What Is NetSearchAgent
The NetSearchAgent application is the kind of software that could appear like it is of use, but in reality, could be related to a number of changes of your Mac and the web browsers in it. The main idea of apps, like NetSearchAgent, is to get monetized via the ads it may display on your Mac. These ads are often tied to unverified ad networks that may advertise dangerous sites on your Mac at some point. This is why, while NetSearchAgent is not regarded as a virus, it could turn out to be just as risky and should be removed.
Read this article to learn more on NetSearchAgent and how you can get rid of it from your Mac.
NetSearchAgent Summary
| Name | NetSearchAgent |
| Type | Browser Hijacker / PUP / Scam Redirect on Mac |
| 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
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss . |
NetSearchAgent Mac Redirect Activity Report
Just like the recently detected Mac adware TopOptimizer, Searchmy.co and OnlineResultsSearch, NetSearchAgent may use similar tactics to be installed on your device.
The main one of those tactics is known as software bundling. This means that NetSearchAgent could be added as a free extra that is to be included in an install step of the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation of any free app you might have recently downloaded on your Mac. This includes mostly apps, like media players, free file converters, image or video editing software, and other free goodies. The main problem is some sites advertise these apps, pushing them in their installers and most people do not even notice that.
Once NetSearchAgent is installed on your Macintosh, it may begin to change certain settings of your web browsers. These settings include changing the home page, new tab web page, and other such aspects. The outcome of these changes is NetSearchAgent could use a number of trackers on your Mac – cookies, pixels tags and others. These are small files that are dropped on your device to obtain information that will help NetSearchAgent target you with ads, based on:
- The search history you generate.
- Bookmarked sites.
- Your mouse clicks and movements.
- The pages you visit.
- Your web browsing background.
NetSearchAgent and the apps, like it may hijack your browser to slow your Mac down, displaying the following advertisements for profit:
- Some Ads that may show up as search results.
- Highlighted text.
- Banners
- Push pop-up ads.
- Browser pop-ups.
- Redirects to third-party sites.
The developers of apps, like NetSearchAgent, usually do not care what it is they advertise on your Mac. The main problem with that is you could sometimes end up seeing suspicious and even risky sites, such as:
- Phishing pages.
- Virus URLs.
- Fake tech support.
- Frauds.
- Fake software download domains.
- Endless redirect.
- Survey scams.
This is the main reason why you should focus on removing NetSearchAgent from your Mac fully.
Remove NetSearchAgent from Your Device
Apps, like NetSearchAgent can be uninstalled, but this may not get them fully removed, as they modify your web browsers as well. This is the primary reason why it is important to follow the removal guide we have set up underneath this post. It is made to best help remove NetSearchAgent from your Mac and clean up any affected browser. According to malware experts, the most effective way to delete apps, like NetSearchAgent and secure your Mac is to scan it using a professional anti-malware app. Such an application is designed to detect any trackers, malware, PUPs and other unwanted software and clean them up along with all their files from your macOS.
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.
Follow Me:
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 files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as , 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 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 :
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 . 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 . 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 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 . 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 – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
-FAQ
What is on your Mac?
The 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 ?
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 ?
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 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 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 ?
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 threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.