What Is GoSearch23
GoSearch23 is classified as a browser hijacker application and its main purpose of activity is to show various risky advertisements for profit. These ads are usually monetized via pay-per-click and other such schemes and this is what makes them risky. They may not only slow your Mac down, but there is a chance that seeing them could lead to some very risky websites, such as viruses or scam sites. This is why such software is often regarded by security experts as potentially unwanted programs and its removal is advisable.
The GoSearch23 virus is the kind of software that can be removed effectively from your Mac and your web browsers if you read this article thoroughly.
GoSearch23 Summary
| Name | GoSearch23 |
| Type | Browser Hijacker / PUP / Scam Redirect |
| 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 |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss GoSearch23. |
GoSearch23 Mac Redirect Activity Report
GoSearch23 is a very similar software to other unwanted apps for Mac, like ValidNetBoost, AdvancedPartition and FocusLine. The main detail that makes these apps simiar is once they enter your Mac, they could begin to perform changes to the settings to both macOS and your browsers. The outcome of this is you could start to see the following different ads:
- Banners
- Push pop-up ads.
- Browser pop-ups.
- Redirects to third-party sites.
- Some Ads that may show up as search results.
- Highlighted text.
These ads may contain multiple types of cookies, tags, geo-location trackers and pixels. These small objects are used to get the following information from your web browsers:
- Your mouse clicks and movements.
- The pages you visit.
- Your web browsing background.
- The search history you generate.
- Bookmarked sites.
The main issue with this app, however is it could lead to several different problematic websites, because most of the ads it shows are for profit. The outcome of this is that you could end up being led to the following dangerous domains:
- Frauds.
- Fake software download domains.
- Endless redirect.
- Survey scams.
- Phishing pages.
- Virus URLs.
- Fake tech support.
This is why removing apps, like GoSearch23 is a good idea as they could turn into an indirect threat to your macOS and the information in it at some point.
Remove GoSearch23 from Your Device
GoSearch23 is the type of app that not only is added to your Mac, but performs modifications on your browsers as well. The instructions below have been designed to help you get rid of this app from your macOS and also reverse your browsers back to normal. Be advised, that the best recommendation and expert would give you to remove GoSearch23 is to scan your Mac using a professional anti-malware app for Mac. Such software is specifically designed to best assist with and help remove GoSearch23 from your Mac effectively and automatically.
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 GoSearch23 files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as GoSearch23, 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 GoSearch23 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 GoSearch23:
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 GoSearch23. 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 GoSearch23. 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 GoSearch23 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 GoSearch23. 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 GoSearch23 – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
GoSearch23-FAQ
What is GoSearch23 on your Mac?
The GoSearch23 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 GoSearch23?
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 GoSearch23?
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 GoSearch23 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this GoSearch23 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 GoSearch23?
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 GoSearch23 threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.