Name | MapsGalaxy |
Type | Ad-supported Browser Extension |
Short Description | Pop-ups administered by an extension for Google Chrome. |
Symptoms | The user may encounter different types of advertisements. |
Distribution Method | In freeware packages (bundling), or executing fake updates, clicking on random pop-up windows. |
Detection tool | Download SpyHunter, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By MapsGalaxy |
What Is MapsGalaxy?
MapsGalaxy is a browser toolbar. It offers users services such as:
- Access to maps
- Driving directions
- Weather forecasts
- Traffic reports
However, delivering these services is another question. This add-on is classified as a browser hijacker. If you install it on your computer, MapsGalaxy will change your browser’s settings. What is more, you will also start receiving numerous ads whenever you are browsing the web. After it is on your PC, you will have a new homepage and default search engine. This program offers no useful services. It will be an annoyance though. What is more, such programs are considered as risks for the system’s security. This is why you should remove it as soon as possible.
What Does MapsGalaxy Do?
Once installed, MapsGalaxy will immediately change your browser’s settings. It will make mywebsearch.com your homepage and default search engine. These changes can occur on Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome as MapsGalaxy can work on all three of the browsers. Mywebsearch.com has been developed by Mindspark Interactive Network, Inc, which is known for creating some very dubious programs. So you should think twice about trusting it.
Where Did MapsGalaxy Come from?
MapsGalaxy is available on its official web page, as well as on the Chrome Web Store. It is possible that you have downloaded and installed it yourself. However, browser hijackers are known for getting installed on computers without users noticing. They achieve this through bundled downloads. If you download any free programs from third-party dispensers, there is a possibility that there will be additional software attached to the installers. There are a few measures you can take to avoid bundled downloads:
- Avoid third-party software distributors.
- Do not skip through the installation. Instead, make sure to read all information presented to you.
- Select Advanced/Custom installation. This will give you the opportunity to decline any additional programs that may be on the installer.
What Is the Danger of MapsGalaxy?
The real problem with MapsGalaxy is the search engine that it will make your homepage and default search provider. It is not to be trusted as it can show numerous sponsored links at the top of the search results. Some of these may very well lead to unreliable websites. The search engine is not liable for the contents of the websites it promotes, so there is possibility that some of them are managed by cyber criminals. If you are transferred onto one of these, your PC may be targeted for malware attacks, or a phishing scam may be attempted.
You should also expect sudden redirects to different websites. This is also the doing of MapsGalaxy. Do not be surprised if pop-up ads start appearing constantly while you are browsing the web. These can also take you to unreliable websites. As you can see, MapsGalaxy will cause you nothing but troubles. This is why you should remove it as soon as possible.
Removing MapsGalaxy
You can uninstall MapsGalaxy manually. Go to Control Panel, open the list of programs, find MapsGalaxy and remove it. It is also important to reset your browser’s settings. However, your system may still be at risk. There may be more adware on it, and there is a chance that malware has already made its way onto it. Security specialists recommend having a reliable antimalware tool on your computer. This will remove all intruders from it. It will also protect it against any attacks by infections. This is the best way to ensure that your sensitive information is completely safe.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove MapsGalaxy from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for MapsGalaxy with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall MapsGalaxy and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
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:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by MapsGalaxy 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 MapsGalaxy 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 MapsGalaxy (Windows).
Get rid of MapsGalaxy from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall MapsGalaxy 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 MapsGalaxy. 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 MapsGalaxy 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 MapsGalaxy files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MapsGalaxy, 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 MapsGalaxy (Mac)
Remove MapsGalaxy 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 MapsGalaxy 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 MapsGalaxy 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 MapsGalaxy 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 MapsGalaxy will be removed.
Eliminate MapsGalaxy 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".
MapsGalaxy-FAQ
What Is MapsGalaxy?
The MapsGalaxy 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 MapsGalaxy?
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 device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like MapsGalaxy?
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 MapsGalaxy Work?
Once installed, MapsGalaxy can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
MapsGalaxy 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 MapsGalaxy 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 MapsGalaxy Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MapsGalaxy 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 MapsGalaxy?
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 MapsGalaxy threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.