What Is MapsWorldSearch
MapsWorldSearch is the name of a search engine that has been tied up to what appears to be a browser hijacker. This is a potentially unwanted software, whose main purpose is to get users to see as many redirects and ads and change the settings of the web browsers on Mac. This software aims to make money by showing ads and redirects since its developers may be getting paid based on how many pop-ups they show you. So the more ads they show you, the more money they make. The main problem with this software is the ads it shows are often unchecked and may lead to risky domains.
Read this article to learn how to remove MapsWorldSearch from your Mac and your browsers.
MapsWorldSearch Summary
| Name | MapsWorldSearch |
| Type | Browser Hijacker / PUP |
| 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 |
See If Your Device Has Been Affected by MapsWorldSearch
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MapsWorldSearch. |
What Does MapsWorldSearch Do?
The behavior of MapsWorldSearch is very similar to most adware and browser hijackers for Mac. Such programs include the recently seen SearchesCentral, WordSearch Mac and SearchWebMesh for Mac. These programs may be added to your Mac via bundling and other kinds of strategies. They may be included in one of the software install steps of another app you could have added to your macOS recently. The main idea of MapsWorldSearch is to be advertised as a “free extra” somewhere in an install step of another application.
MapsWorldSearch is the kind of program, that has been created mainly to show ads. It may modify your web browsers and change your default search to its own search engine and this may result in the following types of advertisements on your Mac:
- Highlighted text ads.
- Banners.
- Pop-ups on your web browser.
- Browser redirects.
- Search result advertisements.
- Push notification pop-up ads.
MapsWorldSearch may incorporate various trackers, like pixels, geo-tags, cookies, LSOs, and other objects that are small files dropped on your Mac and used to track your information. These trackers may be used to obtain different information from what you do on your Mac, and you have no way of knowing what is being tracked. Generally they sniff the following details:
- The web pages you have advertised.
- History of your web browser.
- The clicks which you make while online and your browsing session mouse movements.
- Sites you have saved and bookmarked.
MapsWorldSearch is not a problem because of these trackers, however. This application shows ads for profit and these ads may be the reason why some very dangerous sites could land on your computer:
- Fake tech support sites.
- Malware domains.
- Sites that offer scam software for download.
- Fraudulent and fake versions of legitimate sites.
- Scamming sites.
- Redirect loop URLs
- Survey scams.
This is the main reason why MapsWorldSearch should not be kept on your Mac and such apps have to be removed immediately from it.
Remove MapsWorldSearch from Your MacOS
The primary way to remove MapsWorldSearch from your computer is if you follow the removal instructions that have been posted underneath this article. These steps are created with the sole purpose to provide you assistance to get rid of this software from your Mac and the web browsers added to macOS. Be advised that experts do advise that you remove MapsWorldSearch using an advanced anti-malware software to scan for and delete it automatically. Such a program is created with the main idea to thoroughly check macOS for any trackers, spyware and ad-supported software, like this one.
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 MapsWorldSearch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MapsWorldSearch, 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 MapsWorldSearch 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 MapsWorldSearch:
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 MapsWorldSearch. 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 MapsWorldSearch. 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 MapsWorldSearch 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 MapsWorldSearch. 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 MapsWorldSearch – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
MapsWorldSearch-FAQ
What is MapsWorldSearch on your Mac?
The MapsWorldSearch 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 MapsWorldSearch?
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 MapsWorldSearch?
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 MapsWorldSearch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MapsWorldSearch 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 MapsWorldSearch?
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 MapsWorldSearch threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.