What is Smashtab.net? Why does it keep popping up in your browser? How to remove Smashtab.net and improve PC security?
Smashtab.net Redirect on Mac
In the event that your browser keeps redirecting to Smashtab.net search engine, it is very likely that your Mac is affected by a potentially unwanted program. Such a program is called browser hijacker and it affects main browsing preferences in order to force users to use the searching services of a hoax search engine. Beware that this search engine may display deceptive results in an attempt to trick you into visiting certain sponsored pages. It may also link to poorly secured and potentially harmful websites. Keep reading our Smashtab.net removal guide and strengthen the security of the affected browser and system.
Smashtab.net Redirect Summary
| Name | Smashtab.net |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable search engine with poor reputation which hijacks default search engine, browser homepage and new tab page. |
| Symptoms | Whenever you open the affected browser you see the main page of Smashtab.net. Your browser preferrences are altered without your permission. The browser is slower than usual due to to increased number of online ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Webpages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Smashtab.net Redirect. |
Smashtab.net Redirect – More About Its Impact
The sudden appearance of Smashtab.net browser redirect might happen if you happen to open another bogus web page. It may also occur after the installation of a potentially unwanted program. Since such programs land on Mac machines without users being notified, it is possible that you have missed the moment when it got installed.
This usually happens when users happen to download a software package. It’s a fact that the installers of many free apps feature some undesired programs. However, don’t expect that these installers will make you familiar with all the details about these extras.
In order that users are more likely to install the extra apps, compromised installers are designed to hide important information in the Advanced/Custom configuration step. That’s why we recommend that you choose it always when installing a new app. There you may notice the presence of added PUPs and opt-out their installation.
Once activated on the computer, the undesired program that pushes Smashtab.net redirect reaches installed browsers, alters some of their settings and starts forcing you to use the deceptive search engine. This program is called a browser hijacker as it tends to affect the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine of every target browser. It is likely to modify the settings of popular web browsers like Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
In fact, the primary purpose of Smashtab.net browser hijacker is to spy on your online activities. By doing this the hijacker will be able to build a profile of all your interests. Based on this profile the unwanted program may start generating targeted sponsored content in the affected browser. All generated ads are likely to slow down your browser and make it sluggish.
Furthermore, some of the ads may pose a real danger to your system. There are many online ads that are part of malvertising campaigns. These ads land users on corrupted web pages. Such pages could be set to download and activate a severe malware infection directly on your device. So be careful which ads you visit. For the sake of your security, it’s best to consider the complete removal of Smashtab.net as soon as possible.
How to Remove Smashtab.net Redirect
In order to remove Smashtab.net along with all associated files that enable its appearance in the browser, you should complete several removal steps. In the guide below you will find all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of all present undesired programs and improve computer security, we recommend that you combine the steps. Have in mind that the names of all present infection files associated with this browser redirect may differ the name of the redirect.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. We will be glad to get in touch with you.
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 Smashtab.net Redirect files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Smashtab.net Redirect, 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 Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect:
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 Smashtab.net Redirect. 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 Smashtab.net Redirect. 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 Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect. 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 Smashtab.net Redirect – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Smashtab.net Redirect-FAQ
What is Smashtab.net Redirect on your Mac?
The Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect?
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 Smashtab.net Redirect?
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 Smashtab.net Redirect Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect?
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 Smashtab.net Redirect threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.