What Is Search.softsurf.xyz?
Search.softsurf.xyz browser redirect could appear on your Mac with the main purpose to display ads. This helps it to monetize its presence on the affected Mac. Programs that push such bogus search engines are called browser hijackers. Their main purpose is to get added to your device without any notifications and then hijack your web browser. By changing various forms of settings the hijacker lowes system security. The main problem is that the sites advertised by suspicious software could open virus sites. This issue may cause a number of problems to your Mac.
Keep reading this article to learn more about Search.softsurf.xyz and how you can fully remove it from your Mac.
Search.softsurf.xyz Summary
| Name | Search.softsurf.xyz |
| 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 computer. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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Search.softsurf.xyz Mac Redirect Activity Report
The site Search.softsurf.xyz may replace the defalt new tab, home page and search engine on installed web browser. Typically, bogus search engines become able to affect main browsing preferences after a hijacker enters the system. This issue could be accompanied by lots of advertisements of all types. Your Mac may be flooded with:
- Ads that show up as regular search results.
- Browser pop-up ads.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Web banners.
- Push promotion pop-ups.
- Third-party site redirects.
Another activity related to such types of apps is the usage of different trackers like cookies, pixels, geo-locators, tags, etc. for the unsolicited collection of various details. Recorded and sent to remote servers may be either technical specifics related to the device, the operating system, and the installed apps or personally identifiable data.
Another major risk that occurs in case of infection with the Search.softsurf.xyz hijacker is the danger behind the ads it shows. Those ads may force running browsers to open risky websites that aim to infect the Mac with additional malware or make you fall victim to online frauds.
If you consider the complete removal of Search.softsurf.xyz from all affected browsers and the macOS, you will minimize the risk of future security breaches and privacy violations.
Remove Search.softsurf.xyz from Your Device
Search.softsurf.xyz can be removed from your Mac if you follow the guide we have prepared below. It is designed to contain the necessary steps to delete this unwanted software from both your web browsers and your macOS. The main removal method recommended for PUPs by security experts is the usage of a trustworthy anti-malware tool. Be advised that such software is created to automatically detect and remove any malware, trackers, or other objects from your Mac as well as to keep the macOS intact in the future.
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.softsurf.xyz Redirect files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search.softsurf.xyz 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 Search.softsurf.xyz 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 Search.softsurf.xyz 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 Search.softsurf.xyz 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 Search.softsurf.xyz 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 Search.softsurf.xyz 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 Search.softsurf.xyz 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 Search.softsurf.xyz Redirect – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Search.softsurf.xyz Redirect-FAQ
What is Search.softsurf.xyz Redirect on your Mac?
The Search.softsurf.xyz 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 Search.softsurf.xyz 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 Search.softsurf.xyz 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 Search.softsurf.xyz Redirect Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search.softsurf.xyz 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 Search.softsurf.xyz 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 Search.softsurf.xyz 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.