MySafeSearching Mac Adware
MySafeSearching is a program detected to act like adware and browser hijacker. This software is compatible with macOS versions and its true goal is to generate revenue for its operators.
The program is also classified as potentially unwanted because its behavior could lower the overall system security and expose sensitive data at risk of theft.
Most of the users whose Macs are affected by this app don’t know exactly when and how they enabled it to run on their devices. Since the app could affect the settings of installed web browsers, it could also inundate browsing with lots of irritating ads.
These ads hide certain risks because they may be related to suspicious sites that host rogue applications and online scams. As a typical unwanted application, it may also set trackers that collect various data about your device and your browsing preferences.
MySafeSearching Summary
| Name | MySafeSearching also known as Adware.MacOS.mySafeSearching (SpyHunter for Mac) |
| Type | Adware, Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that appears in the Applications list on your Mac. It modifies browsers without your knowledge. The program may hijack Safari, Chrome and other browsers installed on your Mac. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search engine in preferred web browser may be set to display a 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, Corrupted Websites, Fake Flash Player Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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MySafeSearching on Mac
The app of adware-type MySafeSearching could appear in the Applications folder on your Mac without any prior notifications. The goal of this potentially unwanted program is to sneak into the system by using the help of shady techniques. Examples of such techniques are software packages, fake updates for installed apps, malicious advertisements, and hacked sites.
When started on a macOS, the MySafeSearching adware interferes with some of the main settings that control how installed browsers function. Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and other web programs may be affected by the undesired program. They may be all forced to load various online ads every time you decide to browse the web. As a result, you may notice significant issues related to the overall system performance. All of the affected browsers may begin performing slower than before too.
Note that the MySafeSearching adware app is created to generate revenue for fraudsters. Hence, it can present all types of ads that link to both legitimate and corrupted websites. You may happen to click on an ad that links to poorly secured website that hosts online scam like AppleCare Protection Plan.
You can expect and watch out for the following types of ads:
- Pop-ups.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Browser redirects.
- Banners.
- Push notifications.
- Ad-supported search results.
If you notice that the homepage on your favorite browser is replaced by a suspicious search engine, it may be as a result of having the MySafeSearching on your Mac. When acting as a browser hijacker, this program can set browser infections like Yahoo Redirect Virus and Safari Redirects to Yahoo Virus.
Security experts recommend the immediate removal of MySafeSearching adware from any affected Mac. To remove this adware program from your computer, you could follow the steps below.
How to Remove MySafeSearching Adware from macOS
In order to remove MySafeSearching adware along with all its entries on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents steps that contain manual and automatic approaches. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. Some of the files associated with the adware cannot be removed manually except you are an experienced computer user. So the manual adware 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.
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 MySafeSearching files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MySafeSearching, 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 MySafeSearching 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 MySafeSearching:
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 MySafeSearching. 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 MySafeSearching. 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 MySafeSearching 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 MySafeSearching. 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 MySafeSearching – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
MySafeSearching-FAQ
What is MySafeSearching on your Mac?
The MySafeSearching 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 MySafeSearching?
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 MySafeSearching?
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 MySafeSearching Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MySafeSearching 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 MySafeSearching?
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 MySafeSearching threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.