Mac Browser Redirects
What are Mac browser redirects? How to stop redirects on your browser? How to remove Redirect viruses from Mac?
Redirects on Mac web browsers are caused by software, which many refer to as Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP or PUA). They are created with the main idea to show advertisements on your computer. The most common apps that show redirects on Macs are called Browser Hijackers and they are often distributed. Their main idea is to get you to see a lot of third-party sites without your consent. Since some of those sites could be scam or malware, we recommend that you read the following browser hijacker removal article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Redirects PUP |
| Type | Browser Hijacker/PUA for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Aims to show a lot of ads with the main goal to redirect you to the third-party sites that are advertised for the revenue of the adware developer. |
| Symptoms | May show pop-ups, redirects, banners, redirections, push notifications and many other adware content. |
| Distribution Method | Via software bundling or via other methods. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Redirects PUP. |
Redirects on Mac – How Did I Get Them and What Do They Do?
Redirects by definition in cybersecurity are unwanted transfers on your browser that lead to third-party sites, usually of unknown origin. These could be caused by an ad you have clicked on or a low-reputation site you have visited. But if you receive them without visiting any suspicious sites, then we would strongly advise you to focus on identifying what caused them, because the main reason for that could be a browser hijacker currently residing in your Mac. Browser Hijackers are a form of potentially unwanted apps (PUA) that may come in the form of toolbars, browser extensions or even programs on your Mac. They could be spread as a result of being bundled to third-party programs’ installers, where they pose as free extras or “optional offer to your current installation”.
Whatever the case, once such hijacker enters your browser, the following activities may happen:
1. It may change your default search engine.
2. It may tamper with your web browser settings.
3. It could insert tracking cookies to follow your searches, browsing history, clicks and interests.
The side effects with having a browser hijacker causing redirects on your computer is that these sites cold also lead to other ads. Such could eventually turn out to be:
- Pop-ups.
- Push notifications.
- Banners.
- Ad-supported searches.
- Highlighted text ads.
The redirects caused by such unwanted software could eventually lead you to sites without your consent. These sites could not only track information, but can also be outright dangerous for your Mac and your information. They could be of the following types:
- Virus sites that may infect your Mac with malware.
- Fake tech support sites, that aim to get you to call scammers’ numbers.
- Sites that may pretend to be legitimate retailer sites to get you to enter your credit card details and have them stolen.
- Phishing sites that post a fake login pages for Facebook, Gmail, PayPal and other sites.
Remove Redirects from Your Mac
To remove redirects, you should block the websites which show you those redirects and install an ad-blocking software. In case the issue is more serious and your computer has been compromised by a browser hijacker, then we recommend that you follow the steps underneath. They will help you to get rid of the such redirects entirely. For maximum results, we do recommend that you use an advanced anti-malware scanner to remove all virus and unwanted files and objects and eliminate any trackers from your Mac. Such software is capable of thoroughly scanning your Mac and cleaning it up while saving you time and effort.
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.
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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 Redirects PUP files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Redirects PUP, 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 Redirects PUP 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 Redirects PUP:
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 Redirects PUP. 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 Redirects PUP. 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 Redirects PUP 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 Redirects PUP. 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 Redirects PUP – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Redirects PUP-FAQ
What is Redirects PUP on your Mac?
The Redirects PUP 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 Redirects PUP?
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 Redirects PUP?
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 Redirects PUP Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Redirects PUP 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 Redirects PUP?
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 Redirects PUP threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.