NetPanelSearch Adware on Mac
The app NetPanelSearch is a potentially unwanted program that could land on macOS to adjust preferences on installed browsers and deliver intrusive ads. Frequent browser redirects to bogus websites may be witnessed as well. This adware program could land on your Mac in the background of all other active processes. Even though this adware is not malicious, its presence on macOS lowers the overall system security. See how to remove NetPanelSearch Mac adware and secure macOS.
NetPanelSearch Summary
| Name | NetPanelSearch also known as Adware.MacOS.NetPanelSearch |
| Type | PUP, Adware |
| Short Description | A questionable application programmed to hijack Mac systems and popular browsers installed on them. Its primary goal is to monetize its presence on Mac machines it infects. |
| Symptoms | Modified settings may be noticed in Safari, Chrome and Firefox. Difficulties may occur in the process of restoring browser settings. Browser slowdowns may come as a resul of increased number of online ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Shady Websites |
| Detection Tool |
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NetPanelSearch Mac Adware
NetPanelSearch is an undesired app that could appear in the Applications on Mac machines. Its creators spread it via shady techniques in order to trick users into installing it. For example, the adware may get installed by the setup of a supposedly useful app.
As an adware, NetPanelSearch may be programmed to apply changes to settings which will enable it to deliver bogus ads during browsing sessions. Generation of questionable ads leads to the monetization of its presence on the affected macOS.
Like many other nasty adware and browser hijacking apps detected to affect Mac operating systems (Search Pulse, Receiver Helper, and QSearch), NetPanelSearch could present people with misleading ads that open corrupted sites, online scams and phishing pages. Such an issue could be really dangerous. Cybercriminals may try to steal your personal data. Malware may infect your system.
NetPanelSearch adware is also likely to drop and run different tracking technologies. By doing this, it will start spying on your online behavior and present you with ads which you are more prone to visit. The program may obtain data like:
- Operating system type.
- Browsing history.
- Visited websites.
- Clicks on links.
- Geographic location.
- Type of used browser.
- Internet protocol (IP) address.
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP).
Once transferred to NetPanelSearch’s servers, harvested data may be misused for the launch of targeted advertising campaigns. A recently found malicious operation has been targeting users from more than 70 countries by serving malicious pages based on their geo-location and local language. This as well as other social engineering tactics that proved to be successful may try to make you feel more comfortable sharing information to a malicious website.
The sooner you prevent NetPanelSearch adware from harvesting any details from the affected browser, the better for your privacy and online security.
Keep up with the NetPanelSearch Mac adware removal guide below and find out how to delete all potentially harmful files. The steps you will see are applicable to all macOS versions.
How to Remove NetPanelSearch Mac Adware and Secure macOS
In order to remove NetPanelSearch along with any entries it created on the system, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below presents you with a manual and an automatic removal approach. To fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps.
The manual NetPanelSearch 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.
Notice: Before manually removing files or folders on your Mac, make sure to identify the accurate components of NetModuleSearch, 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 NetPanelSearch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as NetPanelSearch, 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 NetPanelSearch 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 NetPanelSearch:
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 NetPanelSearch. 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 NetPanelSearch. 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 NetPanelSearch 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 NetPanelSearch. 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 NetPanelSearch – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
NetPanelSearch-FAQ
What is NetPanelSearch on your Mac?
The NetPanelSearch 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 NetPanelSearch?
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 NetPanelSearch?
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 NetPanelSearch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NetPanelSearch 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 NetPanelSearch?
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 NetPanelSearch threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.