If you are wondering why your Safari/Chrome is redirecting your searches to Lkysearchex then you should read this article.
Lkysearchex – Short Overview
Lkysearchex is a bogus website that hijacks popular browsers installed on Mac operating systems. Its sudden appearance may happen after an unnoticed installation of a potentially unwanted program. PUPs are distributed via shady techniques like software packages, malicious advertising and hacked websites. They land on Mac systems without users’ knowledge and permission. Once such a program manages to execute its files on a Mac operating system it alters some main Safari and/or Chrome settings. Security experts advise affected users to remove Lkysearchex from their affected Macs as soon as they detect its presence.
Threat Summary
| Name | Lkysearchex redirect |
| Type | PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable website that shows up in Safari/Chrome browsers. Appears without your permission. Promotes rogue applications. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search engine in preferred web browser may be set to display 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 |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool |
| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Lkysearchex redirect. |
Is Lkysearchex a virus? How did I get it?
Lkysearchex is a suspicious website that generates misleading offers with the goal to trick you into installing rogue applications like Mac Cleanup Pro, MacKeeper and Mac Auto Fixer.
Since its unwanted appearance in the browser is most likely caused by an active potentially unwanted application, we recommend that you check your Mac operating system for any present harmful files. These programs are designed to collect certain details so that they can then present targeted sponsored content to affected users. Once the activation file of the program is started on the system, it becomes able to perform changes that affect some main browser preferences and system settings. As a result, your favorite browser may be redirecting you to Lkysearchex every next time.
The undesired program that may be associated with the presence of Lkysearchex in your browser is likely to generate lots of annoying ads. These ads that may be of the following types:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Push notifications.
- Banners.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Ad-supported search results.
Beware with all those ads and websites because they may expose your Mac system at risk of serious malware infections. Better refrain from visiting questionable sponsored content.
To sum up, Lkysearchex is not a virus as it is not developed to compromise your system or personal data. However, as long as this program is running on your Mac, it disrupts your online security. Furthermore, its presence on the system may be misused by experienced hackers who know how to use its files to bypass active security measures and enter your system without your knowledge.
For the sake of your Mac security, it’s best to consider the complete removal of Lkysearchex “virus” from the affected browser and system.
How to Remove Lkysearchex from Affected Safari and macOS
In order to remove Lkysearchex along with all entries it created on the Mac system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual Lkysearchex 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
Gergana has a bachelor's degree in Marketing. She has been with the STF team for five years, researching malware, reporting on the latest computer infections, and following digital marketing trends.
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Preparation Phase:
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.
Step 1: Uninstall Lkysearchex redirect 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:
- 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 Lkysearchex redirect 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: Remove Lkysearchex redirect – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove Lkysearchex redirect files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Lkysearchex redirect, 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.
