This article informs you about Search.playsearchnow.com browser hijacker and provides you help for the removal process of all suspicious and potentially undesired files from your affected Mac.
In case that you see the domain Search.playsearchnow.com during your regular browsing sessions, this means that your Mac has been affected by this browser hijacker. Once its configuration files are running on the system they could find browser settings and alter some main browser destinations. So the hijacker may be set to appear as browser start page, new tab page and default search engine. Keep reading and find out how to fix this issue.
Threat Summary
| Name | Search.playsearchnow.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable search enigne that hijacks the settings of your browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine. It performs all modifications without notifying targeted Mac users. |
| Symptoms | The start page, new tab page and preferred search enigne in affected web browser are set to dislay the main page of the hijacker. Browser slowdowns often occur due to increased number of online ads. Tracking technologies are running on the background. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by Search.playsearchnow.com Download Malware Removal Tool |
| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Search.playsearchnow.com. |
Search.playsearchnow.com – Spread Techniques
Being a potentially unwanted program classified as a browser hijacker Search.playsearchnow.com is likely to be spread via shady techniques that conceal its presence. Among the techniques that are used to trick users into installing undesired apps like the discussed one are software bundling, corrupted web pages, fake notifications for program updates, and other. In the case that the PUP lands on your Mac along with another desired program its configuration code is usually hidden in the installer of this app. An opportunity to prevent installing undesired code 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.
As of affected web browsers, they could be all commonly used – Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
Search.playsearchnow.com – More About Its Impact
Search.playsearchnow.com is a website that features hoax search engine. It is classified as a browser hijacker due to the capabilities of its code to alter main browser settings without users’ permission.
Once started on your Mac files associated with this hijacker access certain system directories that control the performance of installed browsers. Then the undesired program implements changes to affect main browser settings and start forcing you to use its deceptive services.
For example, it could replace the start page, new tab page and default search engine in each target browser installed on the system. As a result, its main page which is shown below becomes the first thing you see when you start an affected browser.
An additional issue that may be observed is an increased number of online advertisements during browsing sessions. By utilizing this practice the undesired app aims to generate revenue for its owners. With the help of a scheme called pay-per-click hijacker’s owners get paid for each click on an ad generated by their program. No matter that this is a commonly used and legitimate advertising practice it is worth mentioning that in this case it is performed by unknown actors who primarily aim to earn money.
Eventually they may skip some crucial security checks during the selection of suitable advertisers. This in turn may expose your system as well as the data stored on it at risk of serious malicious infections. Only a single visit of any corrupted web page may result in the unnoticed installation of malware on your Mac. Furthermore, the appearance of all annoying ads in the browser may make it sluggish or in some cases completely unresponsive.
What’s more Search.playsearchnow.com could start spy on your browsing behavior soon after its files are started on the device. This shady practice could be performed with the help of various tracking technologies like cookies, web beacons, javascript files and other.
All issues that occur after the installation of Search.playsearchnow.com on your Mac could be prevented by its complete removal.
How to Remove Search.playsearchnow.com Browser Hijacker from Mac
In order to remove Search.playsearchnow.com hijacker and all associated files that enable its appearance in the browser, you need to perform properly ordered removal steps. The removal guide below presents steps for both manual and automatic removal process. Combined they will not only help you to get rid of this particular undesired program but also provide for the overall security of your Mac. Have in mind that files associated with this hijacker may have different names than Search.playsearchnow.com.
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 via email.
Manually delete Search.playsearchnow.com from your Mac
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Automatically remove Search.playsearchnow.com from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.playsearchnow.com, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Gergana Ivanova
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Follow Me:
