Search.mysafetabsearch.com

During the past week, we have noticed an increase in browser hijacker releases by one malware developer in particular. Imali Media Ltd is at it again, and its newest browser hijacker is Search.mysafetabsearch.com. It is recommended that you remove it from your browser because of the obvious fact that it replaces your browser’s new tab page or homepage without your authorization and because its search results are bound to include promotional links that can pose a threat to your computer’s security. If you take your online security seriously, then we suggest reading this whole article and taking action against this intrusive infection.

Since this browser hijacker comes from Imali Media Ltd it comes as no surprise that it comes with browser extension, and in this particular case, it comes with an add-on called MySafeTab that is compatible with Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Search.mysafetabsearch.com is an integral part of this browser extension because it is nothing without this hijacker. MySafeTab is dedicated to modifying your browser’s settings and hijacking its search-related settings, namely the homepage address or new tab page.

You can download this extension from its main distribution channel which is a dedicated website at http://mysafetab.com. This website is used to convince users that it is a useful extension that will provide you with security tools and make your browsing as secure as possible. However, this claim is false as this extension does not add any security measures to protect your browser. It is important to note that this hijacker features a link to Reimageplus.com, a website that hosts the download of Reimage, a potentially unwanted program that you ought to uninstall. It also features links to other shady applications legitimate social media websites. Furthermore, you can get MySafeTab for Chrome from the Chrome Web Store. Indeed, the store features it, and it is widely available for to use. Hence, that it is why this hijacker is getting so popular at the moment.

When you install MySafeTab on Chrome or Firefox, it will inject Search.mysafetabsearch.com to the browsers and replace the new tab page or homepage respectively. The extension does not warn about changing your browser’s settings, and that is the main reason we have classified it as a browser hijacker. Neither the extension nor the fake search engine gives any mention about the promotional links that are injected into the search results. The License agreement provided in this browser hijacker states the following:

Our service may also be linked to sites or services operated by the Browsing Product affiliates or third parties, and may carry advertisements or offer content, functionality, games, rewards programs, newsletters, contests or sweepstakes, or applications developed and maintained by third parties including, any online store.

There is denying the fact that Search.mysafetabsearch.com can promote third-party content. However, there is no mention of its affiliated companies, so there is no way of knowing whether the promoted content is indeed safe. Chances are, however, that this hijacker will promote infected websites that can automatically drop ransomware on your computer or feature downloads of adware-type software and potentially unwanted programs. To make the advertising campaign more effective, this hijacker will gather information about you and your computer. This information includes things such as your browsing history and entered search queries, as well as your browser type, software installed on your PC, IP address, Internet Service Provider, and so on. This information can be used to tailor the advertisements in accordance with your browsing preferences and interests.

The information we have provided in this short description makes it abundantly clear — Search.mysafetabsearch.com is a malicious search engine that you have to delete it as soon as you notice its presence because it can compromise your computer’s security with unwelcome and indeed malicious promotional links. We have included a removal guide at the end of this article in case you do not know how to remove a browser extension from your web browser.

How to remove MySafeTab and Search.mysafetabsearch.com

Google Chrome

1. Press Alt+F and select More tools.
2. Click Extensions.
3. Find MySafeTab and click Remove.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+A and choose Extensions.
2. Find MySafeTab and click Remove.