What is Search.flexiblelocator.com?
Search.flexiblelocator.com is a risky site that features a hoax search engine. It affects web browsers by using the help of possibly undesirable programs. That behavior makes it a browser hijacker. Browser hijackers are programs developed to change major web browser settings in order to monetize their presence on affected machines. Changes might have occurred without your approval. In case of infection with Search.flexiblelocator.com you may also witness lots of adverts every time you open a browser affected by the hijacker. By setting a hoax search engine as homepage and new tab page, the hijacker becomes able to record online searches and harvest other details stored by the browser.
It’s typical for browser hijackers like Search.flexiblelocator.com to access targeted browsers without notifying users. So, probably you gave unknowingly your authorization for its installation. This confusing effect is achieved with the help of software packages and free software installers. The hijacker could be added to their installers and hidden in the Advanced or Custom configuration steps.
Learn how to get rid of Search.flexiblelocator.com hijacker and keep your system secured.
Search.flexiblelocator.com Summary
| Name | Search.flexiblelocator.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your PC. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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Search.flexiblelocator.com Hijacker on Mac
Once Search.flexiblelocator.com hijacker obtains access to your Mac or PC, it starts to apply changes that affect some main web browser settings. The homepage, new tab web page, and default search engine may be altered by the PUP. Among the affected browser applications could be all of the installed including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Safari.
The reason why every next online search passes through Search.flexiblelocator.com and ends opening the Yahoo Search could be the unnoticed installation of a PUP via a bundled app. As long as the PUP which is, in this case, a browser hijacker, runs on your system, you could continue seeing the deceitful internet search engine Search.flexiblelocator.com every next time you begin surfing the web. All affected internet browsers could display the hoax search engine on the homepage, new tab pages, and the default search engine browser setting.
Another problem that may be observed is the intrusive generation of various online ads on all sites you visit. Be careful because these ads won’t be originating from the sites. Some of the ads could act maliciously by landing you on infected web pages that trigger drive-by download malware attacks. And the activation of destructive code on your computer could end up preventing you from using your valuable files.
Information collection is an additional issue that may occur after the installation of Search.flexiblelocator.com hijacker. Based on collected data your impacted browser may be flooded with another wave of targeted advertisements.
Get Rid Of Search.flexiblelocator.com from Mac or PC
In order to remove Search.flexiblelocator.com hijacker along with all connected files that allow it to be set in the browser, you need to do a number of removal steps. In the guide listed below, you will find all elimination actions for this unwanted software in their precise order. You could follow manual as well as automatic elimination techniques.
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.flexiblelocator.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.flexiblelocator.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.flexiblelocator.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.flexiblelocator.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.flexiblelocator.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.flexiblelocator.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.flexiblelocator.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.flexiblelocator.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.flexiblelocator.com – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Search.flexiblelocator.com-FAQ
What is Search.flexiblelocator.com on your Mac?
The Search.flexiblelocator.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.flexiblelocator.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.flexiblelocator.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.flexiblelocator.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.flexiblelocator.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.flexiblelocator.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.flexiblelocator.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.