PublicConsoleSearch Mac
PublicConsoleSearch is an unwanted program that lands on macOS to monetize its presence by altering some main settings. It is a potentially unwanted program according to lots of trustworthy anti-malware tools for Mac. The odd behavior of PublicConsoleSearch enables it to generate suspicious ads. The program may change the default search engine by modifying the settings of installed browsers’ homepages and new tab pages. Then you may be presented with a hoax search engine you don’t want to use.
Acting like adware and browser hijacker simultaneously, PublicConsoleSearch is definitely a program you should remove from your Mac. Even if it is not a malicious program, it makes the macOS more vulnerable to malware attacks. Security experts recommend its full removal from the affected system.
PublicConsoleSearch Adware Summary
| Name | PublicConsoleSearch |
| Type | PUP, Adware, Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | A questionable program that hijacks browsers installed on Mac operating systems to start delivering ads. |
| Symptoms | Affected browsers may be inundated with lots of annoying ads. They may perform 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 |
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PublicConsoleSearch PUP – What does it do? How does it obtain access to macOS?
As a potentially unwanted program, PublicConsoleSearch may show up on your Mac without your knowledge. How is this possible? The answer is – via shady methods. Software bundles, corrupted websites, fake software updates, and infected software installers are a few such methods.
The moment PublicConsoleSearch obtains access to a macOS is the moment it receives the chance to alter main browsing preferences and hijack installed browsers. Then the program misuses affected browsers and the system to monetize its presence on the Mac.
The program is created to generate revenue for its developers. So, once it affects a browser, it may start redirecting online browsing to various sponsored pages or poorly secured websites. Some additional suspicious ads may load during browsing sessions as well. This behavior of PublicConsoleSearch endangers the overall system security.
Ads generated by PublicConsoleSearch Mac adware may link to suspicious or even hacked sites. In the event that such a page loads in your browser, it may trigger an unnoticed download process of potentially unwanted or dangerous software. Be careful and refrain from clicking suspicious ads.
Taking into account all issues that occur and may occur as a result of a macOS running PublicConsoleSearch program, security experts advise affected users to remove the program as soon as they notice it.
How to Get Rid of PublicConsoleSearch on Mac
In order to remove the PublicConsoleSearch 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 PublicConsoleSearch 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.
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 PublicConsoleSearch Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as PublicConsoleSearch 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.
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 PublicConsoleSearch 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to PublicConsoleSearch Adware:
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 PublicConsoleSearch Adware. 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 PublicConsoleSearch Adware. 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 PublicConsoleSearch 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:
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 PublicConsoleSearch Adware. 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 PublicConsoleSearch Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
PublicConsoleSearch Adware-FAQ
What is PublicConsoleSearch Adware on your Mac?
The PublicConsoleSearch 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 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 PublicConsoleSearch Adware?
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 PublicConsoleSearch 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 MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the PublicConsoleSearch Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PublicConsoleSearch Adware 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 PublicConsoleSearch Adware?
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 PublicConsoleSearch Adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.