OrbitingInsights.com

OrbitingInsights.com is a deceptive browser hijacker that manipulates browser settings to redirect users to its fake search engine. While it may appear as a legitimate search tool, it primarily serves to track user data and expose systems to potential security threats.​

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Threat Overview

OrbitingInsights.com operates as a browser hijacker, altering browser configurations to set itself as the default homepage, new tab page, and search engine. Upon initiating a search, users are redirected to Google.com, masking the hijacker’s presence. However, this redirection facilitates the collection of browsing data and can lead to exposure to malicious content.​

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Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Associated Domain	orbitinginsights.com
Detection Names	Not specified (may vary by antivirus software)
Symptoms of Infection	Altered homepage and search engine, frequent redirects, unauthorized toolbars
Damage & Distribution	Data tracking, exposure to malicious sites, distributed via software bundling, deceptive ads
Danger Level	Medium
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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Detailed Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

OrbitingInsights.com typically infiltrates systems through software bundling. When downloading free applications, users may inadvertently install additional programs like the Orbiting Insights extension if they do not opt for custom installation settings. Additionally, deceptive pop-up ads and fake software updates can trick users into installing this hijacker.​PCRisk

What Does It Do?

Once installed, the Orbiting Insights extension modifies browser settings to set orbitinginsights.com as the default homepage and search engine. This ensures that users are consistently redirected through the hijacker’s domain, allowing it to track browsing habits, collect personal data, and potentially expose users to further security risks through malicious redirects.​PCRisk+1PCRisk+1

Should You Be Concerned?

Yes. While OrbitingInsights.com may not directly harm your system, its data collection practices pose significant privacy concerns. The hijacker’s ability to redirect users to potentially malicious sites increases the risk of further infections and data breaches. Prompt removal is essential to safeguard personal information and maintain system integrity.​

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Manual Removal Guide for Browser Hijackers

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs (Windows & Mac)

Before resetting your browser, remove any software that may have installed the hijacker.

Windows (10, 11, 8, 7)

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Find Unwanted Applications
   • Look for recently installed programs that seem suspicious (e.g., “EasySearch,” “QuickFind,” “Search Manager”).
3. Uninstall
   • Click on the suspicious program > Select Uninstall > Follow on-screen instructions.

Mac (macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, etc.)

1. Open Finder and go to Applications.
2. Look for unknown or unwanted programs.
3. Drag any suspicious apps to the Trash and empty the Trash.

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Step 2: Remove Browser Hijacker from Web Browsers

Google Chrome

1. Reset Chrome to Default Settings
   • Open Chrome > Click ⋮ Menu (top-right corner) > Settings.
   • Scroll down and select Reset settings > Click Restore settings to original defaults > Confirm.
2. Remove Suspicious Extensions
   • Open chrome://extensions/ and remove unknown extensions.
3. Change Default Search Engine & Homepage
   • Go to Settings > Search engine > Select Google or another trusted search engine.
   • Under On Startup, remove any unwanted URLs.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Reset Firefox
   • Click the Menu (☰) > Select Help > Click More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox.
2. Remove Unknown Extensions
   • Open Add-ons Manager (Ctrl + Shift + A) > Remove any suspicious extensions.
3. Change Search Engine & Homepage
   • Open Settings > Search > Choose Google or another safe search engine.

Microsoft Edge

1. Reset Edge
   • Click ⋮ Menu > Settings > Reset settings > Restore to default values.
2. Remove Unwanted Extensions
   • Open edge://extensions/ and remove any unfamiliar extensions.

Safari (Mac Only)

1. Reset Safari & Clear Data
   • Open Safari > Click Safari (top-left menu) > Select Clear History.
   • Go to Preferences > Privacy > Click Manage Website Data > Remove All.
2. Delete Suspicious Extensions
   • Open Safari > Preferences > Extensions > Remove anything unfamiliar.
3. Change Homepage & Search Engine
   • Open Preferences > General > Change your homepage to a trusted site.
   • In Search, set your search engine to Google or a preferred option.

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Step 3: Check for Unauthorized System Changes

Windows – Check the Hosts File

1. Open Notepad as Administrator (Win + S, type Notepad, right-click, Run as Administrator).
2. Click File > Open and navigate to:makefileCopyEditC:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. If you see unknown IPs or URLs at the bottom, remove them.
4. Save changes and restart your computer.

Mac – Check the Hosts File

1. Open Terminal (Command + Space, type Terminal).
2. Type:bashCopyEditsudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Look for suspicious entries and delete them.
4. Press Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter to save.

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Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter (Windows & Mac)

For those who prefer a quick, hassle-free removal process, using SpyHunter is highly recommended.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Click here to download SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter

Step 2: Install & Run SpyHunter

1. Follow the instructions on the SpyHunter Download Page to install the software.
2. Open SpyHunter and run a full system scan.

Step 3: Remove Browser Hijackers

1. SpyHunter will detect all malware and potentially unwanted programs.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the detected hijacker.
3. Restart your device to complete the cleanup process.

Step 4: Reset Browser Settings (If Necessary)

Even after SpyHunter removes the hijacker, you may need to reset your browser settings manually (refer to browser-specific instructions above).

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Preventing Future Browser Hijacker Infections

• Be cautious when installing free software – opt for Custom Installation to avoid bundled malware.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups – they often distribute browser hijackers.
• Keep your operating system and software updated – outdated programs are more vulnerable to infections.
• Use a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter to provide real-time protection against threats.

Conclusion

OrbitingInsights.com is a browser hijacker that compromises user privacy and system security by altering browser settings and tracking online activities. Its deceptive installation methods and persistent redirects make it a notable threat.Utilizing reputable anti-malware tools like SpyHunter can effectively remove this hijacker and restore normal browser functionality.​PCRisk+1PCRisk+1

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