MainPanelSearch
MainPanelSearch is software that appears in Mac Applications without users’ knowledge. It belongs to the adware-type of apps as its primary goal is to deliver annoying ads that generate revenue for its developers. So, even though MainPanelSearch pretends to be able to enhance your web browsing, you should know that it could cause serious issues that may endanger the overall security of your macOS. The moment such a program is started on the machine, it adjusts primary settings on installed web browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.). By doing this, MainPanelSearch starts spying on some of your online activities and generating ads accordingly. Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) like MainPanelSearch are spread via shady techniques that aim to trick you into executing such apps on your Mac systems.
We recommend that you consider the thorough removal of MainPanelSearch adware from your Mac. Keep up without our guide, where you will find instructions on how to remove MainPanelSearch and how to improve macOS security.
Threat Summary
| Name | MainPanelSearch / Main Panel Search |
| Type | Adware / PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Safari and Chrome browsers for Mac. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search engine in preferred web browser may be set to display hoax search engine. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MainPanelSearch adware. |
MainPanelSearch Mac Adware
The main classification of MainPanelSearch app is adware. Adware programs are designed to perform various adjustments on affected systems. Their primary goal is to become able to deliver intrusive ads in affected browsers. This way they generate revenue for their developers and endanger your online security at the same time. Ads by MainPanelSearch adware may appear as pop-ups, banners, browser redirects, new browser windows, etc.
What you should know is that these ads except annoying may be dangerous as well. They may be related to corrupted websites that host online scams, potentially unwanted/ rogue programs or even malware. You should not visit suspicious pages promoted by MainPanelSearch adware nor you should trust them in the event that you open such a page in your browser.
MainPanelSearch is categorized as a potentially unwanted program, as well, mainly because of its sudden appearance on Mac devices. It is very likely that you find this app to be added to your Applications without your knowledge and this issue may make you believe that MainPanelSearch is a Mac virus. The good news is that the adware is not developed with the intent to corrupt Mac systems or personal files so it cannot be classified as a malicious app.
However, as long as MainPanelSearch adware is running on a Mac operating system, it is able to spy on information that reveals details about your online activities and operating system state. The unwanted program will send harvested data to its servers so that its developers can misuse them for their business purposes.
Data collection process is often realized after the installation of different tracking technologies like cookies, web beacons, scripts, and others. These technologies may ebable the adware to harvest details like:
- Visited URLs and websites
- Browser’s home page
- Search queries
- Search queries on the visited web pages
- Type of used browser
- Operating system type
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP)
Purposes of data collection are not quite clear. On the one hand, the owners of this undesired program may use data records for the launch of targeted advertising campaigns. If this happens, your affected browser may be inundated with a large number of instrusive ads that attempt to trick you to click them. On the other hand, the owners of MainPanelSearch Mac program may release harvested details on dark web markets for financial income.
The presence of MainPanelSearch on your Mac may lead to some serious system security and privacy-related issues. To avoid all unpleasant issues that may come as a result of having the MainPanelSearch program on your Mac, navigate to the removal instructions below and get rid of this undesired and potentially harmful program.
MainPanelSearch Mac Adware Removal
In order to remove MainPanelSearch along with all entries it created on the Mac system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual MainPanelSearch removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide. We would strongly suggest that you use professional anti-malware software. Such a program aims to scan for malicious files and delete them from your machine. It will keep your macOS protected against intrusive apps in the future as well.
Notice: Before manually removing files or folders on your Mac, make sure to identify the accurate components of MainPanelSearch, because deleting other apps’ files or system settings files by mistake may trigger malfunction of installed apps or even your system.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
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 MainPanelSearch adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MainPanelSearch adware, 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 MainPanelSearch adware 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 MainPanelSearch adware:
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 MainPanelSearch adware. 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 MainPanelSearch adware. 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 MainPanelSearch adware 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 MainPanelSearch adware. 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 MainPanelSearch adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
MainPanelSearch adware-FAQ
What is MainPanelSearch adware on your Mac?
The MainPanelSearch adware 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 MainPanelSearch adware?
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 MainPanelSearch adware?
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 MainPanelSearch adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MainPanelSearch adware 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 MainPanelSearch adware?
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 MainPanelSearch adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.