MultiplySearch on Mac
MultiplySearch is the name of an application for Mac that is flagged as a PUP by anti-malware software. It is programmed to affect the settings of popular browsers and then start redirecting browsing sessions to bogus websites and hoax search engines. The program is also likely to generate intrusive ads as a way to monetize its presence on the affected machine. The sudden appearance of MultiplySearch app makes affected users believe that it is a virus or virus related. Happily, it is not a malicious program that will damage your Mac, corrupt personal data, and attempt to spread across the network. This, however, doesn’t mean that it won’t expose your Mac at risk of malware infections and data theft.
If you see MultiplySearch app on your Mac, we recommend that you scan your system for any present suspicious/harmful files and ensure to remove them in full.
MultiplySearch Adware Summary
| Name | MultiplySearch / Multiply Search |
| Type | PUP, Adware, Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | A questionable program that hijacks browsers installed on Mac operating systems to start delivering ads. |
| Symptoms | Affected browser is inundated with lots of annoying ads. The browser loads slower than ususal. The unwanted program may start every time you start the system. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Redirects by Shady Websites |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Malware Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MultiplySearch Adware. |
MultiplySearch on Mac
MultiplySearch is an app compatible with macOS that acts like adware. It is a potentially unwanted program which users don’t install by their request. The program, however, tends to appear in the Applications section of Mac devices with macOS.
The reason why it appears without any notifications is its owners aiming to exploit the device as long as possible. How they are doing this is by setting the program to deliver lots of annoying ads. Every time you visit a page advertised by MultiplySearch, its owners earn money for your click.
The problem is that sometimes these ads link to suspicious websites that can be infected with malware or designed to steal sensitive credentials. Furthermore, as long as MultiplySearch is running on the system it may be collecting data as well.
Eventually, the following details may be collected and transferred to remote servers:
- Visited URLs and websites
- Browser’s home page
- Search queries
- Search queries on the visited web pages
- Type of used browser
- Operating system type
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP)
- Diagnostic information which describes how their Services are operating on the system
Data records are likely to be used for the configuration of additional aggressive advertising campaigns by interest. The ads may (pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, in-text links, redirects, images, etc.) flood the affected browser and make it sluggish.
Affected by the app may be the homepages, new tab pages, and default search engines on most of the installed browsers. In addition, MultiplySearch may install a browser extension so that it can support the data tracking process.
MultiplySearch is known to affect Mac devices via corrupted websites, fake software installers, and software packages. Various third-party apps are designed to push unwanted apps like MultiplySearch in the form of additional extras. Unfortunately, details about added extra apps are rarely revealed in a way that users can notice and opt-out of their installation.
This annoying issue may be prevented. Every time you decide to install a new app on your Mac, do check the Advanced/Custom option. There you may find out that some additional apps are going to be installed by default. Then you can look for an option to unmark them and continue with the installation process.
Security experts advise affected users to remove MultiplySearch and associated files from their affected Macs as soon as they detect their unwanted impact.
How to Get Rid of MultiplySearch on Mac
In order to remove MultiplySearch app along with all associated undesired programs, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents both manual and automatic removal approaches. 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 MultiplySearch 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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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 MultiplySearch Adware 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 MultiplySearch Adware 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 MultiplySearch Adware – 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 MultiplySearch Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MultiplySearch Adware, 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.
MultiplySearch Adware FAQ
What is MultiplySearch Adware on your Mac?
The MultiplySearch Adware 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 siginficantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
Can my Mac get a virus?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get viruses. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a virus:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What are the symptoms of MultiplySearch Adware on your Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What types of Mac threats are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What to do if I have a Mac virus, like MultiplySearch Adware?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One reccomended 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, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps plus take care of them quickly. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to secure my passwords and other data from MultiplySearch Adware?
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 website, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
