This short article intends to aid you with the removal of AimSearch hijacker from impacted internet browser and system. Follow the thorough guide at the end to try to remove this irritating website in full.
AimSearch is a browser hijacker that is reported to influence Mac devices. It could come down on the system without users’ knowledge which is just one of the main reasons why it is taken into consideration to be a possibly unwanted program. When running on the computer it could impact the settings of frequently used internet browsers and start pushing its deceptive online search engine. In addition, its associated documents are created to acquire certain data from infected internet browsers and send it to a linked web server.
AimSearch
AimSearch hijacker is a possibly undesirable program that lands on your Mac without expertise. Programs of this kind are often dispersed with the assistance of deceptive methods that fool you into installing something you do not need. Among the most common spread techniques are software bundles and also damaged installers.
Threat Summary
| Name | AimSearch |
| 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 PC. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss AimSearch. |
AimSearch Redirect – What Does It Do
The AimSearch redirect can be indirectly dangerous and this might be described by the fact that creators of unwanted apps like AimSearch can conceal the presence of their installation code and also by doing this to lure victims into mounting it in addition to a wanted free software. Gladly, there is a choice to prevent the setup of undesirable software. It is normally concealed in the Advanced/Custom setup configuration alternative. It exists in a lot of the installers of cost-free third-party applications.
Nonetheless, there you are required to start a download of AimSearch which we believe virtually nobody will do it deliberately.
The main targeted browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, as well as Safari could be affected by AimSearch hijacker.
AimSearch is a phony internet site that provides questionable browsing solutions. It is considered to be a possibly unwanted program better defined as an internet browser hijacker as a result of its capabilities of changing fundamental web browser setups without asking you for authorization.
So when its documents are begun on your Mac they access the settings of installed browsers and transform some of the worths there. It is most likely that your preferred web browser will be readied to display the scam internet search engine of AimSearch hijacker on the homepage and also each brand-new tab web page. Additionally, your default online search engine is also most likely to be replaced by the hijacker.
Various other concerns that may happen hereafter hijacker access to your tool are hostile marketing and data collection. These 2 are understood to go together as specific data accumulated from impacted internet browsers is frequently utilized for the optimization of ad campaign. The details that are plainly specified to be acquired by the company behind this adware are:
- What you have searched.
- Click history.
- IP address.
- URL of sites checked out while the extension is online.
- Your web browser name.
- Your computer kind.
- Time of day.
- Default language setup.
- One-of-a-kind identifier number.
- A code determining you as the one who installed this extension.
- Operating system info.
- Country code.
- Your computer type.
The usage of data by any type of cookies that your web browser formerly approved from the internet site can be the following:
- Referrer link.
- Session duration.
- Variety of clicks on the internet sites.
- Usage patterns.
If you want to contact them which is much better to not do they might better ask you to send individual details including your full name, email address, telephone number, and other identifying details.
Eliminate AimSearch Hijacker from Mac
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In order to remove the bothersome AimSearch hijacker in addition to all its associated files from your Mac you should finish all actions noted in the elimination overview that complies with. It provides both manual and automated elimination directions that incorporated will help you to remove this undesirable program in full.
If you have more concerns or require added assistance, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via e-mail.
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 AimSearch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as AimSearch, 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 AimSearch 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 AimSearch:
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 AimSearch. 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 AimSearch. 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 AimSearch 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 AimSearch. 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 AimSearch – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
AimSearch-FAQ
What is AimSearch on your Mac?
The AimSearch 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 AimSearch?
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 AimSearch?
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 AimSearch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this AimSearch 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 AimSearch?
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 AimSearch threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.