ShortcutTab

ShortcutTab – a potentially unwanted application that might be installed without your permission

ShortcutTab is a potentially unwanted program that monitors users’ web browser behavior to serve sponsored content that the developers benefit from financially

ShortcutTab is a potentially unwanted program that monitors users’ web browser behavior to serve sponsored content that the developers benefit from financially

ShortcutTab is a browser hijacker^[1] that changes the new tab URL and the homepage to s.advancedsearchlab.com as soon as it is installed. While some users might find this browser extension on official sources such as Google Chrome Web Store, most install the add-on unintentionally, e.g., via software bundles or fake software update prompts.

Potentially unwanted programs such as ShortcutTab as typically designed to allegedly provide enhanced search results (the app claims that it uses multiple search engines for that, but instead uses Google), although, in reality, its main goal is to read users’ browser history and visited pages and provide them with sponsored content, gaining revenue in the process. It is also not uncommon for users infected with ShortcutTab virus to also have other potentially unwanted programs installed on their system without their consent.

As mentioned above, users might install ShortcutTab hijacker unintentionally – this happens when users visit third party websites that provide access to freeware or shareware. Unsurprisingly, such sites typically use software bundling and ads to monetize. In many cases, deception is also used in order to make users install sponsored apps without their knowledge.

As soon as ShortcutTab hijack occurs, a browser extension is appended to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, MS Edge, or another web browser. Next, the PUP changes the new tab address and the homepage of the web browser to s.advancedsearchlab.com, although this change is not apparent, as the only visible symptom of the infection is the lack of usual search bar (for example, google.com is shown, although the search bar is missing).

For this reason, some users might not even be aware that their web browsers have been hijacked, and that ShortcutTab removal should be performed in the first place. However, the symptoms of the infection can be noticed eventually, which may be the following:

• A “ShortcutTab” or other unwanted add-ons/programs installed on the computer;
• The homepage and a new tab lead to the s.advancedsearchlab.com and then to Google, Yahoo, or another trusted engine;
• Advertisements show up on various pages that you visit;
• Search results are filled with sponsored links and other ads;
• Web browser operates slower than usual, etc.

ShortcutTab is a browser hijacker that claims to enhance search results and grant access to multiple search providers, although it fails to execute such functionality

ShortcutTab is a browser hijacker that claims to enhance search results and grant access to multiple search providers, although it fails to execute such functionality

While such extensions may seem like useful additions at first, it is best to remove ShortcutTab from the web browser as soon as possible to avoid unwanted browsing activity tracking and redirects to potentially malicious websites. To do that, all you have to do is to get rid of the installed web browser extensions and programs from your Mac or Windows computer.

In case ShortcutTab elimination becomes difficult, you should employ anti-malware software to perform a full system scan. We also recommend employing such apps like Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego for overall better performance of the system that was previously infected. Finally, you can also reset all the installed web browsers if nothing else helps (we explain how to do that below).

ShortcutTab belongs to the family of PUP.Optional.AdvancedSearchLab

PUP.Optional.AdvancedSearchLab is a family of potentially unwanted applications that change the web browser settings without permission and are typically installed without user consent. Luckily, most modern web browsers such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox typically warn users about these changes, so most can avert the consequences of a browser hijack.

Additionally, anti-malware applications such as Malwarebytes can also detect and prevent the installation of apps that belong to the PUP.Optional.AdvancedSearchLab family. Therefore, it is highly recommended to employ a reputable security tool that can comprehensively protect the computer from PUPs and more significant threats such as Trojans, ransomware,^[2] coinminers, worms, and others.

ShortcutTab can gather even personal information if such is provided when using the sites provided by the company behind the unwanted app

ShortcutTab can gather even personal information if such is provided when using the sites provided by the company behind the unwanted app

Learn to avoid potentially unwanted applications

As previously mentioned, users install PUPs unintentionally, since a technique called software bundling is used to distribute shady applications. The chain of adware and browser hijacker distribution is extensive. It can range from fake Flash update prompts,^[3] fake “Download” buttons on various (torrent) sites, and the inclusivity of additional components within a single software package that is obtained from sources like softonic.com.

Therefore, it is important to be vigilant while performing routine web browsing activities and downloading software. If possible, we recommend avoiding shady third-party sources and relying on the official application websites and reputable stores such as Microsoft Store. In case you insist on downloading apps from suspicious sites, it is important to pay attention to the installation procedure carefully, as you might end up with multiple unwanted apps or malware on your system.

Before installing a program you have never heard of, check reviews, forum posts, and other trusted sources for information on it. Next, you should always ensure that Privacy Policy/ToS is provided and always opt for Advanced/Custom installation settings in order to get rid of add-ons, system optimizers, downloaded managers, and other useless apps.

ShortcutTab uninstallation process explained

In most cases, ShortcutTab removal should not be difficult to perform – simply right-click on the extension and select “Uninstall” or “Remove.” However, it is known that potentially unwanted apps can be purposely programmed in a way that would hinder users from eliminating them easily. During our tests, we noticed that the ShortcutTab virus belongs to this category, as the add-on is not visible once it is installed on the web browser.

Therefore, you might not be able to remove ShortcutTab just as easily as other genuine apps. In such a case, you should visit chrome://extensions/ tab and try to eliminate the app through there. In case the “Managed by your organization” status is turned on, you should instead perform a full system scan of your computer, as it might be that more nefarious programs are installed on your system. Additionally, you can also look for PUPs manually and reset all the installed web browsers as per instructions we provide below.

You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.