What Is WordSearch Mac>
If the name WordSearch for Mac has appeared on your browsers, then you most likely have potentially unwanted software, also referred to as a PUP. The main idea of those programs is to get users to see as many ads as possible since they are mainly created to make a profit from those advertisements. This is why these apps may often show you ads that lead to third-party websites that may be unverified and unchecked, which may end up leading you to dangerous domains, like viruses, scams, and other kinds of ULRs. This is the main reason why apps, like WordSearch are considered to be indirectly dangerous while they are not necessarily malware and their removal is advisable.
Read this article to learn how you can remove WordSearch from your Mac and web browsers completely.
WordSearch Summary
| Name | WordSearch |
| Type | Browser Hijacker / PUP |
| 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 computer. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by WordSearch
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss WordSearch. |
WordSearch – Main Activity on Mac
Just like other PUPs for Mac, such as WaveBrowser, Dency.site and SearchesCentral, the WordSearch software is also classified as a non-malware app, but may be just as dangerous. Apps, like WordSearch most often end up being installed on your Mac by being included optionally as a free bonus app in the installers of other freeware, downloaded from the web. These free apps include randomly downloaded software, like media players, video or picture converters, image editors, and other applications. What happens is that WordSearch may be even skipped as its prompt to add it to the current setup may be concealed in the “Advanced” or “Custom” install modes, rather than in the “Express Install”, which most users click.
WordSearch may be the reason of the following kinds of ads to start appearing on your Mac:
- Pop-ups on your web browser.
- Browser redirects.
- Search result advertisements.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Banners.
- Push notification pop-up ads.
The main activity of WordSearch is likely to perform different kinds of changes to the settings of your browser. It may also change the home and new tab pages and the default search page of your browsers to its own.
Not only this, but WordSearch may also employ different kinds of tracking technologies on your computers, such as tags, pixels, cookies, geo-locators, and others. The main idea of these objects that are dropped on your Mac is to track the following information concerning your online activity:
- The web pages you have advertised.
- Sites you have saved and bookmarked.
- History of your web browser.
- The clicks which you make while online and your browsing session mouse movements.
WordSearch may not be risky mainly due to those trackers, but because of the fact that they may lead you to dangerous websites like the following:
- Fake tech support sites.
- Sites that offer scam software for download.
- Fraudulent and fake versions of legitimate sites.
- Scamming sites.
- Malware domains.
- Redirect loop URLs
- Survey scams.
This is the main reason why apps, like WordSearch have no place on your Mac and should be removed as soon as possible.
Remove WordSearch from Your Mac
In order to get rid of WordSearch from your Mac, one way is to follow the removal instructions below. They have been set up so that they can help you get rid of this unwanted app either by yourself or automatically. For maximum effectiveness during removal, it is strongly advisable to run an automatic scan using advanced anti-malware software. The main idea of such an application is to detect and remove any malware that may be added to your computer and make sure these trackers and malware is completely gone from your Mac.
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 WordSearch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as WordSearch, 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 WordSearch 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 WordSearch:
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 WordSearch. 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 WordSearch. 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 WordSearch 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 WordSearch. 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 WordSearch – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
WordSearch-FAQ
What is WordSearch on your Mac?
The WordSearch 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 WordSearch?
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 WordSearch?
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 WordSearch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WordSearch 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 WordSearch?
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 WordSearch threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.