If you are wondering how NetDataSearch app landed on your Mac and what issues occur after its installation, then keep reading this removal guide.
NetDataSearch App on Mac – Short Overview
NetDataSearch is one of those applications you don’t want on your Mac operating system. The program is classified as an adware that alters main browser settings with the goal to deliver annoying ads and generate revenue for its developers. The reason why many of the affected users call it NetDataSearch virus is its unexpected appearance in the Applications list. This can be explained by the fact that potentially unwanted programs like NetDataSearch are being spread via shady techniques like software packages, malicious advertising and hacked websites. All these techniques are designed in a way that tricks users into installing undesired programs on their computers without noticing that.
Security experts advise affected users to remove NetDataSearch adware program from their Mac operating systems as soon as possible.
Threat Summary
| Name | NetDataSearch |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that tricks you into installing it on your computer. Then it performs certain modifications that affect installed browsers without your knowledge. Lots of ads and sponsored content flood the affected browsers. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search engine in preferred web browser may be set to display hoax search engine. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start automatically every time you start the affected system. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss NetDataSearch. |
What is NetDataSearch? Is It a Virus?
NetDataSearch is a potentially unwanted application that has been classified as adware. It is developed for Mac operating system. Once NetDataSearch adware manages to execute its files on a target system it alters some main browser settings. As a result, your favorite browser may be flooded with lots of annoying ads and configured to display a hoax search engine on the homepage and new tab pages. This behavior of NetDataSearch makes it a program that has the traits of both adware and browser hijacker. One of the primary goals of this predominantly adware program is to deliver intrusive advertisements that attempt to trick you into visiting sponsored content.
By doing this, the unwanted app attempts to generate revenue for its owners. So to monetize its presence on Mac devices, NetDataSearch pushes ads to make affected users click on these ads. The developers of this unwanted application get paid for every click on ad generated by their software. This is the so-called pay-per-click advertising model. Unlike legitimate advertising platforms like Google Ads, adware like NetDataSearch won’t always deliver ads by legitimate and trustworthy websites/services.
Therefore, the ads generated by NetDataSearch adware may open corrupted websites that present misleading offers and push rogue/malicious software. Beware of all intrusive, annoying, untrustworthy and even harmful advertisements.
Here are the types of advertisements that may be displayed by NetDataSearch adware:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Push notifications.
- Banners.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Ad-supported search results.
Some of the ads may contain the following phrases:
- Powered by NetDataSearch.
- Brought to you by NetDataSearch.
- Advertisements by NetDataSearch.
- Ads by NetDataSearch.
- Ads powered by NetDataSearch.
Since all those ads and websites hide the potential risk of infection with malware/spyware/adware we advise against interactions with them.
Yet another issue that is likely to occur after your Mac gets affected by the so-called NetDataSearch virus is a privacy violation. Since the majority of PUPs for Mac aim to trick users into clicking ads, they spy on affected users’ online behavior so that their developers can understand more about users’ interests. By doing this, adware programs like NetDataSearch help their operators to optimize their advertising campaigns.
Once they know more details about your online behavior they can configure their software to deliver ads that match your interests. At worst, data records may be released on dark web markets for additional money revenue.
To sum up, NetDataSearch is not a virus as it is not developed to compromise your system or personal data. However, as long as this program is running on your Mac, it disrupts your online security. Furthermore, its presence on the system may be misused by experienced hackers who know how to use its files to bypass active security measures and enter your system without your knowledge.
For the sake of your online security, it’s best to consider the complete removal of NetDataSearch “virus” from the affected browser and system.
How to Remove NetDataSearch Adware
In order to remove NetDataSearch adware 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 operating system security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual NetDataSearch adware 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.
Follow Me:
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 NetDataSearch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as NetDataSearch, 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 NetDataSearch 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 NetDataSearch:
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 NetDataSearch. 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 NetDataSearch. 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 NetDataSearch 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 NetDataSearch. 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 NetDataSearch – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
NetDataSearch-FAQ
What is NetDataSearch on your Mac?
The NetDataSearch 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 NetDataSearch?
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 NetDataSearch?
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 NetDataSearch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NetDataSearch 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 NetDataSearch?
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 NetDataSearch threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.