presence of the PUP, all one has to do is simply observe how the browser behaves during the web search procedure. Here are a few differences that are relatively easy to spot (although these symptoms might vary, depending on app version, user location, and other factors):

  • An unknown extension installed on the web browser;
  • All the searches are delivered via via tailsearch.com, my-search.com, or other URLs;
  • Search provider is changed to Bing, Yahoo, or another one;
  • Sponsored links are injected into the results;
  • Overall increased amount of advertising and other intrusive behavior.

Kibo Web hijack can spread as a browser extension, as well as an application that is installed on the system without permission. While add-ons are typically easy to eliminate, there are several different tricks that can be used by the developers in order to prevent an easy app uninstallation. 

For example, other hijackers often employ “Managed by your organization” setting or insert malicious components into users' Google account. Since this data is kept on the tech giant's servers, users might struggle with a complete Kibo Web removal.

Kibo Web hijack

Nonetheless, there are several steps that one can take to get rid of a potentially unwanted program, regardless of how persistent they are. For example, scanning the device with anti-malware such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes can often eliminate all the unwanted components automatically. After that, security experts[1] also recommend using FortectIntego to remediate the machine after the infection is terminated.

If the annoying ads are not enough of a reason to remove Kibo Web from your machine, you should also keep in mind that deceptive apps such as browser hijackers use cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies to harvest user information. The data, which can sometimes include personal information such as unique device identifiers and the IP addresses, might be sold and shred without unknown parties, resulting in major privacy risks. Thus, if you value your privacy, uninstall Kibo Web from your computer and clean your web browsers as explained below.

Pick Advanced/Custom installation settings to stop potentially unwanted programs

Computer users are more or less familiar with techniques used to deliver malware such as ransomware,[2] trojans, or viruses. They are mostly aware that opening suspicious emails or downloading software cracks is unsafe (even though some users continue risky behavior despite the known security issues). Still, they often forget that there is a category of potentially dangerous software lurking on almost all third-party websites.

One of the most prevalent PUP distribution technique is software bundles, where several applications are offered in a single package. Initially, the practice is not evil, and both parties can benefit from it; freeware authors and distributors are keen on using deception for larger pay-per-install[3] profits. 

Nonetheless, careful users can always avoid the installation of unwanted programs such as adware or browser hijackers. If you do not wish to fall victim of deception, and prevent the installation of PUPs, follow these tips:

  • Before installing a new app, ensure that it is not adware itself (read forums, blogs, and similar);
  • During the installation process, always opt for Advanced/Custom settings instead of Recommended/Quick ones;
  • Remove all the ticks from pre-ticked checkboxes;
  • Read the fine print;
  • Watch out for misplaced buttons;
  • Decline all the deals or offers;
  • Employ powerful anti-malware.

Kibo Web virus

You can delete Kibo Web virus in several ways

Essentially, you can choose manual or automatic Kibo Web removal – it all depends on your preferences. If you would like to find the potentially unwanted program manually but are not sure how you can follow the step-by-step guide we provide below. Alternatively, you can employ powerful anti-malware software and perform a full system scan to eliminate all the unwanted apps and malicious components quickly. Uninstalling the application from the computer is just the first step of fully cleaning your machine, however.

Once you remove Kibo Web, you should also clean your web browser, especially if the hijack was related to an extension. You should clean web data and cache to ensure that search redirects would not continue after eliminating the PUP. For all details on how to deal with a browser correctly, check the instructions below.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

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

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

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

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

Be the first to comment

Spyware news
Privacy preferences

We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze traffic. Some cookies enable embedded content like videos and social posts. Choose what you allow — you can change this anytime.