This article aims to show you how to remove Dubalub.com browser redirect from the affected system and how to restore your browser settings.
Dubalub.com is the domain of annoying browser redirect that provides hoax search engine. It can occur after an unnoticed installation of a potentially unwanted application. The threat can alter important browser settings like those of the homepage, the new tab page and the default search engine. Dubalub.com can compromise popular browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, and Safari. In case of infection with Dubalub.com redirect it’s best to locate all files installed by the redirect and remove them completely from the system.
Threat Summary
| Name | Dubalub.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Dubalub.com redirect can change the homepage, the default search engine and the new tab of each affected browser. It also installs a suspicious browser extension. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of all installed browsers are set to display Dubalub.com’s homepage. A lot of sponsored content invade the search results. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Dubalub.com. |
Dubalub.com – Delivery Techniques
Potentially unwanted programs that can cause infection with Dubalub.com redirect are usually distributed on torrent websites and shady online stores. Most of the freeware have compromised installation setups that unnoticeably deliver PUPs on your PC. The good news is that the installation of such additional unwanted components can be prevented by selecting the Advanced/Custom options. There usually has an option to unmark all undesired programs. In case that you choose to follow the regular installation steps, Dubalub.com redirect can sneak into the system without your knowledge.
As another delivery technique may be used corrupted web pages that are set to download Dubalub.com automatically on the system after you visit them.
Dubalub.com redirect can affect commonly used web browsers like Google, Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera and Edge.
Dubalub.com – Detailed Analysis
The Dubalub.com is designed to hijack installed browsers once it gains access to the system. Due to adjustments of some essential browser settings it starts to cause constant redirects to its homepage. The browser homepage, the new tab page and the default search engine can be affected by Dubalub.com browser hijacker. As a result they are all set to display the redirect’s homepage. Below you can see how it looks like:
If you believe the creators of Dubalub.com which is not advised, it is a search engine that delivers secure search results in a simple format. Well, it’s true that it has a simple design like some of the most trusted search engines but it definitely does not provide reliable and trustworthy search results.
In fact, the primary purpose of Dubalub.com redirect is to leave you no other chance but using its hoax search engine so it can obtain data about you, your browsing behavior and online preferences. Afterward, it can use the records to deliver you a lot of annoying ads that offer various kinds of products, services, games and apps. Unfortunately, just a click on the wrong advertisement can lead to severe malware infection.
Furthermore, the hijacker may install a browser add-on named DubSearch. The DubSearch extension is available on Chrome Web Store and once installed on the browser it has the rights to:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Replace the page you see when opening a new tab
- Change your search settings to: dubalub.com
It is also believed to gather information from the browser which is then used by its owners to monetize their project. Once Dubalub.com’s owners disclose the collected information to third-party services or other obscure company partners your browser will be flooded by sponsored web and results based on your location and online preferences. The bad news is that the redirect may display you malicious ads with links to compromised web pages which deliver devastating computer infections like ransomware after you visit them.
Dubalub.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy section of Dubalub.com is important page that reveals further details about data collection and its maintenance. The section can be found on the bottom navigation menu of Dubalub.com redirect homepage. It does not state who owns the suspicious website. However, you can find that as long as Dubalub.com is your default search engine it will obtain the following details about your browsing habits:
- IP address
- Search queries and all data you type in search field
- URLs and clicks
All recorded details can be disclosed to third party providers and partners of the redirect owners. Afterward, they can use them to deliver you targeted content and a lot of intrusive advertisements. As a result, you may notice slowed browser performance and frequent browser crashes.
How to Remove Dubalub.com Redirect
The step-by-step removal instructions below will help you to get rid of Dubalub.com redirect and its associated browser extension DubSearch. Have in mind that sometimes the detection of all files and objects installed by the potentially unwanted program may be a hard task especially if you lack any computer experience. With the help of an advanced anti-malware tool, you will get the location of all infection files. Then you can easily remove them from the affected PC.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Dubalub.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Dubalub.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Dubalub.com and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Dubalub.com on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Dubalub.com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Dubalub.com (Windows).
Get rid of Dubalub.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Dubalub.com and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Dubalub.com. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Dubalub.com via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Dubalub.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Dubalub.com, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Dubalub.com (Mac)
Remove Dubalub.com from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Dubalub.com from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Dubalub.com from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Dubalub.com from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Dubalub.com will be removed.
Eliminate Dubalub.com from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Dubalub.com-FAQ
What Is Dubalub.com?
The Dubalub.com threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Dubalub.com?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Dubalub.com?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Dubalub.com Work?
Once installed, Dubalub.com can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Dubalub.com can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Dubalub.com Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Dubalub.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Dubalub.com how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Dubalub.com?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Dubalub.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.