This article informs users about Searchmine.net redirect and provides help for the removal process of all suspicious and potentially undesired files from the affected system.
The domain Searchmine.net is used by a deceptive search engine that forces users into using its hoax searching services. Even though it is considered to be a computer virus by many, it is classified as a browser hijacker. As a typical browser hijacker, it sneaks into the system and then unnoticeably alters main browser settings including those of the homepage, new tab page and default search engine. As long as this undesired program has access to both your Mac and preferred web browser (Chrome Safari, Firefox, etc.) it is likely to be spying on your online activities in order to make you a target of aggressive advertising campaigns.
Threat Summary
| Name | Searchmine.net |
| Type | Redirect, Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | A hoax search enigne that redirects browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine to its main page. |
| Symptoms | Main browser preferences are altered without your knowledge. Searchmine.net appears as browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine. Increased number of online ads cause significant browser slowdowns. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Searchmine.net. |
Searchmine.net Redirect – Spread and Impact
The most likely reason why you keep experiencing redirects to the deceptive search engine Searchmine.net while you are browsing the web is a potentially unwanted program that had managed to land on your Mac and tricked you into installing it. Such programs are usually spread via the installers of various free and supposedly useful applications. Unfortunately, you could easily miss their presence as most of the installers are designed in a way that conceals the presence of added extras. Happily, in some cases, you could prevent unwanted programs from accessing your Mac by reviewing the Advanced/Custom configuration setup step. The information presented on this step may help you catch the PUP on time and opt out its installation.
Searchmine.net redirect virus tends to affect popular web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Safari. Considered to be a virus by many, Searchmine.net is classified as a browser hijacker. Browser hijackers are undesired programs that change browser preferences without users’ knowledge. So once it manages to run its files on your macOS, Searchmine.net redirect initiates some changes that affect main browser settings.
After the undesired program applies the changes, it becomes able to force you into using its deceptive services. It starts redirecting your homepage to its main page. Appears in every new browser tab and hijacks the default search engine. Here is how the homepage of a Safari browser affected by Searchmine.net looks like:
Even though Searchmine.net redirect is not a virus hence it is not designed to cause damage to your Mac, once it gains access to your browser it becomes able to perform unsolicited data collection. By activating different tracking technologies, the redirect becomes able to spy on various activities you perform online. All data records will be transferred to a connected remote server. As a consequence, the owners of this nasty program may use the data for their advertising and business purposes.
So it is very likely that your affected browser will be flooded with numerous online ads. Since these ads 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 Searchmine.net. 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 Searchmine.net Redirect from Your Mac
In order to remove Searchmine.net redirect 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 redirect virus may be detected with names different than Searchmine.net.
In case 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 Searchmine.net files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Searchmine.net, 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 Searchmine.net 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 Searchmine.net:
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 Searchmine.net. 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 Searchmine.net. 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 Searchmine.net 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 Searchmine.net. 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 Searchmine.net – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Searchmine.net-FAQ
What is Searchmine.net on your Mac?
The Searchmine.net 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 Searchmine.net?
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 Searchmine.net?
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 Searchmine.net Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Searchmine.net 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 Searchmine.net?
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 Searchmine.net threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.