If you’re experiencing an influx of intrusive pop-up ads, unexpected browser redirects, or sluggish system performance, your device may be compromised by the Calenital.co.in browser hijacker. This deceptive software infiltrates your system, alters browser settings, and bombards you with unwanted advertisements, posing significant risks to your online security and privacy.
Threat Overview
Calenital.co.in is classified as a browser hijacker—a type of adware designed to manipulate browser settings without user consent. Once installed, it redirects users to its associated domain, Calenital.co.in, and displays a barrage of pop-up ads, often leading to malicious websites. This not only disrupts your browsing experience but also exposes your system to additional security threats.
Threat Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker / Adware |
| Associated Domain | Calenital.co.in |
| Detection Names | Adware.GenericKD, BrowserModifier:Win32/Prifou, PUP.Optional.Calenital |
| Symptoms of Infection | – Frequent pop-up ads – Browser redirects – Unauthorized homepage changes – Slow browser performance |
| Damage & Distribution | – Alters browser settings – Collects browsing data – Distributes via software bundling and malicious ads |
| Danger Level | Moderate |
| Removal Tool | SpyHunter |
In-Depth Analysis
How Did I Get Infected?
Calenital.co.in typically infiltrates systems through deceptive methods such as software bundling, where it’s packaged with legitimate software downloads. Users may unknowingly install the hijacker when they download free applications from unverified sources. Additionally, clicking on malicious ads or visiting compromised websites can lead to automatic downloads of this unwanted software.
What Does It Do?
Once installed, Calenital.co.in modifies browser settings, changing the default homepage and search engine to its own domain. It then generates intrusive pop-up ads and redirects search queries to potentially harmful websites. The hijacker may also track your browsing activities, collecting data such as visited websites, search terms, and even personal information, which can be sold to third parties or used for targeted advertising.
Should You Be Concerned?
Absolutely. While Calenital.co.in may seem like a mere annoyance, it poses significant risks to your online security and privacy. The constant redirects and pop-up ads can lead to phishing websites or malware downloads, further compromising your system. Moreover, the data collected by the hijacker can be exploited for malicious purposes, including identity theft.
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)
- Press
Win + R, typeappwiz.cpl, and hit Enter. - Find Unwanted Applications
- Look for recently installed programs that seem suspicious (e.g., “EasySearch,” “QuickFind,” “Search Manager”).
- Uninstall
- Click on the suspicious program > Select Uninstall > Follow on-screen instructions.
Mac (macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, etc.)
- Open Finder and go to Applications.
- Look for unknown or unwanted programs.
- Drag any suspicious apps to the Trash and empty the Trash.
Step 2: Remove Browser Hijacker from Web Browsers
Google Chrome
- 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.
- Remove Suspicious Extensions
- Open chrome://extensions/ and remove unknown extensions.
- 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
- Reset Firefox
- Click the Menu (☰) > Select Help > Click More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox.
- Remove Unknown Extensions
- Open Add-ons Manager (
Ctrl + Shift + A) > Remove any suspicious extensions.
- Open Add-ons Manager (
- Change Search Engine & Homepage
- Open Settings > Search > Choose Google or another safe search engine.
Microsoft Edge
- Reset Edge
- Click ⋮ Menu > Settings > Reset settings > Restore to default values.
- Remove Unwanted Extensions
- Open edge://extensions/ and remove any unfamiliar extensions.
Safari (Mac Only)
- Reset Safari & Clear Data
- Open Safari > Click Safari (top-left menu) > Select Clear History.
- Go to Preferences > Privacy > Click Manage Website Data > Remove All.
- Delete Suspicious Extensions
- Open Safari > Preferences > Extensions > Remove anything unfamiliar.
- 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.
Step 3: Check for Unauthorized System Changes
Windows – Check the Hosts File
- Open Notepad as Administrator (
Win + S, type Notepad, right-click, Run as Administrator). - Click File > Open and navigate to:makefileCopyEdit
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts - If you see unknown IPs or URLs at the bottom, remove them.
- Save changes and restart your computer.
Mac – Check the Hosts File
- Open Terminal (
Command + Space, typeTerminal). - Type:bashCopyEdit
sudo nano /etc/hosts - Look for suspicious entries and delete them.
- Press
Ctrl + X, thenY, thenEnterto save.
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
- Follow the instructions on the SpyHunter Download Page to install the software.
- Open SpyHunter and run a full system scan.
Step 3: Remove Browser Hijackers
- SpyHunter will detect all malware and potentially unwanted programs.
- Click Fix Threats to remove the detected hijacker.
- 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).
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
Calenital.co.in is a deceptive browser hijacker that disrupts your browsing experience and compromises your system's security. Its ability to alter browser settings, generate intrusive ads, and collect personal data makes it a significant threat. To protect your system and privacy, it's crucial to remove this hijacker promptly using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter.
