Search.hplayfreemusic.co Hijacker
The site Search.hplayfreemusic.co is a bogus search engine that could hijack popular web browsers installed on macOS. This search engine is not malicious. Still it could be dangerous to use it.
Browser hijackers like Search.hplayfreemusic.co do not operate like trustworthy search services do. They are often set to display lots of sponsored results which will generate revenue for fraudsters. Since ads showed by hijackers may link to unreliable sources as well as sites infected with malware we recommend that you consider an immediate removal of Search.hplayfreemusic.co redirect/hijacker.
In this guide, you will find instructions on how to get rid of Search.hplayfreemusic.co hijacker and remove all associated files from the infected PC.
Search.hplayfreemusic.co Summary
| Name | Search.hplayfreemusic.co also known as Browser.MacOS.Search.hplayfreemusic.co |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable search enigne that hijacks main browsing preferences. It may affect the homepage, new tab page and default search engine on installed browsers. Files related to its appearance may support the unnoticed infection process. |
| Symptoms | When you open an affected browser you see the hoax search engine Search.hplayfreemusic.co. It forces you to use its bogus services. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites |
| Detection Tool |
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Search.hplayfreemusic.co Redirects to Yahoo – What Should You Know?
The search engine Search.hplayfreemusic.co is developed to replace default search engines on popular web browsers. It could start force users to use its deceptive services by installing some unwanted files on the machine. For example, a nasty browser extension may be added to the browser or a browser hijacker installed directly on the system. Either way, it is recommendable that you check both the affected browser and the system for any present unwanted/harmful files.
The moment of the installation of a PUP may be missed due to the fact that such apps land on PC/Mac with the help of shady methods of distribution. One such method is known to be software bundles. Software bundles are apps that contain extra programs in their installers. Various free, open-source apps may be misused by hackers for the spread of hijackers like Search.hplayfreemusic.co. We advise you to read carefully all details you find in the installers of newly discovered applications. Otherwise, when you click the Finish setup button you may activate a PUP along with the main program.
Is it safe to use Search.hplayfreemusic.co search engine? Well, the short answer is no. This search engine endangers your online security by redirecting searches to Yahoo search. This issue is also popular as the Yahoo redirect virus. The end goal of such a nasty online issue is revenue for fraudsters.
By showing various ads on affected machines, hijackers like Search.hplayfreemusic.co endanger your online security. Not all ads generated by suspicious search engines and apps related to their activities link to safe sites. They could be misused for the realization of shady advertising campaigns. This, in turn, could make the affected device more vulnerable to malware attacks. You could also be presented with nasty online scams and phishing pages.
For the sake of your online security, please consider scanning your system with an anti-malware tool for present potentially undesired files and objects. Once you remove Search.hplayfreemusic.co hijacker, you will stop annoying redirects and continue using the browser in a secure way.
Search.hplayfreemusic.co Removal Guide
In order to remove the Search.hplayfreemusic.co hijacker along with all files associated with this infection, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below presents all the steps required for the complete removal of browser hijackers from affected browsers and system. If you want to ensure that no undesired and potentially harmful files are running on your system, we recommend that you use the help of the presented anti-malware tool.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment right below the removal steps.
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.hplayfreemusic.co files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.hplayfreemusic.co, 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.hplayfreemusic.co 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.hplayfreemusic.co:
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.hplayfreemusic.co. 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.hplayfreemusic.co. 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.hplayfreemusic.co 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.hplayfreemusic.co. 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.hplayfreemusic.co – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Search.hplayfreemusic.co-FAQ
What is Search.hplayfreemusic.co on your Mac?
The Search.hplayfreemusic.co 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.hplayfreemusic.co?
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.hplayfreemusic.co?
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.hplayfreemusic.co Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.hplayfreemusic.co 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.hplayfreemusic.co?
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.hplayfreemusic.co threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.