What Is GoSearch Mac?
GoSearch Mac is a search engine that has a browser hijacker working together with it. Other most likely related hijackers include the Gosearch.me hijacker and the i-gosearch.com redirect. The browser hijacker can be installed on your Mac. After it does so, it will change the settings on your browser, so that GoSearch Mac is established as your default search page, new tab page, and homepage. These adjustments can be executed on Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. Web browser hijackers are regarded as unwanted programs as they not only alter your browser’s settings but may also create further risks for your system. Hence, you should consider removing GoodSearch Mac from your computer as soon as possible.
GoSearch Mac
Browser hijackers are dispersed with an approach called bundling, meaning that they are concealed in freeware installers. As a result, you may download a browser hijacker such as GoSearch or a PUP without noticing. The general advice against unwanted bundled downloads is to be careful during the installation steps and refuse any additional downloads.
GoSearch Mac Summary
| Name | GoSearch Mac |
| Type | Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss GoSearch Mac. |
GoSearch Mac – Description
If you want to avoid hijackers such as GoSearch Mac, follow these simple tips:
- Do not rush with the setup. Rather, meticulously review all of the info you come in contact with.
- Do not utilize third-party software application installation wizards as a method to add programs.
- Go with Custom/Advanced installing. This will certainly offer you the chance to stop the installation of any type of additional software, included in the installer.
When the web browser hijacker has been installed, it will certainly change your browser’s settings. GoSearch Mac will additionally be set as the homepage and default search provider. Although the page is currently not active as it reroutes to Google, there is no info when it will be back on the internet. Or perhaps GoSearch page only tends to appear each time when the unwanted software accompanying it is installed, in case it alters your DNS address. This internet search engine is known to show various funded search results pages. It may look as though it is a legit search engine, but it is not. Using it is not recommended as it generates intrusive advertisements, such as:
- Pop-unders.
- Pop-ups.
- Browser Redirects.
- Banners.
- Highlighted Text ads.
These ads may not be risky on their own but they may lead to the following risks:
- URLs loaded with malware.
- Scam sites.
- Phishing pages.
- More adware.
- Tech support scams.
These are the main reasons to consider getting rid of GoSearch from your Mac.
How to Remove GoSearch from Your Mac
The issue with GoSearch Mac is the fact that it shows funded web links. There is no way to be sure that any of these are reliable. Hackers could make use of web browser hijackers to advertise their malicious web sites. If you are transferred to a website that is being managed by cyber-crooks, you could be targeted in more attacks. These threats should not be neglected. Eliminating GoSearch Mac is essential and it should be done immediately.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and 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 GoSearch Mac files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as GoSearch Mac, 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 GoSearch Mac 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 GoSearch Mac:
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 GoSearch Mac. 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 GoSearch Mac. 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 GoSearch Mac 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 GoSearch Mac. 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 GoSearch Mac – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
GoSearch Mac-FAQ
What is GoSearch Mac on your Mac?
The GoSearch Mac 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 GoSearch Mac?
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 GoSearch Mac?
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 GoSearch Mac Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this GoSearch Mac 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 GoSearch Mac?
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 GoSearch Mac threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.