Search.bannabell.com is a hoax search engine that is pushed by a browser hijacker. It is considered to be an undesired program as it usually lands on computer devices without users’ knowledge and permission. The invasive behavior of this hijacker is characterized by significant changes. It tends to affect the settings of commonly used web browsers on Mac devices like Google Chrome and Safari. Security experts advise affected users to remove Search.bannabell.com and associated files from their affected Macs as soon as they detect their unwanted impact.
Threat Summary
| Name | Search.bannabell.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A website with questionable search engine 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 engine in preferred web browser are set to display the main page of Search.bannabell.com hijacker. Browser slowdowns occur due to increased number of online ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Search.bannabell.com. |
Search.bannabell.com Browser Hijacker – Spread Techniques and Impact
Search.bannabell.com is a website that pretends to be a reliable search engine.
However, it appears to be yet another hoax search engine that forces online users to use its services. In fact, Search.bannabell.com is associated with the activities of a browser hijacking software. So in the event that your default search is replaced by Search.bannabell.com, there is an undesired program running on your Mac system.
Such a program is designed to alter main browser settings like those of the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine. All changes happen without your knowledge. The installation of such apps happens in a hidden manner as well. This could be explained by the fact that most of the undesired apps are well hidden in the installers of other supposedly useful apps. Oftentimes, software bundles and corrupted software installers deliver PUPs on users’ devices.
So you might have installed the hijacker while during the installation process of another supposedly useful app. Unfortunately, it is easy to agree with the installation of some extras without noticing their presence as the information about all installer’s components is rarely disclosed properly. That’s why the Advanced/Custom configuration option is preferable. Sometimes it contains information about additional apps that will be installed by default if not unmarked. Eventually, there you will also find a tick box that prevents undesired apps from running on your Mac.
Beware that browser hijackers like Search.bannabell.com are usually set to activate different tracking technologies and obtain various details and define your interests. Collected and transferred to remote servers may be the following details:
- 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 aggressive advertising campaigns that flood the affected browser with lots of annoying advertisements (pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, in-text links, redirects, images, etc.)
For the sake of your Mac security, it’s best to consider the complete removal of Search.bannabell.com from the affected browser and system.
How to Remove Search.bannabell.com Hijacker
In order to remove Search.bannabell.com browser hijacker along with all associated files, 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 Search.bannabell.com 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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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 Search.bannabell.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.bannabell.com, 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 Search.bannabell.com 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 Search.bannabell.com:
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 Search.bannabell.com. 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 Search.bannabell.com. 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 Search.bannabell.com 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 Search.bannabell.com. 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 Search.bannabell.com – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Search.bannabell.com-FAQ
What is Search.bannabell.com on your Mac?
The Search.bannabell.com 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 Search.bannabell.com?
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 Search.bannabell.com?
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 Search.bannabell.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.bannabell.com 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 Search.bannabell.com?
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 Search.bannabell.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.