MySearchAssistance Mac App
MySearchAssistance is the name of an application for Mac that appears on macOS without any notifications. The program is being propagated via shady methods like software packages, corrupted sites, fake program updates, and infected software installers. The unexpected appearance of MySearchAssistance Mac could make you believe that the app is a Mac virus. The good news is that it is not a malicious program but its presence on a macOS is definitely lowering overall system security. As soon as, the app which is classified as adware, runs on a system, it alters certain browser settings to begin showing various sponsored pages, doubtful sites, and poorly secured online places.
If you see the MySearchAssistance app on your Mac, we recommend that you scan your system for any present suspicious/harmful files and ensure that they are completely gone from the system.
MySearchAssistance Summary
| Name | MySearchAssistance also known as Adware.MacOS.MySearchAssistance |
| Type | PUP, Adware, Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | A questionable program that hijacks browsers installed on Mac operating systems to start delivering ads. |
| Symptoms | Affected browser is inundated with lots of annoying ads. The browser loads slower than ususal. The unwanted program may start every time you start the system. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Redirects by Shady Websites |
| Detection Tool |
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MySearchAssistance on Mac
If you see the strange application MySearchAssistance in the applications list on your Mac, then you should know that you have installed a potentially undesired program. The program could have landed on your macOS via corrupted websites, fake software installers, and software bundles.
You might happen to download a third-party app that featured the undesired program as an additional extra in its installer. Since extra apps like MySearchAssistance are rarely disclosed properly in the setups, they tend to run on computer systems without any specific notifications. That’s how people tend to give their consent for the installation of unwanted apps inadvertently.
The annoying issue could be prevented by a check of the details listed under the Advanced/Custom option. This step may reveal all the additional details about added apps and let you opt-out of their installation. Then you can just continue safely with the installation process of the primary app.
Note that the MySearchAssistance adware on Mac is likely to obtain access to installed web browsers and alter some of the main preferences there. In addition, MySearchAssistance may install a browser extension that supports browser tracking prcesses. Eventually, the following details of yours may be obtained by fraudsters:
- Visited URLs and websites.
- Operating system type.
- Search queries.
- Browser’s home page.
- Search queries on the visited web pages.
- Type of used browser.
- Geographic location.
- Internet protocol (IP) address.
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP).
- Diagnostic information which describes how their Services are operating on the system.
Data records could serve for the configuration of aggressive advertising campaigns that, in turn, flood the affected browsers with tons of annoying advertisements – pop-ups, banners, in-text links, redirects, images, etc.
There is a risky side and it is related to the ads generated by adware applications like MySearchAssistance. Your affected browsers on the Mac may be redirected to suspicious or even hacked web pages that trigger unnoticed downloads of harmful or malicious software. Be careful and refrain from clicking suspicious ads.
Security experts recommend the complete removal of MySearchAssistance Mac adware as soon as users detect it on their macOS.
How to Get Rid of MySearchAssistance on Mac
In order to remove MySearchAssistance app along with all associated undesired programs, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents both manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual MySearchAssistance removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove MySearchAssistance files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MySearchAssistance, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall MySearchAssistance and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to MySearchAssistance:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to MySearchAssistance. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to MySearchAssistance. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove MySearchAssistance via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as MySearchAssistance. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove MySearchAssistance – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
MySearchAssistance-FAQ
What is MySearchAssistance on your Mac?
The MySearchAssistance threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like MySearchAssistance?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from MySearchAssistance?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the MySearchAssistance Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MySearchAssistance how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on MySearchAssistance?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the MySearchAssistance threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.