What Is SafeplexSearch on Mac?
SafeplexSearch bogus program on Mac is created to alter settings responsible for both the macOS security and performance.
Without informing users, it lands on Mac machines and shows up in the Applications. The risk this potentially unwanted program represents for macOS users is its functionality to deliver suspicious/malicious adverts and show poorly secured websites.
Even if SafeplexSearch is not a malicious Mac virus, it disrupts macOS security. The sooner you remove this suspicious program from your Mac, the better.
SafeplexSearch Summary
| Name | SafeplexSearch also known as Adware.MacOS.SafeplexSearch |
| Type | Adware, PUP, Redirect for Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your computer in order to cause browser redirects and display adverts. |
| Symptoms | The appearance of various types of online advertisements results in lowered macOS security and slowed Mac performance. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundles; Dangerous web pages which advertise it; Fake software updates. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by SafeplexSearch
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Malware Removal Tool
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SafeplexSearch – How Did I Get Infected?
Potentially unwanted programs like SafeplexSearch won’t get installed on your computer via regular patterns. They use strange techniques to obtain access to Mac systems.
Shady methods like software bundles, corrupted freeware installers, fake software updates, torrent files, cracks and others may deliver SafeplexSearch adware in the background of all other running processes. Typically, those methods hide the installation files of extra apps just to trick people to run them without noticing.
Here is a vivid example of a fake Flash Player update that tries to mislead people to install apps they don’t need:
SafeplexSearch – What Does It Do?
SafeplexSearch app affects certain browser settings and then becomes able to show up sponsored content. This annoying and somehow dangerous issue supports the activities of the developers behind this bogus app.
By settings bogus apps to generate ads, they can earn profit. Their shady programs adjust certain browsing settings that let them monetize their presence on affected systems. The so-called pay-per-click advertising model is applied.
How to know if your web browser has been affected by SafeplexSearch? If you start noticing some of the following types of ads in your preferred web browser, stay alert. A visit to “the wrong” site can lead to the unnoticed activation of additional malware on your Mac.
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Push notifications.
- Banners.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Ad-supported search results.
Note that the SafeplexSearch app could also activate tracking technologies and start spying on your online browsing. Cookies, scripts, web beacons, etc. may be harvesting data from both the affected browser and system. Various details may be recorded and sent to remote servers including – IP address, default browser settings, browser type and version, installed apps and their versions, browsing history, clicks on links, etc.
Example of cookies that have been added to a browser to collect data:
The moment fraudsters receive harvested details they can directly misuse them for the launch of shady advertising campaigns. As a result, the affected Mac may be inundated with a lot more bogus ads. Popular browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc. may be affected by the SafeplexSearch hijacker. The homepages, new tabs as well as default search engines may be set to open a bogus search engine like Search Marquis. They may also redirect to Yahoo Search resulting in the Yahoo Redirect Virus.
Is SafeplexSearch a Virus?
SafeplexSearch does not behave maliciously. The undesired program lowers macOS security by simply being present on the machine. Its files are a security hole that can enable hackers to drop additional harmful files and obtain access to the system.
Furthermore, the adware may present you with ads that are part of shady advertising networks. This, in turn, may lead to a load of hacked sites in the affected browsers. Visiting suspicious sites could endanger both your online security and privacy. There are various sites designed to run malicious scripts that install trackers, rogue apps and malware.
It is highly recommendable that you focus on removing undesired/harmful apps from the affected Mac as soon as possible. Otherwise, your system, as well as the data you store on it, will remain vulnerable to future attacks.
How to Remove SafeplexSearch from Mac
To remove SafeplexSearch along with all created entries on the Mac system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you with both manual and automatic removal approaches. We recommend that you combine the steps to eliminate files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security.
Notice: Before manually removing files or folders on your Mac, make sure to identify the accurate components of Search.standartnet.com, because deleting other apps’ files or system settings files by mistake may trigger malfunction of installed apps or even your system.
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 SafeplexSearch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SafeplexSearch, 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 SafeplexSearch 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 SafeplexSearch:
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 SafeplexSearch. 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 SafeplexSearch. 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 SafeplexSearch 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 SafeplexSearch. 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 SafeplexSearch – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
SafeplexSearch-FAQ
What is SafeplexSearch on your Mac?
The SafeplexSearch 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 SafeplexSearch?
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 SafeplexSearch?
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 SafeplexSearch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SafeplexSearch 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 SafeplexSearch?
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 SafeplexSearch threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.