If you are wondering why Nearbyme keeps loading in your browser and how to remove it, you should read this removal guide and follow all steps presented in it.
Nearbyme Hijacker
The website Nearbyme.io hosts a search engine. It seems like a trustworthy search engine but oftentimes appears on browsers without users’ permission. That’s why Nearbyme is classified as a browser hijacker.
As a typical hijacker, Nearbyme can replace the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page with its deceptive search engine. Such an odd behavior is probably associated with some unwanted files that are running on your macOS.
As long as Nearbyme hijacker is running on the system, it could try to obtain specific details and transfer them to remote servers. Harvested data could then be misused by fraudsters for the launch of targeted advertising campaigns. Check this guide to learn how to remove unwanted files and how to secure your Mac.
Nearbyme Summary
| Name | Nearbyme Hijacker |
| Type | Browser Redirect, Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | A website with questionable search enigne that hijacks browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine. All modifications happen without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search enigne in preferred web browser are set to display the hoax search engine Nearbyme |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Fake Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
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Nearbyme Search Engine – How Did It Appear? Is It Safe?
Nearbyme is yet another questionable search engine that pretends to provide trustworthy services. In reality, it appears to be yet another browser hijacker that tries to force people to use deceptive services. This, in turn, could enable fraudsters to obtain data about different online browsing habits and misuse the data for aggressive online advertising strategies. Search queries, browsing history, clicks on links and other details may be obtained.
Browser hijackers are potentially unwanted programs that affect main settings of commonly used web browsers. If there is Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, or another browser installed on your Mac, it could be hijacked by Nearbyme. Sadly, changes are likely to be applied without your permission and knowledge.
Once executed on a Mac operating system, the Nearbyme hijacker may change the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine of installed browsers. By doing this Nearbyme becomes able to load every time you open the affected browser. Note that the search results generated by Nearbyme contain lots of ads that may be related to poorly secured or even hacked websites.
As a result of unsolicited data collection, you may become a target of many additional annoying online advertisements or even malware attacks.
How did the Nearbyme hijacker land on your Mac? Software bundles are a well-known technique used for the spread of undesired apps. There are many free apps like media players, readers, drivers, etc. that feature undesired extras in their installers. Be careful and read all the details listed in the installer of every app you download from the net.
For the sake of your PC security, it’s best to consider the complete removal of the Nearbyme hijacker from the affected browser and all associated files from the system.
How to Remove Nearbyme from Mac
To remove Nearbyme hoax search engine along with all associated files that support its activities, you should complete several removal steps. The removal guide below will show you all steps needed for the complete removal of the annoying Nearbyme hijacker. Fulfill them in the presented order and get rid of all unnecessary and unwanted files.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave 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 Nearbyme Hijacker files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Nearbyme Hijacker, 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 Nearbyme Hijacker 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 Nearbyme Hijacker:
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 Nearbyme Hijacker. 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 Nearbyme Hijacker. 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 Nearbyme Hijacker 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 Nearbyme Hijacker. 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 Nearbyme Hijacker – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Nearbyme Hijacker-FAQ
What is Nearbyme Hijacker on your Mac?
The Nearbyme Hijacker 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 Nearbyme Hijacker?
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 Nearbyme Hijacker?
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 Nearbyme Hijacker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Nearbyme Hijacker 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 Nearbyme Hijacker?
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 Nearbyme Hijacker threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.