This reveals more details about Search.maps2go.net hijacker and provides removal guide in help of all users affected by this hijacker.
Search.maps2go.net is an annoying hijacker that replaces main browser destinations without your permission. Once it manages to access your device, it alters main browser settings in order to force you into using its deceptive services. This, in turn, enables it to spy on your online activities and keeps a record of almost each your interaction. Affected browser settings are likely to be those of the start page, new tab page and default search engine.
Threat Summary
| Name | Search.maps2go.net |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | A website that pushes questionable search enigne in an attempt to obtain sensitive details and use them for the delivery of trgeted advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your browser homepage, new tab page and default search enigne are replaced by hijacker’s main page without your permission. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Search.maps2go.net. |
Search.maps2go.net – Spread Techniques
Considered to be a potentially unwanted program further classified as browser hijacker Search.maps2go.net is likely to be spread via shady techniques that conceal its presence. Among these techniques are software bundling, corrupted web pages, fake notifications for program updates, and other. They are designed in a way that tricks users into installing undesired apps like the discussed one.
Commonly the presence of the undesired Search.maps2go.net on your device is a result of any PUP that is also running on it. How such a PUP could land on your device is along with another desired program. The configuration code of the undesired app is usually hidden in the installers of free third-party apps. An opportunity to prevent installing annoying apps on your device is the access to Advanced/Custom configuration step available in installers. Once you get familiar with all details mentioned there you could choose wisely how to act further. In case that you see some unnecessary extras, you could opt out their installation and continue with the installation of the primary app.
Frequently used web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Safari could be affected by Search.maps2go.net hijacker.
Search.maps2go.net – More About Its Impact
Search.maps2go.net is a domain that hosts questionable search engine. It is classified as browser hijacker due to intrusive behavior. The presence of this hijacker in your preferred web browser is most likely caused by any potentially unwanted program which has managed to access your Mac.
An infection with Search.maps2go.net leads to some significant browser changes that affect main browser settings. The hijacker could affect the start page, new tab page and default search engine. As a consequence, you could see its main page every time you open the affected browser.
Here is the main page of this hijacker that is likely to appear during each your browsing session:
One of the first things we noticed during our research is the lack of a secure connection to this website:
This could cause some significant security and privacy-related issues as cybercriminals could easily hack the site and obtain all sensitive details you provide online.
Currently, the privacy policy page associated with Search.maps2go.net is not available. This is yet another fact that acknowledges how deceptive this hoax search engine is. As you may know, the policy page contains information about all data collection practices applied by the associated website. And in this case, it remains unclear what details Search.maps2go.net collects from your affected browser and how its owners plan to use them.
However, like many other browser hijackers, Search.maps2go.net is believed to record your:
- Type of browser
- The type of the user’s device
- Language preferences
- Time stamps
- Clicks
- Visited pages
- Search logs
- Operating system type and version
- Utilized internet service provider
- IP address
Based on this information, the browser hijacker may display different types of advertisements:
- Pop-ups.
- Ad-supported search results.
- Banners.
- Highlighted text.
- Other types of advertisements.
The presence of all these ads in the affected browser could make it sluggish or sometimes even unresponsive. Furthermore, some of them may be set to land on infected web pages that deliver malware directly on the device they’re loaded.
How to Remove Search.maps2go.net Browser Hijacker
In order to remove Search.maps2go.net browser hijacker and all associated files that enable its appearance in the browser, you need to pass through several removal steps. You can find these steps in the removal guide below. The guide enables you to choose between manual and automatic removal approach. Our advice is to combine the steps as this way you will be able to get rid of this particular undesired program and strengthen the security of your device as well. Have in mind that the hijacker may store its files on the system with names that have nothing in common with its domain address.
In case that you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us at our email.
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.maps2go.net files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.maps2go.net, 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.maps2go.net 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.maps2go.net:
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.maps2go.net. 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.maps2go.net. 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.maps2go.net 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.maps2go.net. 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.maps2go.net – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Search.maps2go.net-FAQ
What is Search.maps2go.net on your Mac?
The Search.maps2go.net 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.maps2go.net?
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.maps2go.net?
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.maps2go.net Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.maps2go.net 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.maps2go.net?
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.maps2go.net threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.