This article aims to help you with the removal of Mapsanddrivingdirections.com redirect from affected browser and system. Follow the detailed guide at the end to get rid of all harmful files in full.
Mapsanddrivingdirections.com is a questionable website that could suddenly start to appear during browsing sessions. This may be due to a potentially unwanted program installed on the device. The redirect may also load in the browser after a visit of another deceptive website. Keep reading to learn how to prevent it from appearing in the browser.
Threat Summary
| Name | Mapsanddrivingdirections.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable website that starts to appear in the browser after several modifications of major browser settings. |
| Symptoms | Browsing sessions are interrupted by Mapsanddrivingdirections.com redirect. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of additional online ads. Changes of browser settings usually happen without your knowledge. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Mapsanddrivingdirections.com. |
Mapsanddrivingdirections.com – Spread Techniques
Among the most preferred techniques used for distribution of annoying redirects like Mapsanddrivingdirections.com are considered to be potentially unwanted programs and other poorly secured websites.
Potentially unwanted programs or PUPs for short are primarily designed to trick you into installing them without noticing this process. How this usually happens is via software bundles and freeware installers. The presence of the PUP could be easily missed if the ordinary installation steps are followed. Due to the fact that most users choose to follow these steps they rarely present any information about all components of the installer. Where such data may be presented is in the Advanced/Custom configuration options. So in order to prevent unwanted programs from running on your PC you should always choose them and read all the data there.
Various questionable websites may cause almost invisible redirects to Mapsanddrivingdirections.com. The only trait of such redirects could be noticed in the notification bar of your browser during loads of other where the domain could appear for less than a second. Such event enables the owners of the redirect to obtain certain details about your browsing behavior even when you don’t see their website loaded in the browser.
Frequently used web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari could be affected by Mapsanddrivingdirections.com redirect.
Mapsanddrivingdirections.com – More About Its Impact
Mapsanddrivingdirections.com redirect could all of a sudden start to appear in your preferred web browser in an attempt to trick you into following various doubtful steps that may endanger the overall security of your PC.
On the picture below you could see how the main page of this redirect looks like:
However, only a few symbols added to the URL could change entirely the destination path and eventually land you on another page hosted by the same domain. There may be different text patterns displayed by the redirect. All of which are likely to try to lure you into following deceptive guides.
Many bogus redirects like Mapsanddrivingdirections.com alert their potential victims about urgent issues related to the security of their computers, financial data or sensitive data stored on the device.
The purpose of all these alerts may be to trick users into downloading rogue anti-virus program that will resolve immediately the “existing” security-related problems, lure them into entering their financial credentials or mislead them to call a fake tech support number.
Considering that Google Maps is the main subject of Mapsanddrivingdirections.com’s homepage we could guess that hackers may try to mislead users that they could download the legitimate version of the app from this website. However, what may be hidden behind a presented download option is their malicious code.
In case that you see redirects to this domain during browsing sessions, you should be warned that certain personally and non-personally identifiable details may be collected and send to Mapsanddrivingdirections.com’s servers. Eventually, some or all of the following may be harvested once the redirect loads in your browser:
- Visited URLs and websites
- Browser’s home page
- Search queries
- Type of used browser
- Operating system type
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP)
Additionally, except Mapsanddrivingdirections.com redirect you may see an increased number of online ads to appear in the form of pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, in-text links and other. This in turn could cause browser slowdowns and even crashes. Furthermore, some of the unexpected ads that flood your browser may land you on compromised web pages that are set to trigger drive-by download attacks. The result of such an event may be an unnoticed installation of severe malware on your computer.
How to Remove Mapsanddrivingdirections.com Redirect
In order to remove Mapsanddrivingdirections.com redirect and all its associated files from your PC make sure to review and complete all the steps listed in the removal below. In it, you will find both manual and automatic removal instructions. The automatic approach guarantees maximum efficiency as after a scan with an advanced anti-malware tool you will be able to see the exact location of all potentially harmful files present on the system. Have in mind that files associated with this redirect may be detected with different names than Mapsanddrivingdirections.com.
In case that you have further questions or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via email.
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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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Mapsanddrivingdirections.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Mapsanddrivingdirections.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Mapsanddrivingdirections.com and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Mapsanddrivingdirections.com on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Mapsanddrivingdirections.com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Mapsanddrivingdirections.com (Windows).
Get rid of Mapsanddrivingdirections.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Mapsanddrivingdirections.com and remove related files and objects
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 Mapsanddrivingdirections.com. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- 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 Mapsanddrivingdirections.com 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: Scan for and remove Mapsanddrivingdirections.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Mapsanddrivingdirections.com, 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.
Video Removal Guide for Mapsanddrivingdirections.com (Mac)
Remove Mapsanddrivingdirections.com from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Mapsanddrivingdirections.com from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Mapsanddrivingdirections.com from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Mapsanddrivingdirections.com from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Mapsanddrivingdirections.com will be removed.
Eliminate Mapsanddrivingdirections.com from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Mapsanddrivingdirections.com-FAQ
What Is Mapsanddrivingdirections.com?
The Mapsanddrivingdirections.com threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer 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 OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Mapsanddrivingdirections.com?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #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 Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Mapsanddrivingdirections.com?
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 email 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 activities 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 recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Mapsanddrivingdirections.com Work?
Once installed, Mapsanddrivingdirections.com can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Mapsanddrivingdirections.com can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Mapsanddrivingdirections.com Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Mapsanddrivingdirections.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mapsanddrivingdirections.com how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Mapsanddrivingdirections.com?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Mapsanddrivingdirections.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.