CapitalSearchCharacter Adware on Mac
CapitalSearchCharacter is an app for Mac that you should avoid installing. Still, the program may find its way to your Mac. Since it belongs to the potentially unwanted type of apps, it can land on your system without your knowledge. Such an issue makes CapitalSearchCharacter an app with a questionable reputation.
Once installed on a macOS, the CapitalSearchCharacter adware may affect installed web browsers installed. Its main purpose is to monetize its presence on affected systems by generating annoying adverts. The behavior of this app makes it a program that surely does more harm than good. For the sake of your macOS and online security, we recommend that you remove CapitalSearchCharacter adware thoroughly.
CapitalSearchCharacter Summary
| Name | CapitalSearchCharacter |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that appears in the Applications list on your Mac without your permission. |
| Symptoms | Urges you to visit annoying ads. Genrates pop-ups with fake information and activates tracking technologies to harvest data. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites |
| Detection Tool |
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CapitalSearchCharacter Mac Adware
If you see the CapitalSearchCharacter adware app in the Applications list on your Mac, it means that some important system and browser settings may be modified. Adware programs like this one aim to obtain access to macOS without being noticed. Typically, they affect the main browsing preferences on installed web browsers. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Safari are likely to be affected by the app.
The purpose of CapitalSearchCharacter Mac adware is to deliver irritating pop-ups as well as other types of ads. This behavior of the program enables it to generate revenue for its operators.
Adware programs like CapitalSearchCharacter are not malicious apps but they still belong to the Mac viruses category. Other examples of such apps include MajorSearchLetter, VirtualInfoSearch and TypicalUnit. Their monetization approach forces people to visit bogus sponsored content. And sometimes ads generated by the adware may expose the system to the risk of malware attacks.
With regard to the distribution of potentially unwanted programs, it usually happens via common methods like:
- Freeware applications.
- Bundled packages.
- Corrupted/shady websites.
- Fake software update notifications.
An additional impact that CapitalSearchCharacter adware may cause is unsolicited data collection. By doing this the app aims to help fraudsters to improve the ad relevancy and make more people prone to visit sponsored content generated by their bogus app. Hence, the undesired program may be spying on your online browsing. It may be recording specific technical and personal details as well.
Final words – running software that hasn’t been authorized by a trustworthy developer may expose your Mac and the personal data to the risk of malicious operations performed by hackers. We recommend that you consider the immediate removal of CapitalSearchCharacter adware from the affected macOS.
CapitalSearchCharacter Mac Removal
Unfortunately, CapitalSearchCharacter and associated files cannot be uninstalled by simply closing the browser and dragging the undesired app to the Trash. If you want to remove this adware from your Mac OS in full we recommend that you use a specific anti-malware for Mac. The main goal of such a program is to scan your operating system and terminate the files with malicious behavior. It will also clean up any malicious code in your repositories. With a specific anti-malware program, youр Mac will be protected better in the future.
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 CapitalSearchCharacter files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as CapitalSearchCharacter, 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 CapitalSearchCharacter 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 CapitalSearchCharacter:
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 CapitalSearchCharacter. 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 CapitalSearchCharacter. 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 CapitalSearchCharacter 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 CapitalSearchCharacter. 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 CapitalSearchCharacter – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
CapitalSearchCharacter-FAQ
What is CapitalSearchCharacter on your Mac?
The CapitalSearchCharacter 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 CapitalSearchCharacter?
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 CapitalSearchCharacter?
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 CapitalSearchCharacter Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CapitalSearchCharacter 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 CapitalSearchCharacter?
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 CapitalSearchCharacter threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.