Inet Web Search is a search engine that installs itself on a browser you use as a default home page and search tool. Have you been wondering why Inet Web Search sneaked into your browser without your consent? Are you trying to find out why you are seeing ads associated with Inet Web Search on your Mac? Those are the reasons why many users call it the Inet Web Search Virus.
This article will provide you information about Inet Web Search and will help you to remove this browser hijacker efficiently. To delete Inet Web Search Search on Mac, follow the removal instructions given at the end of the article.
Inet Web Search Virus on Mac
The Inet Web Search is a Mac Virus of the browser redirect category. Threats of this types are designed to infect the installed web browsers, usually Safari and Chrome in order to display intrusive ads and push affiliate links and phishing pages. Malware like this can be used to install other Mac viruses and constantly track the users through cookies. Threats like the Inet Web Search are particularly dangerous to Mac computers as they can cause system changes that may make it very difficult to remove the active infections. We recommend that it is removed as soon as possible following an active infection.
Threat Summary
| Name | Inet Web Search |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Each browser application on your computer could get affected. The hijacker can redirect you and will display lots of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which are altered are the homepage, search engine and the new tab. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Inet Web Search. |
Inet Web Search Mac Virus Overview
The Inet Web Search is a browser redirect, a popular type of Mac virus which can be spread using different tactics. The most common ways to get infected is to fall victim to a phishing campaign — they can be done using email messages or hacker sites. The criminals will impersonate well-known search engines and sites and manipulate the recipients into thinking that they are accessing a safe page. The Inet Web Search virus code can also be placed in different files — documents, app installers or other types of data. They can be uploaded to such scam sites, file-sharing networks and other locations which are often used by web users. However most of the Inet Web Search infection are done by downloading a virus infected browser plugin, also called a hijacker. They are usually uploaded to popular repositories, sites, portals and sent through the email messages.
When the Inet Web Search hijacker is installed on a given computer, the default options of the web browser will be changed: Safari, Firefox, Chrome or another software. This is done in order to always start a hacker-controlled site, common values which are modified include the following: the default new tabs page, home page and default search engine.
In the majority of cases the following behavior is expected of Mac viruses like Inet Web Search:
If an existing Inet Web Search is found on a Mac computer we recommend that it is instantly removed. This will help the victims to prevent any further damage to their devices. In these cases it may be required to use a professional-grade utility to effectively recover the computers.
How to Get Rid of Inet Web Search
To remove Inet Web Search manually from your Mac computer or any unwanted software from your Mac device we recommend that you use a specific anti-malware for Mac machines. The main goal of such a program is to scan your machine and terminate the files with malicious behavior and also clean up any malicious code in your repositories. In addition, with a specific anti-malware program, your machine will remain with better protection and stay healthy performance-wise in the future.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Preparation Phase:
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.
Step 1: Uninstall Inet Web Search 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:
- 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 Inet Web Search 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:
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 2: Remove Inet Web Search – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove Inet Web Search files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Inet Web Search, 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.
Inet Web Search FAQ
What is Inet Web Search on your Mac?
The Inet Web Search threat is a potentially unwanted app or likely a Mac virus. It may slow your Mac down siginficantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
Can my Mac get a virus?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get viruses. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a virus:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What are the symptoms of Inet Web Search on your Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What types of Mac threats are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What to do if I have a Mac virus, like Inet Web Search?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One reccomended 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, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps plus take care of them quickly. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to secure my passwords and other data from Inet Web Search?
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 website, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
