This article aims to help you with the removal of Lkysearchds unwanted app on Mac. Follow the detailed removal guide at the end to get rid of Lkysearchdsds in full.
Lkysearchds
Lkysearchds is a browser hijacker you may start noticing on your preferred web browser on Mac. The Lkysearchds is actually a part of various suspicious domains like Lkysearchdsds5012-a.akamaihd.net, Lkysearchdsds2467-a.akamaihd.net, Lkysearchdsds1086-a.akamaihd.net, Lkysearchdsds1503-a.akamaihd.net and so on. Its invasive behavior makes it a typical browser hijacker. Since many of the affected users consider it as a virus, here we want to explain what exactly Lkysearchds is and how it works. Long story short, Lkysearchdsds is related to an undesired Mac app that alters main browser settings to display ads in the browser and generate revenue for its developers. Additional issues that occur are unsolicited data collection and system slowdowns.
Threat Summary
| Name | Lkysearchds virus |
| Type | Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | A questionable search engine that occupies main browser settings in order to spy on search queries and other details. |
| Symptoms | Mian browser settings are altered without your permission. Generates lots of annoying ads during browsing sessions. |
| Distribution Method | Software Bundles, Corrupted Installers, Fake Flash Player Updates, Deceptive Websites |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Combo Cleaner
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Lkysearchds virus. |
Lkysearchds Virus – Propagation and Impact
To define Lkysearchdsds more precisely we should say that it is a browser hijacker. The term Lkysearchds virus is used as a general one and it is not related to the essence of Lkysearchds type of infection. Lkysearchds behavior indicates that it is a browser hijacker that can sometimes be more persistent than typical browser hijackers.
A browser hijacker is a potentially unwanted program that lands on Mac operating systems without the knowledge of people who are using the system. Unnoticed installations of PUPs are a regular issue which many online users face at least once in their lifetimes. How does the installation of a potentially unwanted program like Lkysearchds happen?
Quite often, unnoticed installations of undesired apps happen after a download of some kind of free application. Unfortunately, there are many free apps with corrupted installers released on the web. Such apps aim to trick people into installing some added programs, typically potentially undesired programs like Lkysearchds, with the intent to monetize their presence on a given Mac operating system.
So it is very likely that you installed Lkysearchds the last time you were installing a desired program. The tricky part with third-party packages is that they do not disclose properly all details to users. The installers of such applications are designed in a way that added “extras” remain hidden and get installed by default at the same time. Happily, in some cases, you could prevent unwanted programs from accessing your Mac by choosing the Advanced/Custom configuration setup step. The information presented there may help you notice present PUPs on time and opt-out of their installation.
As identified, the so-called Lkysearchdsds virus affects Mac operating system and popular browsers installed on it including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Safari.
Once installed the hijacker alters main browser preferences in order to force browsers to redirect you to Lkysearchdsds – Akamaihd.net websites. Among the detected domains related to Lkysearchdsds virus infection are:
- Lkysearchdsds5012-a.akamaihd.net
- Lkysearchdsds2467-a.akamaihd.net
- lkysearchds4694-a.akamaihd.net
- Lkysearchdsds1086-a.akamaihd.net
- Lkysearchdsds1846-a.akamaihd.net
- lkysearchhds1503-a.akamaihd.net
- Lkysearchdsds9437-a.akamaihd.net
- Lkysearchdsds1733-a.akamaihd.net
- Lkysearchdsds1283-a.akamaihd.net
- Lkysearchdsds7974-a.akamaihd.net
- Lkysearchdsds4407-a.akamaihd.net
Apparently Lkysearchds browser hijacker has numerous variants of landing pages all associated with the legitimate service Akamaihd.net
Beware as all questionable web pages generated by Lkysearchdsds present misleading information in an attempt to make you install another rogue/malicious application like browser extension or hoax software cleaner. The best you can do when a redirect loop opens a Lkysearchdsds virus page in your browser is to close the whole browser and proceed with thorough removal of undesired files and programs from the system. During the removal, you should fix altered browser settings as well. Our guide will reveal all steps needed for the complete removal of Lkysearchdsds virus on Mac.
Yet another considerable reason to scan the system for any present potentially undesired apps is the fact that most of them are collecting data from systems and browsers they affect. By activating different tracking technologies like cookies, web beacons, scrip, etc. browser hijackers like Lkysearchdsds harvest details like:
- Visited URLs and websites
- Browser’s home page
- Search queries
- Search queries on the visited web pages
- Type of used browser
- Operating system type
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP)
In order to stop unsolicited data collection, avoid annoying browser redirects and minimize the risk of severe malware infections, it is recommendable to remove Lkysearchds Mac virus from both affected system and browser.
Remove Lkysearchds Virus from Mac
In order to remove Lkysearchds Mac virus along with all entries it created on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you manual and automatic removal approach. 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 Lkysearchds virus 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, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via 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 Lkysearchds virus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Lkysearchds virus, 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 Lkysearchds virus 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 Lkysearchds virus:
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 Lkysearchds virus. 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 Lkysearchds virus. 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 Lkysearchds virus 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 Lkysearchds virus. 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 Lkysearchds virus – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Lkysearchds virus-FAQ
What is Lkysearchds virus on your Mac?
The Lkysearchds virus 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 Lkysearchds virus?
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 Lkysearchds virus?
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 Lkysearchds virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Lkysearchds virus 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 Lkysearchds virus?
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 Lkysearchds virus threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.