This article aims to help you with the removal process of Search.anysearchmac.com hijacker from your affected Mac.
Search.anysearchmac.com is a doubtful search engine that hijacks commonly used web browsers in order to urge you into using its services. As it is designed to modify basic browser settings without explicitly notifying users it is considered to be a potentially unwanted program more specifically classified as a browser hijacker. Once this program is running on your Mac it could alter the settings of the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine in all target browsers. Keep reading to understand more about the impact of this hijacker and how to remove it properly from your Mac.
Search.anysearchmac.com Summary
| Name | Search.anysearchmac.com also known as Adware.MacOS.AnySearchSvc (SpyHunter for Mac) |
| Type | Hijacker for Mac OS |
| Short Description | A deceptive search engine that replaces preferred browser homepage, new tab page and searching service without asking for yor explicit permission. |
| Symptoms | Basic browser settings are hijacked and set to open the homepage of the hijacker. An increased number of ads appear during browsing sessions and cause significatnt slowdowns. |
| Distribution Method | Software Bundles, Freeware Installers, Corrupted Web Pages |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Search.anysearchmac.com. |
Search.anysearchmac.com – How Did I Get It?
Search.anysearchmac.com could have accessed your Mac along with another recently downloaded app. Various doubtful websites offer free download options for attractive third-party apps most of which are used for the distribution of potentially unwanted programs like this hijacker. The tricky part is with the installers of these programs as usually the installation code of various PUPs is hidden there. At the same time, the installers could be programmed to install all additional programs by default. Happily, there is a way to prevent the occurrence of such annoying issues. And it is usually hidden in the Advanced or Custom configuration options as they may reveal you more details about the installer’s components.
Another event that might have helped Search.anysearchmac.com to sneak into the system is a drive-by attack. This kind of attack enables attackers to inject the installation code of the PUP into the source code of various web pages and then set them to drop it on the systems of all users who land on them.
Search.anysearchmac.com – More Information
Once files associated with Search.anysearchmac.com are started on your Mac you may start to see its deceptive search engine each time you open your preferred web browser. This happens due to the fact that these files are programmed to access browser settings and then implement some changes.
Changes usually affect the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine of the targeted browser. Eventually, all they could display the deceptive search engine provided by Search.anysearchmac.com hijacker:
Among the other known impacts of this hijacker are data collection and annoying online advertising. Actually, both activities are related as the first one enables the owners of this undesired program to better set the second one. A notable fact that should be stated as proof that this hijacker hides a potential danger to your device is the lack of Privacy Policy page. This page should present all details related to the name of the company owner as well as all data collection practices associated with it.
Based on our research experience on other browser hijackers similar to Search.anysearchmac.com we could suggest that some or all of the following details may be obtained by this hijacker:
- Clicks and visited pages.
- Browser’s home page.
- Search queries.
- Type of device and technical information about it.
- Type of used browser.
- Operating system type.
- Internet protocol (IP) address.
- Geographic location.
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP).
- Information collected by cookies, web beacons or other related technologies.
As we mentioned the data is likely to be used for advertising campaigns target of which will be you. The ad selection is likely to be based on your online interests revealed by the harvested data. If you want to stop this nasty hijacker from violating your browsing experience and keep your system protected against additional malware attacks you need to remove all potentially harmful files from your Mac as soon as possible.
Remove Search.anysearchmac.com Browser Hijacker
In order to remove the annoying Search.anysearchmac.com hijacker along with all its associated files from your Mac you should complete all steps listed in the removal guide that follows. It presents both manual and automatic removal instructions that combined will help you to remove this undesired program in full.
In case that you have further questions or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via 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.anysearchmac.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.anysearchmac.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.anysearchmac.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.anysearchmac.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.anysearchmac.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.anysearchmac.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.anysearchmac.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.anysearchmac.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.anysearchmac.com – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Search.anysearchmac.com-FAQ
What is Search.anysearchmac.com on your Mac?
The Search.anysearchmac.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.anysearchmac.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.anysearchmac.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.anysearchmac.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.anysearchmac.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.anysearchmac.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.anysearchmac.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.