This article informs users about Search.getmybestyear.com browser hijacker and provides help for the removal process of all suspicious and potentially undesired files from the affected system.
The domain Search.getmybestyear.com is associated with browser hijacking activities that force you into using a hoax search engine. Once it manages to run configuration files on your device, it alters main browser settings which in turn results in changes of browser’s start page, new tab page and default search engine. In addition, by being present in your browser, the hijacker is able to obtain various details and use them for advertising purposes.
Threat Summary
| Name | Search.getmybestyear.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | A hoax search enigne that replaces browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Commonly used web browsers are configured to display Search.getmybestyear.com as their homepages, new tab pages and default search enigns. Browser slowdowns occur due to increased number of online ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Search.getmybestyear.com. |
Search.getmybestyear.com – Spread Techniques
The most likely reason why you keep seeing the deceptive search engine Search.getmybestyear.com in your preferred web browser is a potentially unwanted program that you have unnoticeably installed on your device. Such a program could have tricked you to install it along with another desired and supposedly useful one.
Often times being hidden in the installers of free third-party applications, PUPs find their way for their configuration files to be activated on the system. However, you could easily miss their presence especially by installing new apps with the help of the regular setup process. This could be explained by the fact that compromised installers are usually designed in a way that hides the presence of any extras. Happily, in some cases, you could prevent unwanted programs from accessing your device by reviewing the Advanced/Custom configuration setup step. The information presented there may help you to catch the PUP on time and opt out its installation.
Popular web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Safari could be affected by Search.getmybestyear.com hijacker.
Search.getmybestyear.com – More About Its Impact
Search.getmybestyear.com is a hijacker that sneaks into your browser without asking for permission. Once its associated files are started on your Mac, some main browser settings are changed on the background. As a result, of applied changes, the first page that appears when you open an affected web browser is the main page of Search.getmybestyear.com. This page could be seen in the picture below:
Hijacked could also be the new tab page of your web browser and the default search engine. Even though this program is not a malicious one, once it gains access to your browser it becomes able to track various activities you perform online. In addition, it will send recorded data to a connected server and enable its owners to use it for their advertising and business purposes.
As a result, you may become a target of numerous online ads. Since they could appear on each page you visit, you may notice that your browser is becoming slower than usual. One more thing that you should know about these ads is the risk of malware infections they hide. Many cybercriminals infect their malicious code into web pages promoted by hijackers like Search.getmybestyear.com. So in case that such a page somehow loads in your browser, it could deliver and activate any severe malware as Trojan horse directly on your Mac.
How to Remove Search.getmybestyear.com from Your Mac
In order to remove Search.getmybestyear.com hijacker along with all associated files that enable its appearance in the browser, you should complete several removal steps. In the guide below you will find all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of this particular undesired program and strengthen the security of your device we recommend you to combine the steps. Have in mind that installed files associated with this hijacker may be detected with names different than Search.getmybestyear.com.
In case that you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us at our email.
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 Search.getmybestyear.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.getmybestyear.com, 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 Search.getmybestyear.com 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 Search.getmybestyear.com:
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 Search.getmybestyear.com. 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 Search.getmybestyear.com. 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 Search.getmybestyear.com 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 Search.getmybestyear.com. 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 Search.getmybestyear.com – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Search.getmybestyear.com-FAQ
What is Search.getmybestyear.com on your Mac?
The Search.getmybestyear.com 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 Search.getmybestyear.com?
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 Search.getmybestyear.com?
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 Search.getmybestyear.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.getmybestyear.com 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 Search.getmybestyear.com?
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 Search.getmybestyear.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.