Funkytvtabssearch.com Removal Guide

While Funkytvtabssearch.com looks like an ordinary search engine, but there is nothing ordinary about it. We have analyzed it and come to the conclusion that it is a browser hijacker due to the methods used to distribute it, so you might want to remove it. Apart from that, it is designed to show promotional links and advertisements in its search results that can compromise your computer’s security if they are malicious. In addition, it is set to collect information about you in an effort to tailor the advertising campaign and make more money. Indeed, this hijacker is part of a large web monetization campaign.

We have discovered that Funkytvtabssearch.com was released by a company called Imali Media Ltd. This company is responsible for releasing dozens of browser hijackers, and some of its newer releases include Toptvtabsearch.com, Topsafetabsearch.com, and Socialnewpagesearch.com. They all look almost the same but used to promote different content. Imali Media is a company that specializes in online advertising and, as we have learned, is apt to use dishonest advertising tactics to make money. For more information about what it does, you can visit its website at Imali.media. However, you will find no mention of browser hijacking practices or anything that could incriminate this company. Therefore, Imali Media is one untrustworthy developer.

Before we go any further, it is important to know how Funkytvtabssearch.com is distributed. This hijacker has a browser extension called FunkyTVTabs that is compatible with Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Now, you can download this browser extension from Funkytvtabs.com. If you were to download it from there, then the set up will ask whether you want it on your browser and you can deselect it. However, we have labeled it as a browser hijacker because it is also distributed via malicious software installers that install it without your knowledge or authorization. Hence the installers are configured to install FunkyTVTabs in secret.

Once on your browser, this browser extension will replace the current homepage URL with Funkytvtabssearch.com. This unsanctioned change is firstly unacceptable and illicit and, secondly, it opens opportunities for Imali Media to subject you to its advertisements. We have found that this hijacker is configured to redirect all search queries through http://extsearch.maxwebsearch{.}com which then redirects to http://www.plusnetwork{.}com that displays customized search results from Yahoo. As a result, you get Yahoo’s search results with the added “bonus” of shady promotional links. Unfortunately, to the detriment of the user, the search results are apt to feature questionable promotions disguised as regular results. It is particularly dangerous since you cannot tell the promotions apart from the rest of the search results. We fear that Funkytvtabssearch.com can show links to malicious websites that may redirect you to scam or malware featuring sites that can put your personal privacy and your computer’s security in jeopardy.

Now let us talk privacy, According to this browser hijacker’s privacy policy, “We receive and store any information you enter on the Browsing Products Domains or give us in any other way.” This is quite scary because it seems that this hijacker’s developers reserve the right to gather any and all information you intentionally or not provide by contacting them or simply using Funkytvtabssearch.com. The Privacy Policy gives examples of what kind of information is collected as it reads “we may collect name, email address, country of origin, and if you choose, your nickname, telephone number, website, company, and title.” So this is what you can expect to be collected and rest assured that this information will not go to waste. We believe that the developers will use it to present you with tailored promotions and ads to make more money.

We hope that you found this information useful. It is evident that Funkytvtabssearch.com is a fictitious search engine whose real purpose is to hijack your browser’s homepage, show you promoted links in the search results, and generate advertising income. So, do not expect it to improve your browsing experience. Furthermore, it can collect information about you and most likely use it for promotional purposes. Do not hesitate to remove this fake search engine. Check the instructions below on how to uninstall FunkyTVTabs.

Remove FunkyTVTabs from your browser.

Google Chrome

1. Hold down Alt+F.
2. Select More tools and click Extensions.
3. Find FunkyTVTabs and click Remove.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Hold down Ctrl+Shift+A.
2. Select Extensions.
3. Find FunkyTVTabs and click the Remove button.