Plurbit.com is a deceptive adware-based browser hijacker masquerading as a crypto/trading platform. It hijacks browsers, triggers unsafe redirects, and spams users with intrusive advertisements, often appearing in misleading pop-ups or hijacked tabs.
Threat Overview
Although the site presents itself as a cryptocurrency portal, Plurbit.com functions primarily as a browser hijacker and adware, pushing unauthorized redirects, ads, and tracking scripts. It has no legitimate trading infrastructure and often infiltrates systems bundled with freeware.
Summary
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Threat type | Adware / Browser hijacker (PUP) |
Associated domain | plurbit.com |
Detection names | Browser redirect virus, adware, PUP Plurbit.com |
Symptoms of infection | Redirects to Plurbit.com, pop-up ads, new tab hijacks, slow browser |
Damage & distribution | Privacy invasion, ad revenue generation, tied to bundled freeware installs |
Danger level | Medium to high – can expose users to phishing and additional malware |
Removal tool | SpyHunter |
In‑Depth Evaluation
How I Got Infected
This browser hijacker is commonly encountered after installing free software from unverified or suspicious websites. These freeware packages often include hidden potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) like Plurbit.com, which silently change browser settings and trigger unauthorized redirects.
What Does It Do
Plurbit.com acts as adware and a browser hijacker. It changes homepage and search engine settings, initiates unwanted redirects to its domain, displays aggressive pop-up ads, and may push deceptive notifications. It can also collect browsing data and redirect users to phishing pages or fake tech support sites.
Should You Be Worried for Your System
Yes. While Plurbit.com is not classified as a traditional virus, it poses significant risks by disrupting browser functionality, compromising user privacy, and increasing exposure to phishing and malware threats. Its persistence and stealthy installation methods make it difficult to remove without specialized tools.
Option 1: Manual Browser Hijacker Removal
Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Software
For Windows:
- Press
Windows + R
, typeappwiz.cpl
, and press Enter. - Look for recently installed or unknown software.
- Select the suspicious program and click Uninstall.
- Follow the uninstaller’s prompts.
For Mac:
- Open Finder > Applications.
- Locate any unfamiliar apps you didn’t intentionally install.
- Drag them to the Trash.
- Right-click the Trash and select Empty Trash.
Step 2: Reset Each Web Browser Affected
Google Chrome:
- Go to chrome://settings/reset.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
- Then, visit chrome://extensions and remove any suspicious add-ons.
- Change your search engine:
Settings > Search Engine > Manage search engines — remove unwanted entries and set a trusted one like Google.
Mozilla Firefox:
- Click the menu icon (three lines) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
- Click Refresh Firefox.
- After reset, check Add-ons and Themes and remove unwanted extensions.
- Navigate to Settings > Home/Search and revert changes to your preferred provider.
Microsoft Edge:
- Click menu (three dots) > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values.
- Open edge://extensions and remove any unfamiliar plugins.
- Reconfigure your homepage and search engine if needed.
Safari (Mac Only):
- Open Safari > Click Safari in the top menu > Clear History (select All History).
- Go to Preferences > Extensions, remove unknown entries.
- Under General, set your homepage.
- Under Search, revert to your preferred search provider.
Step 3: Check and Clean Your Hosts File
On Windows:
- Open Notepad as Administrator.
- Go to:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
- Look for unknown IPs or domains — remove them.
- Save changes and reboot.
On Mac:
- Open Terminal.
- Run:
sudo nano /etc/hosts
- Identify and remove hijacker entries.
- Press
Control + O
to save andControl + X
to exit.
Option 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter
If you want a faster and safer solution — especially if the hijacker reinstalls after manual removal — use SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Visit the official download page: Download SpyHunter
Need help with the installation? Follow this page: SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install and Launch the Program
- Run the installer and follow the steps for your OS.
- Open SpyHunter after installation.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click Start Scan Now.
- Wait while SpyHunter analyzes your computer for browser hijackers, malware, and other PUPs.
- Once the scan completes, click Fix Threats to eliminate them.
Step 4: Reboot and Recheck Your Browser
After cleaning, restart your device. Open your browser and check if your homepage and search settings are restored. If not, perform a quick browser reset using the manual steps above.
How to Prevent Future Infections
- Avoid downloading freeware from third-party sites.
- Use custom/advanced installation and deselect optional offers.
- Keep your browser and OS updated.
- Regularly scan your system with SpyHunter for proactive defense.
- Don’t click strange pop-ups or redirect links from unknown sources.
Conclusion
Plurbit.com is a fraudulent and disruptive browser hijacker disguised as a cryptocurrency trading platform. It undermines online safety, floods browsers with misleading content, and opens the door to further cyber threats. Immediate removal using a reputable tool like SpyHunter is strongly recommended to restore secure browsing and system integrity.